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John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "Spanish Imperial Eagle" Signed lower right. Original Acrylic on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 14c Official Mail stamp issued January 29, 1985. The eagle is truly one of the most majestic of all birds. Even early man was awed and inspired by the eagle. The symbol used by the Sumerian city of Lagash in three thousand B.C. was an eagle, which was engraved on the tablets and seals of the leaders and was carried as a military standard by the army. The eagle also appeared on the seals of early Kings as well as on ancient coins. The early Greeks considered the eagle a messenger of Zeus and it was supposedly the only bird allowed to live in heaven. This was perhaps because of the eagle's ability to soar out of sight, or, in the minds of the Greeks, to heaven. One of the Greek myths also tells of the young shepard boy, Ganymede, who was carried off to Mount Olympus to serve as cupbearer to the gods. To this day, eagles are used as symbols of pride and nobility. The beautiful Spanish Imperial Eagle depicted on this First Day Cover, is one of the smaller of the eagles. It lives in densely wooded areas and feeds on small animals like rabbits and squirrels. Unfortunately, because of both destruction of its natural habitat and overhunting, the Spanish Imperial Eagle is now extremely rare. Image Size: 14 x 11.5 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 18 in. Unframed. (B09485)

John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "China Clipper Ship - Seaplane" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This artwork appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. (25c) E Earth Rate Change booklet stamp issued March 22, 1988. In 1935, one hundred years to the day after the first clipper ship had sailed into San Francisco Harbor, a new "China Clipper" marked a milestone in the delivery of U.S. mail. As thousands watched in awe, she headed west from San Francisco, flying just above the unfinished Golden Gate Bridge. A cheer went up as she set off on the first transpacific airmail flight with a cargo of 110,000 letters. The Martin M-130, christened "China Clipper," was a seaplane designed specifically for long-distance passenger and mail transport. Her body was made almost entirely of aluminum and her wings were high. Her journey would be eight thousand miles long, and special island bases had to be prepared to accommodate her landing needs. But, the task complete, the "China Clipper" opened a new era in mail transport and joined the ranks in an exciting new century of improved communications. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 18 in. Unframed. (B11376)

Don Balke (B. 1933) "Bear Cubs" Signed middle left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Smokey Bear stamp issued August 13, 1984. Once numerous, Black Bears are able to survive, even though civilization relentlessly encroaches on their territory. Smaller and less ferocious-looking than Grizzlies, Black Bears will occasionally approach humans but are capable of becoming violently aggressive. Omnivorous, but primarily vegetarians, Black Bears eat berries, succulent roots, acorns, and beech nuts, but they also enjoy fresh meat, and kill or scavenge when the opportunity arises. Their energy-rich diet insulates Black Bears for their hibernation. From October to May, they sleep in caves or hollow logs. During hibernation, mature females may give birth to cubs, usually twins, born in mid-winter. The young cubs huddle against their mothers, nursing until spring brings good weather and their first chance to discover the world outside the den. Female Black Bears are ever-watchful mothers, taking a full year to give their cubs hunting and foraging lessons while vigorously protecting them. As they mature, Black Bears become loners, using their intelligence and secretive natures to survive in their dwindling habitat. Image Size: 11.25 x 11.25 in. Overall Size: 20 x 20 in. Unframed. (B08026)

Yan Bingwu (Chinese, B. 1954) & Yang Wenqing (Chinese, B. 1951) "Jumping Spider" Signed upper right. Original Watercolor on Silk/Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 33c Jumping Spider Classic Collection Series stamp issued October 1, 1999. Belonging to the Salticidae family, Jumping Spiders are distinguished from other spiders by four large eyes on the face and four smaller eyes on top of the head. More than 5,000 species of Jumping Spiders are known to exist around the world. Approximately 100 species of Jumping Spiders belong to the Habronattus genus, composed of primarily ground-dwelling, medium-sized salticids that are highly-ornamented. Most are ground-dwellers, preferring open ground with sparse vegetation, including dry leaf litter and sandy areas. Habronattus americanus are some of the most colorful species of Jumping Spiders. The males are known for their intriguing courtship displays that consist of elaborate dances. In addition, scientists believe the spiders' beautiful patterns and superb vision play an important role in their courtship behavior. The eyes of Jumping Spiders are among the best in invertebrate animals, providing them with unsurpassed depth and focus. Much like cats, they use their excellent vision to locate and stalk prey before pouncing. Incredibly, Jumping Spiders can jump more than 50 times the length of their bodies! Size: 14.25 x 12 in. Unframed. (B16495)

Yan Bingwu (Chinese, B. 1954) & Yang Wenqing (Chinese, B. 1951) "Scorpionfly" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Silk/Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 33c Scorpionfly Classic Collection Series stamp issued October 1, 1999. Scorpionflies belong to the order Mecoptera, which contains the families of Panorpidae, Bittacidae and Boreidae. These unusual insects derive their name from the modified tips of the male abdomens in the family Panorpidae. Somewhat resembling a scorpion's tail, the fearsome-looking, pincerlike appendage is not poisonous. Surprisingly, this unusual structure contains the male's reproductive organs! During courtship, the male offers sweet, protein rich saliva to the female. Many scientists believe this is to keep the female from consuming the male! While the female is distracted by his offerings, the male uses his pincer-tail to pull her towards him for copulation. After mating, the female deposits her eggs into soil where they develop into larvae that feed on decaying plant and animal material. Members of the family Bittacidae, the hanging Scorpionflies, are so named because they hang freely from plant stems, waiting for small insects to pass by their long, slender legs. Without warning, the last joints of their legs can snap back on the preceding joints to trap unwary prey. Members of the family Boreidae, snow Scorpionflies can be seen hopping and clambering about on the snow as they search for small insects and dead vegetation to consume. Size: 14.75 x 11.75 in. Unframed. (B16505)

