Paintings with only the silk backing material with no dowels. Painting of a phoenix flying over a flower in bloom with calligraphy and red seal. Second painting is of a praying mantis sitting on the leaf of a flowering plant with calligraphy and two red seals. Dimensions: the painting of the flower measures 40 inches tall X 13 3/4 inches wide, 101.6 cm X 34.9 cm. All measurements are approximate. Condition: Paintings and backing only. Backing trimmed to remove dowels. The painting of the phoenix has minor spotting. The painting of the praying mantis has very minor spotting. Provenance: From a private collection in Lorton, Virginia. The collector has been restoring antiques for over 50 years in the Washington, D.C. area.