Zhang Kerang (Chinese, B. 1937) "Sika Doe & Doe" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 8fen Sika Stag and Doe stamp issued July 18, 1980. Sika Deer assemble in mixed herds for only two months out of the year. At this time, they can be seen bounding together through the autumn meadows and forest, the strongest, fittest stags choosing the healthiest females as their mates, insuring survival of the species. The female Sika usually give birth to one fawn at a time, though occasionally two fawns are born. After birth, the mother grooms and feeds her young until it is able to care for itself. A member of the Cervidae family, the Sika Deer has a slender, graceful body that is about one and a half meters long. The elongated body is supported by four long slender legs and terminates in a short tail. The average life expectancy of the Sika Deer is nearly twenty years. Like other deer, the Sika is known for its grace of movement, whether it be a walk, slow trot, or gallop. At some point, it may begin to leap or bound in an elegant fashion, almost as if participating in an exquisite ballet. The leap, which raises the deer a great distance, may serve to increase the speed of the Sika. The movement may also distract a following predator and certainly leaves fewer scent points on the ground, making a trail harder to follow. In China, the Sika Deer is highly valued for its palatable meat and for the leather made from its hide. The antlers, bones and dried venison are also of medicinal value. At present, China is taming and breeding the Sika for these specific purposes. Image Size: 10.25 x 8.25 in. Overall Size: 14.5 x 11.75 in. Unframed. (B06400)