Yan Bingwu (Chinese, B. 1954) & Yang Wenqing (Chinese, B. 1951) "Elderberry Longhorn" Signed lower right. Watercolor on Silk/Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 33c Elderberry Longhorn Classic Collection Series stamp issued October 1, 1999. Longhorn beetles belong to the Cerambycidae family, and are identified by elongated, cylindrical bodies. A distinctive characteristic of many of these insects is their long antennae, inserted between the eyes and base of the mandible. Many species are brightly colored, like the Elderberry Longhorn -- Desmocerus palliatus -- which displays bright yellow along its back. Because the longhorn beetles' larvae feed on the branches and trunks of dead or dying plants, these insects are destructive to trees and shrubs. Longhorn beetles of the genus Oncideres are notorious for ringing branches -- cutting curved lines in the bark. They bite off the bark piece by piece, sometimes gnawing out a thick layer of wood. The ringed part of the branch dies and the female lays from 3 to 40 eggs, each in its own specially made hole in the bark. The larvae develop inside the dead plant. The Elderberry Longhorn is found among elderberry shrubs, and bores into the plant's root and stem tissue. Also known as elder borers, these insects lay their eggs in the dead wood of these deciduous shrubs. Longhorn beetles of the genus Anoplodera and Desmocerus are often seen on flowers, and typically display yellow, red or black markings. Image Size: 14 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 12.25 in. Unframed. (B16510)

Yan Bingwu (Chinese, B. 1954) & Yang Wenqing (Chinese, B. 1951) "Eastern Hercules Beetle" Signed upper right. Original Watercolor on Silk/Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This watercolor appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 33c Eastern Hercules Beetle Classic Collection Series stamp issued October 1, 1999. The Eastern Hercules Beetles -- Dynastes tityus -- belong to the Scarabaeida family and the subfamily Dynastinae. Other beetles of this subfamily -- which include some of the largest North American beetles -- are the rhinoceros beetle and elephant beetle. The Eastern Hercules Beetle -- also known as the unicorn beetle -- is the largest of the eastern species. Greenish-gray and mottled with black, this insect is common in the southeast, and ranges as far north as southern Ohio and Indiana. Like other scarab beetles, the Eastern Hercules Beetle has an ovate, stout body and makes a loud buzzing when it flies. Scarab beetles are scavengers and typically feed on decaying vegetation, or on the dung from grazing animals. They're important in recycling organic matter and disposing of disease-breeding waste. When breeding, the male and female work together to roll dung into a ball. Once the dung is buried, the female shreds it and molds it into a solid cone-shaped mass, tamping the surface until it becomes hard. The cone neck is left hollow and an egg is laid in the cavity. When the larva hatches, it feeds on the cone until only the hard outer rind remains. Image Size: 13.75 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 12.25 in. Unframed. (B16498)

Yan Bingwu (Chinese, B. 1954) & Yang Wenqing (Chinese, B. 1951) "Spinybacked Spider" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Silk/Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This watercolor appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 33c Spinybacked Spider Classic Collection Series stamp issued October 1, 1999. Abundant in temperate regions such as Florida, the Spinybacked Spider -- Gastercantha cancriformis -- is one of America's most colorful and easily identified spiders. The dorsum of the abdomen is usually white with contrasting black spots. Large red spines appear on the margin, hence the common name, Spinybacked Spider. It deceives its prey as it hangs head down in the center of its web, looking like a small piece of leaf, a chip of wood or a piece of fruit. Tufts of silk are woven into its web to prevent birds from flying into them. When this spider takes down its web to build a new one, it ingests the old silk -- a valuable source of protein. Spiders manufacture silk from the silk glands located in the abdomen. Each gland produces a different kind of silk for various uses, such as wrapping captured prey, building the egg sac when breeding, and web construction. When a spider begins to build a web, it releases a silk thread that is carried by wind and attaches to an object such as a twig. The spider secures the thread and crosses the newly formed bridge, reinforcing the other end. It then crawls toward the center of the thread, which becomes the hub of the web structure. Size: 14.25 x 12 in. Unframed. (B16494)

Li Yinging (Chinese, B. 1936) "Year of the Rooster" Stamp lower left. Original Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. It is Chinese New Year. People dressed in brightly-colored quilted jackets dance through a sea of exploding firecrackers. A dragon with a papier-mache head wends its way through the crowd. Homes are decorated with signs saying "Good Health and Prosperity." New Year's morning, children wish their parents Gong ho xin xi or "Respectful greetings, new happiness." Relatives gather to feast on lichee nuts, meat turnovers, fried dumplings and tea. There are joyful games, simple gifts. Youngsters receive red envelopes filled with small amounts of money. In the country, people make nian hua -- festive pictures which have decorated Chinese homes for a thousand years every New Year. It is a time of rest and recreation, a time to clear out the old, clean the house and repay debts. The celebrations last for 15 days until the Lantern Festival, when parades and dances fill nearly every street. For 5,000 years, 12 animals have symbolized each of 12 repeating-year cycles in China's lunar calendar. People born under the same animal sign are said to show similar personality traits. Thus, individuals born in the Years of the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig each have distinctive characteristics. It is said that people born during the Year of the Rooster are stubborn, logical and highly successful. Image Size: 12 x 10 in. Overall Size: 12.25 x 10.25 in. Unframed. (B14068)

Wang Huming (Chinese, B. 1962) "Year of the Rat" Original Watercolor on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 32c Year of the Rat stamp issued February 8, 1996. It is unclear exactly when in ancient times the Chinese began to use the "Sheng Xiao," or lunar horoscope, to predict the character and fate of a person born in a given year. However, we do know that, even today, the horoscope remains an integral part of everyday life for many people in China and elsewhere around the world. Regarded by many Westerners as a combination of mathematical complexities and symbolic tradition, the Chinese lunar calendar is aligned in repeating 12-year cycles. Each year in the cycle is represented by a different animal. Many legends offer explanations for how these particular creatures were chosen. One states that the Heavenly Jade Emperor summoned all the world's animals to participate in a race. The 12 fastest competitors would receive a place on the calendar according to the order in which they finished. The last stage of the race involved crossing a large river. The rat convinced the kind-hearted ox to carry him across and, as they neared the riverbank, the rat leapt from the ox's back onto land. Through his trickery, the rat succeeded in winning the race and capturing first place in the calendar. Perhaps this explains why those born during the Year of the Rat are said to be impatient and somewhat opportunistic. People whose birth years are represented by the rat are also believed to be cheerful, sentimental and devoted to their families. Image Size: 12.5 x 9.5 in. Overall Size: 16.5 x 13.75 in. Unframed. (B15379)

Zou Jianjun (Chinese, B. 1943) "Year of the Tiger" Stamped in the lower left. Original Watercolor painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 32c The Year of the Tiger Lunar New Year Series stamp issued January 5, 1998. The Chinese calendar, or Sheng Xiao, is a combination of symbolism and mathematical complexities. The Sheng Xiao dates back to antiquity, possibly originating during the reign of Emperor Huang in 2637 B.C. Inscriptions of this system on animal bones have been excavated at the Yin Ruins of Anyang, Henan. Twelve animals are associated with the calendar -- the rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, serpent, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. The Sheng Xiao consists of repeating 12 year cycles, with 1998 being the Year of the Tiger. Those born in a given year are said to share that animal's character traits. Thus, people born during the Year of the Tiger are powerful, ambitious, determined, yet also kind. One of the legends surrounding the origins of this system tells how Buddha ascended to heaven. Twelve animals came to send him off and Buddha assigned them their places in the calendar according to the order of their arrival. The rat showed up first and the boar last. In ancient times, the Sheng Xiao played a great role in people's lives by providing guidance in decisions regarding marriage and childbirth. The Chinese year begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice, sometime between January 21 and February 20. Unlike the Western New Year, which is always January 1st, the Chinese New Year can fall on any of 31 days. New Year's Day is a time of great celebration and is the most important day in the Chinese calendar. Image Size: 12.25 x 11 in. Overall Size: 14.5 x 12.5 in. Unframed. (B15388)

Wu Jiankun (Chinese, B. 1935) "Sunshine Peak in Lushan Mountains" Stamped lower left and upper right. Original Mixed Media on Rice Paper Glued to Heavy Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 8fen Sunshine Peak stamp issued July 20, 1981. Lushan's Sunshine Peak, with its quaint oriental pavilions, echoes the simple philosophy with which the Chinese come to terms with life, to "simply take things as they come." The beauty and climate of the Lushan Mountains encourage the visitor to do just that -- to stop for a moment and enjoy the surrounding view. Lushan offers such comforts as a sanatorium, a botanical garden, a cultural palace, and well-paved roads. But among the most inviting, and indeed the most appreciated of all its features, are its lovely pavilions, which line pathways on Sunshine Peak. The beauty and pleasure of these resting spots lie not only in their scenery, but in their fascinating varieties of design and purpose. A pavilion may be square, round, multi-sided, or shaped like a crabapple or plum blossom. It may be a rustic thatched pavilion, an elegant bamboo pavilion, or a wood framed pavilion. It may be intended for use during a certain time of day or year -- a pavilion for enjoying a snow scene, for looking at the clouds, or for watching the sun set. A pavilion may be found by a lake or stream, half-way up a hill, amid a grove of pines, beside a flower bed, or on a bridge, serving as a pointer or guide to the particular landscape. Built for enjoyment, the pavilions of Sunshine Peak encourage the visitor to linger for a while, to enjoy life and adopt the simple Chinese philosophy of quietly accepting life as it. Image Size: 16.25 x 13.5 in. Overall Size: 19.75 x 19 in. Unframed. (B06599)

Da Mei & Wen Lin (Chinese, 20th C.) "Red Tulip" Stamped lower right. Original Watercolor on Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the U.S. 29c Tulip stamp issued April 5, 1991. This graceful garden flower, which we traditionally associate with the Netherlands, is actually an exotic native of Asia Minor. The first bulbs found in Europe came to Vienna, Austria, from Constantinople in Turkey. Resembling the Turkish turbans for which they were named, the beautiful blossoms achieved instant notoriety. A passionate interest in the flower resulted, and by the 17th century the tulip reigned as the most popular flower in many European countries. Hardest hit by "tulipomania" was Holland, where Dutch citizens invested in tulips much like modern speculators invest in stocks or real estate. Many lost their entire fortunes during this horticultural craze, and the Dutch government eventually passed legislation to regulate bulb trade. Tulip cultivation remains a vital industry in the Netherlands, where hundreds of thousands of cup-shaped flowers herald the advent of spring and the opening of the season's bulb markets. The Royal Dutch General Bulbgrower's Association zealously monitors hybridization processes throughout the world and requires all hybrid species to undergo years of intensive testing before inclusion in the international register of tulips. Image Size: 12.25 x 11.25 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 12.25 in. Unframed. (B13023)

Da Mei & Wen Lin (Chinese, 20th C.) "Red Tulip" Stamped lower right and upper left. Original Watercolor on Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the U.S. 29c (F) Coil Stamp issued January 22, 1991. Picture a stream of multihued Alpendoorn and scarlet Red Riding Hood tulips flanked by delicate, fringe-petaled Batterseas. A perennial favorite of dedicated gardeners all over the world, tulips are frequently overlooked by less practiced cultivators who seek longer-lived blooms. Yet planting a variety of tulips and carefully tending the flower bed can produce a profusion of cup-shaped and lily-flowered blossoms which last well into June. Tulips require well-drained soil, and ambitious gardeners meticulously prepare the flower-bed to achieve maximum bulb growth. Adding peat to soils with high clay or sand contents assists with drainage, while phosphorus and calcium provide nourishment to plant roots. Bulbs are set eight to twelve in. below the surface, for the extra depth allows the bulbs to remain in the ground, without thinning or replanting, for several years. Leaves or peat moss make excellent mulch and protect young bulbs during winter's icy sojourn. The first shoots of spring result in a flurry of activity as gardeners remove mulch, add essential elements to depleted soils, and clip drooping petals which rob bulbs of food for the coming year. Image Size: 12.25 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 12.25 in. Unframed. (B12979)

Paul Calle (American, 1928 - 2010) and Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "1920's - World Suffers Economic Depression" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands The 20th Century series 60c World Suffers Economic Depression stamp issued March 16, 1998. In the 1920s, the United States experienced spectacular economic growth stemming from new technology developments and government policies that aided big business. Investments in stocks and corporations increased dramatically, providing new capital for corporate expansion both in America and globally. Beginning in September 1929, the stock market began to decline and falling prices prompted investors to sell. By October 29, "Black Tuesday," panic-stricken investors had sold so much stock that the resulting low stock values caused the market to collapse. This catastrophic event precipitated a worldwide economic slump that affected all Western industrialized countries. The crash, combined with other economic factors, led to the Great Depression and the most difficult decade of the 20th century. Image Size: 9.25 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 20 in. Unframed. (B15873 / B15874)

Da Mei & Wen Lin (Chinese, 20th C.) "Yellow Tulip" Stamped lower right and lower left. Original Watercolor on Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the U.S. 29c (F) Flower stamp issued January 22, 1991. Although it may seem hard to believe, the affordable and common tulip of today was once the most sought-after and expensive of all flowers. In the 1600s, speculators in Holland and nearby countries drove the price of tulip bulbs far beyond the reach of the average gardener. One would-be horticulturist gave four cows, eight hogs, a dozen sheep, a suit of clothes, a bed, two barrels of butter, one thousand pounds of cheese, two barrels of wine, four barrels of beer and a solid silver pitcher in return for a single tulip bulb. Fortunately for today's gardener, the tulip is far less dear, as evidenced by its presence in millions of gardens around the world. Developed in Turkey and Persia in the 13th century, the hardy tulip is a perennial, growing from a single bulb to bloom in early spring. Some one hundred species of tulip are known today, coming in dozens of shapes, sizes and colors. Planted in well-drained soil, a tulip from one bulb will bloom year after year. Rows of tulips around a favored tree bring splashes of early color to a landscape. Image Size: 12.25 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 12.75 in. Unframed. (B12971)

Da Mei & Wen Lin (Chinese, 20th C.) "Pink Tulip" Original Watercolor painting on Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the U.S. 29c (F) Tulip booklet stamp issued January 22, 1991. A new tulip is cause for rejoicing among the gardening public, but few tulip aficionados realize that the hybridization process which produces their prized bloom may span two decades. Modern master hybridizers create new flowers in much the same way canine breeders create champions. They select parent flowers with proven track records -- flowers which display good color, interesting pattern, disease resistance and hardiness. Hybridizers then trim the mother plant to prevent self-pollination and meticulously brush pollen from the chosen father across the female pistil. Within four months the resulting seed pod may yield two to three hundred seeds, which emerge the following year as grass-like seedlings. The plants usually produce their first flower in the fifth year. If the new blooms show promise, the proud creator must then test his plants for an additional few years before submitting the hybrids to the Dutch Royal General Bulbgrowers' Association for inclusion into the international register of tulips. When enough new bulbs have been produced to satisfy projected demand, the new tulip is ready for sale. Image Size: 11.75 x 10.5 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 12.25 in. Unframed. (B12972)

Da Mei & Wen Lin (Chinese, 20th C.) "Pink Tulips" Stamped upper right and lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the U.S. 29c (F) Tulip Booklet stamp issued January 22, 1991. A new tulip is cause for rejoicing among the gardening public, but few tulip aficionados realize that the hybridization process which produces their prized bloom may span two decades. Modern master hybridizers create new flowers in much the same way canine breeders create champions. They select parent flowers with proven track records -- flowers which display good color, interesting pattern, disease resistance and hardiness. Hybridizers then trim the mother plant to prevent self-pollination and meticulously brush pollen from the chosen father across the female pistil. Within four months the resulting seed pod may yield two to three hundred seeds, which emerge the following year as grass-like seedlings. The plants usually produce their first flower in the fifth year. If the new blooms show promise, the proud creator must then test his plants for an additional few years before submitting the hybrids to the Dutch Royal General Bulbgrowers' Association for inclusion into the international register of tulips. When enough new bulbs have been produced to satisfy projected demand, the new tulip is ready for sale. Image Size: 11.25 x 10.75 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 12.25 in. Unframed. (B13022)

Liu Dun (Chinese, B. 1953) "Red & Yellow Tulips" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 29c Tulip coil stamp issued August 16, 1991. Tulips are members of the lily family. These hardy, bulbous-rooted flowers originated in the Old World and flourished in temperate climates ranging from Japan to Asia Minor. Wildly popular during the 1600s, the flowers have retained a devoted following among modern gardeners who cannot envision spring flowerbeds without hosts of colorful tulips. Most cultivated tulips are varieties of T. gesneriana and possess the slender stems and turban-shaped blossoms typical of the flower. Yet a walk through the Netherlands' tulip markets provides an astonishing lesson in horticulture. Nestled among the more familiar flowers are strange, exotic plants in many shapes, sizes and colors. Some have pointed, lily-like petals which curl daintily. Others are voluptuous flowers, lushly petaled like peonies or dahlias. Their colors range from soft pastels to rich shades of crimson. Occasionally a tulip "breaks" -- its bulb produces a new color or bizarre pattern. In the past broken bulbs fetched extravagant market prices, for everyone wanted to own a flamboyant new variety of tulip. Botanists now know that a virus spread by aphids causes the mutant flower, and diseased tulips are removed to prevent further infection. Image Size: 10.25 x 8.75 in. Overall Size: 13.75 x 12 in. Unframed. (B13148)

Wan Weisheng (Chinese, B. 1932) "Mother Swan and Chicks" Signed lower right. Tempera on Watercolor Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China Whooper Swans stamp issue of November 18, 1983. Silently it glides through the waters of a still country pond. Pausing now and again, it dips its head into the water to find succulent aquatic plants. Arching its head skyward, the mature swan spreads powerful wings and leaps into the air, flying faster than any other waterbird. But the beautiful swan was not always so. As a "cygnet," the youthful swan was clumsy and awkward, deserving the epithet "Ugly Duckling." For a bird so striking as an adult, the eggs are surprisingly nondescript as well, generally half a dozen or so pale, unmarked orbs in a nest constructed of rotting vegetation. But the eggs' plainness belies the end result of two years of growth. Image Size: 14.5 x 17 in. Overall Size: 15.25 x 17.75 in. Unframed. (B08243)

Wan Weisheng (Chinese, B. 1932) "Four Whooper Swans in Flight" Signed lower right. Tempera on Original Watercolor Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 80f Whooper Swans stamp issue of November 18, 1983. The Xinjiang Swan Protection Area in China is rich in abundant wildlife. More than fifty species of waterbirds make their home on the large lake and marshy areas of the reserve. One of the most beautiful residents of Xinjiang is the noble Whooper Swan. Swimming through the marshes and tall bending reeds to the many islands on Swan Lake, the graceful Whooper Swans are truly a beautiful sight. Adorned with pure white plumage, the Whooper Swan is regarded as a bird of stately elegance. Perhaps it was the great beauty of the Whooper Swan that inspired the Asian folktale of the Swan Maiden. This enchanting legend tells of a gentle maiden with a magical feathered robe and a young prince who falls in love with her. After the prince and the maiden are married, the couple fall under a magical spell. The prince eventually breaks the spell, but the girl he loved ... dressed in her magical feathered robe ... becomes a graceful swan gliding across the crystal waters of eternity. Today, the Whooper Swan makes its home in many parts of Asia and Europe, enhancing the beauty of lakes, ponds and waterways. Image Size: 14.5 x 16.75 in. Overall Size: 15.5 x 17.5 in. Unframed. (B08242)

Wan Weisheng (Chinese, B. 1932) "Swan Swimming in Pond" Signed lower right. Original Tempera painting on Watercolor Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 8f Whooper Swan stamp issue of November 18, 1983. The grace and beauty of the Mute Swan has enchanted man for centuries. Gliding cross crystal waters with its long neck held in a graceful curve, this elegeant swan arches its ivory wings over its back like a feathered sail. As this ornamental swan swims through the water, it will from time to time plunge its head and neck below the surface, nibble on tender aquatic plants, and then suddenly raise up, tossing back a shower of crystal droplets onto its snow-white plumage. Captivated by this bird's magnificent beauty, the Chinese partially domesticated the Mute Swan to decorate the parks and estates of China. Truly the picture of beauty and elegance, this majestic Swan glides across the waterways of China in noble silence. These beautiful birds are often seen swimming in pairs for they select a mate for life. The male is fiercely protective of his mate and the nesting site they have chosen. When threatened, the male Swan will take an aggressive posture by bowing and arching his shimmering plumes over his back, and softly hiss a warning. Both the male and the female share the incubating duties, each taking turns so the other may feed. After hatching, the light-gray baby swans or cygnets, often ride on their parents' downy backs, cradled in their arched wings. Indeed, the mute Swan in a symbol of striking beauty as it swims gracefully through the tranquil ponds of China. Image Size: 14.5 x 17 in. Overall Size: 15.25 x 17.75 in. Unframed. (B08239)

Wan Weisheng (Chinese, B. 1932) "Four Swans Landing in Pond" Signed lower left. Original Tempera on Watercolor Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 10f Whistling Swans stamp issue of November 18, 1983. Amid the timeless beauty of the Xinjiang Swan Lake in China, the graceful Whistling Swan lives in tranquility. Gliding through the peaceful waters, the swans gently dip their heads below the surface to pluck tender plants from the lake bottom. Turning tails up, the Whistlers love to sample wild celery, tender widgeon grass and small insects. Often pulling up more food than they need, the swans leave floating forage for other waterbirds that live on the Xinjiang Swan Lake. Like other swan species, the Whistling Swans select a mate for life. Paired swans work together to collect grasses, mosses and reeds to build a massive nest near the water. The female then carefully lines her nest with soft swansdown. Cradled in the warm nest, the four or five creamy-white eggs hatch in about 40 days. Soon thereafter, the dusky cygnets, or baby swans, follow their parents to water for their first swim. Led by the female, the babies are followed by the male swan who brings up the rear. When autumn's cool breath whispers hints of winter, the Whistling Swans and their young gather in flocks for the journey to warmer waters. A strong cob leads each wedge or ribbon on their southern flight. Sandwiched between the adults, the young cygnets ... still dressed in their dull baby down ... are helped along in the air turbulence created by the stronger birds. Long necks stretched and wings beating rhythmically, the Whistling Swans call out their high-pitched hooting calls over the Chinese mainland. Image Size: 11.25 x 21.25 in. Overall Size: 13.5 x 21.25 in. Unframed. (B08246)

Liu Yusu (Chinese, 20th C.) "Year of the Snake" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 34c Year of the Snake Stamp issued January 20, 2001. The Chinese calendar, or Sheng Xiao, is a combination of symbolism and mathematical complexities. The Sheng Xiao possibly originated during the reign of Emperor Huang in 2637 B.C. Inscriptions of this system on animal bones have been excavated at the Yin Ruins of Anyang, Henan. Twelve animals are associated with the calendar -- the rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. The Sheng Xiao consists of repeating cycles, with 2001 being the Year of the Snake. Those born in a given year are said to share that animal's character traits. Thus, people born during the Year of the Snake are kind, courageous and goal-oriented. Twelve animals came to send Buddha off to heaven and Buddha assigned them their places in the calendar according to the order of their arrival. The rat showed up first and the boar last. In ancient times, the Sheng Mao played a great role in people's lives by providing guidance in decisions regarding marriage and childbirth. Even today, the horoscope remains an integral part of everyday life for many people in China and elsewhere around the world. The Chinese year begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice, sometime between January 21 and February 20. The Chinese New Year can fall on any of 31 days. New Year's Day is a time of great celebration and is the most important day in the Chinese canlendar. Famous persons born under this sign include Abraham Lincoln, Pablo Picasso and John F. Kennedy. Image Size: 12 x 9.5 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 11 in. Unframed. (B16891)

Wu Jiankun (Chinese, B. 1935) "Dragon Head Cliff in Lushan Mountains" Stamped lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Rice Paper Glued to Heavy Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 60fen Dragon Head Cliff stamp issued July 20, 1981. The forboding Dragon Head Cliff rears its colossal head among the pines, a permanent guardian of nature's treasures and a stone symbol of her might. Image Size: 16.25 x 13.5 in. Overall Size: 19.75 x 19 in. Unframed. (B06597)

Wu Jiankun (Chinese, B. 1935) "Yellow Dragon Pool in Lushan Mountains" Stamped lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Rice Paper Glued to Heavy Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 8fen Yellow Dragon Pool stamp issued July 20, 1981. Situated amid the serenity of soaring mountain peaks and fresh-scented pine forests is a testament to China's longstanding fascination with the mythical dragon: Yellow Dragon Pool. Known as lung, Chinese dragons, the gods of rain and water, also symbolized the power of the Emperor himself, the Son of Heaven. Dragons were often thought to serve as custodians of imperial treasures, as evidenced by the magnifient Nine-Dragon Wall guarding the royal Forbidden City in Peking. The Emperor T'ang, who ruled in 766 B.C., made a pottery figure of a dragon so that the clouds would come to his dry land. Thus, the Chinese saying "Earthen dragons cause the rain to come." The Duke of Cheh in the land of Chu apparently liked dragons since he had them painted on all his walls and trays. Tzu-kao, too, exclaimed how much he liked dragons and had them painted all over his house. When a dragon came to pay him a friendly visit, Tzu-kao was so frightened he is said to have tripped over the dragon's tail while trying to run away from it. The dragon did him no harm, however, and the following summer was unusually wet. When good emperors ruled, natural forces were thought to be in harmony with the Empire and thus, the rain fell at the right times and places. The Yellow Dragon Pool of the Lushan Mountains stands as a silent reminder of the Chinese fascination with this beautiful creature of myth and legend. Image Size: 16.25 x 13.5 in. Overall Size: 19.75 x 19 in. Unframed. (B06601)

Wu Jiankun (Chinese, B. 1935) "Five-Old-Men Peaks in Lushan Mountains" Stamped lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Rice Paper Glued to Heavy Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 8fen Five-Old-Men Peaks issued stamp July 20, 1981. The immovable stone cliffs of the Lushan Mountains are softened by the swaying pines hovering around them, a testimony to the oneness of nature as two opposites meet in perfect harmony. Image Size: 16.25 x 13.5 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 19 in. Unframed. (B06600)

Wu Jiankun (Chinese, B. 1935) "Stones and Pines in Lushan Mountains" Stamped lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Rice Paper Glued to Heavy Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 8fen Stones and Pines stamp issued July 20, 1981. The immovable stone cliffs of the Lushan Mountains are softened by the swaying pines hovering around them, a testimony to the oneness of nature as two opposites meet in perfect harmony. Image Size: 16.25 x 13.5 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 19 in. Unframed. (B06596)

Xiao Yutain (Chinese, 20th C.) "Puning Temple - Chengde" Stamped middle right. Original Mixed Media on Paper painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the China-Germany Joint Issue Puning Temple Chengde stamp issued August 20, 1998. The Puning Temple is located in China's Chengde. The building was elegantly constructed in the 18th century and has been inscribed in the list of world heritage for its exquisite style. The Puning Temple, built from the model of the Sanmoye Temple in Tibet, blends the Tibetan and Han construction styles, which are broad in scope and magnificent in style. The Avalokitesvara inside the temple, with a thousand hands and thousand eyes, is one of the existing largest wood-carved Buddha statues in the world. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 18 x 15.5 in. Unframed. (B16133)

Ivan Kozlov (B. 1937) "Chinese Merganser - 1996 Russia Duck Conservation Presentation Cover" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This painting was published on the 1996 USSR Conservation of Waterfowl stamp issued September 1, 1996. Many details concerning the Chinese Merganser remain a mystery to ornithologists. Inhabiting areas of southeastern Russia, this duck is a reluctant and poor flier. A resident bird, it remains non-migratory except in severe weather conditions, when it has been spotted in China and Korea. The Chinese Merganser is about the same size as the Red-breasted Merganser. It has a similar, but longer, dark green, spiky crest on its head. The Chinese Merganser drake is distinguished from the male Red-breasted Merganser by its plumage. Its nickname is the "Scaly Merganser" for its unique scaly pattern of black markings. The Chinese Merganser lacks the dark chest and gray body of the Red-breast. It has instead a bold white chest and belly, with black scales on its flanks. The female resembles the male with grayer scaling and a brown head and crest. The nostrils are midway on the bill of the Chinese Merganser, whereas they are close to the base of the bill on the Red-breast. The Chinese Merganser maintains the same diet as other Mergansers, feeding mostly on small fish. Known to be shy and wary, Chinese Mergansers reside in remote areas, preferring habitats near narrow, fast-flowing rivers and streams with adjacent forests. Although little is known about the breeding habits of this waterfowl, nests have been found in holes and hollows of dead, rotting trees near the water. There are no accurate estimates of the Chinese Merganser population, but the species is known to be rare. Image Size: 6.75 x 8.75 in. Overall Size: 9 x 11.25 in. Unframed. (B15532)

Ivan Kozlov (B. 1937) "White Winged Scoter - 1994 Russia Duck Conservation" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This painting was published on the Fleetwood Combination First Day Cover for the 1994 Russia Duck Conservation Stamp and Russian 150 White-winged Scoter stamp issued July 1, 1994. Many ornithologists consider the White-winged Scoters that inhabit East Siberia as separate from the North American species, classing the Russian inhabitants as Palearctic forms known as Velvet Scoters. Frequenting the shores of tundra and taiga areas, as well as seacoasts and open lakes, these magnificent creatures seldom appear on land. Flying low and fast, the wingbeats of White-winged Scoters produce a whistling sound that can be heard up to half a mile away. The distinctive white patch on this duck's dark wing, after which this species was named, easily distinguishes it from other Scoters. Another feature that is used to identify this bird is a white marking around its eyes. White-winged Scoter males are further characterized by their black plumage, while both females and juveniles possess dark brown feathers. Unlike other ducks, the breeding plumage of this Scoter exhibits little color change. It is believed that breeding first takes place after these ducks become two years old. After spending their first summer in flocks at sea, Scoters begin forming pairs the following winter. By spring migration, the newly-formed couples are ready to journey to the nesting site. It is believed that their pairs remain together until the first week of incubation. Females are then left alone to care for their offspring. Image Size: 13.75 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 15.75 in. Unframed. (B14760)

Ivan Kozlov (B. 1937) "Greater Scaup - 1991 USSR Duck Stamp Shoveler Duck - First Day Cover" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This painting was published on the First Day Cover for the USSR 15k Greater Scaup stamp issued July 1, 1991. The tundra potholes of Siberia are home to the Greater Scaup, a species of diving duck. After the breeding season on the arctic tundra, the Greater Scaup will lead its seven to ten offspring south to warmer climates, with "lay-overs" on such waters as the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Sea of Japan, where large flocks will rest and ride out the choppy waves, diving and feeding. Known also as "big bluebill," huge rafts of the Greater Scaup -- as many as 50,000 birds -- will converge on open saltwater bays during late autumn and winter. There, ducks will dive for mollusks and other tidbits of food. Entire flocks will often dive in unison after a strange ritual of rearing into the air, shaking their wings and then, plunging. Even these large flocks are eerily silent; only when the Greater Scaup is alarmed does it voice the sound that is part of its name: scaup, scaup, scaup. The drake's harlequin plumage is often confused with the Lesser Scaup, but the latter duck is both smaller and darker. Shades of iridescent green cover the head of the drake Greater Scaup when observed through field glasses and from nearby. The profile of the head is also an aid to identification; the Greater Scaup's is rounded and not as pointed as that of the Lesser. Yet for the novice birder, distinguishing the Greater Scaup from the Lesser is an art which is mastered only through experience and practice. Image Size: 13.75 x 12 in. Overall Size: 18.25 x 14.75 in. Unframed. (B12917)

Howard Koslow (American, 1924 - 2016) "Norman Rockwell" Signed lower right. Original acrylic painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the 29c Norman Rockwell stamp issued July 1, 1994. "My studio has been likened to a factory; my product has been described as corn! " Despite Norman Rockwell's tongue-in-cheek reference to his work, he was one of the best-loved and most prolific American artists of his time. Rockwell was a skilled illustrator capable of combining lighting, composition, mood and caricature to authentically portray 20th century life in America. In 1916, while working as an art director at a boy's magazine, 21-year-old Rockwell was urged by a co-worker to submit some of his sketches to The Saturday Evening Post. Initially overwhelmed at the thought of approaching such a prestigious publication, he eventually conquered his fears and brought his samples to the magazine's art editor. To the young man's astonishment his work was accepted on the spot, starting a relationship that would last an amazing 47 years. During his lengthy association with the Post Rockwell created some of his most memorable paintings, often using neighbors as models to depict the "common man." A stickler for authenticity, the artist was known to frequent antique shops and auctions to acquire just the right element for a particular illustration. Image Size: 14.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 20 in. Unframed. (B14781)

Dean Ellis (American, 1920 - 2009) "End/Beginning of the Century" Oil on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 33c End/Beginning of the Millennium se-tenant stamp issued December 31, 1999/January 1, 2000. Lying in the South Pacific on the west side of the international date line, the Marshall Islands became one of the first countries in the world to embrace the new millennium on December 31, 1999. Because of such remarkable technological achievements as the telephone, television, telecommunications satellites, long-distance travel, the internet and world trade, cultural influences have spread rapidly across the Earth. Many people looked forward to the new millennium as a period fostering individual moral growth, the material improvement of man's environment, the eradication of diseases, and a better understanding and possible elimination of social maladjustment as the diverse peoples and cultures of the world become a global community. Image Size: 16.5 x 25 in. Overall Size: 20 x 26.5 in. Unframed. (B16514)

Vladimir Beilin (Russian, 20th C.) "Vostok I in Orbit" Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the Russia Vostok I stamp issued May 29, 1992. Piloted by space pioneer Yuri Gagarin, Vostok I blasted into the skies above the USSR's Baikonur Cosmodrome on April 12, 1961. Launched less than four years after the comparatively simple Sputnik I became the first artificial satellite, Vostok I was incredibly advanced for its time. Burning liquid oxygen and kerosene, its main engines developed nearly a million pounds of thrust. (By comparison, the rocket that carried the first Americans into orbit was less than half as powerful.) Vostok I's manned module was automatically controlled from the ground, however it had emergency controls for Gagarin. Vostok I also included a TV camera to monitor the cosmonaut, complex life-support and monitoring systems, and even a food locker (though Gagarin's pioneering flight lasted less than two hours). Upon his return to Earth, Gagarin inspected the Vostok I, which -- despite its hard landing -- he proudly described as "in good enough shape to be used for another space flight." Image Size: 8.5 x 12 in. Overall Size: 10.5 x 15.25 in. Unframed. (B13798)

Vladimir Beilin (Russian, 20th C.) "Mir Space Station in Orbit" Original Watercolor painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Russia Mir Space Station stamp issued May 29, 1992. Its name meant "peace." And the Mir space station truly lived up to its name. Launched in 1986, Mir was the most ambitious project of its type yet attempted. The core of a large, permanent orbiting complex, Mir had six docking ports designed to accept expansion modules for living quarters and research labs. Up to six cosmonauts could occupy Mir for an extended period of time ... perhaps even the three years required for a round-trip to the Red Planet. But the logistics of such a trip are staggering. Experts estimate that just three men would require four-and-a-half tons of food, 10 tons of oxygen and a full 17 tons of water. Other obstacles are formidable as well. During extended stays in space, men can suffer health problems including weight loss, calcium depletion which weakens bones, even psychological disturbances. Experience shows that after several months in space work performance suffers, too. Further, many returning cosmonauts were so weak they had to be carried away on stretchers -- despite two hours of strenuous exercise daily. After only 110 days in space, cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov commented "Mother Earth is punishing me for leaving her for such a long time." Still, efforts continue to prolong the time humans can safely remain in space. And, if they're successful, Americans and Russians may, together in friendship, someday explore the planet named for the ancient Roman god of war. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 14 in. Unframed. (B13803)

Zhenhua Wang (Chinese, 20th C.) "Purple Tulips" Signed and stamped middle left. Watercolor on Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 29c Tulip Booklet stamp issued January 22, 1991. "Clean as a lady, cool as glass, fresh without fragrance the tulip was," wrote poet Humbert Wolfe in 1924. His words aptly describe the crisp lines and austere elegance of this garden perennial. In 1554 O. de Busbecq, the Austrian ambassador to Turkey, spied tulips growing in a garden near Constantinople and brought a few bulbs back to Vienna. Conrad Gesner, a botanist of the era, began his own cultivation of tulips near Augsburg and soon word of this unusual flower spread throughout Europe. British and Dutch colonists brought the tulip to the Americas, and it has remained tremendously popular with serious and "week-end" gardeners alike. Lacking the heady perfume of a gardenia or tuberose and the dense, velvet blossoms of a rose, the tulip is a hardy but refined flower. Properly planted, it grows profusely but tidily. The tulip prefers moderate temperatures, well-drained soils and an occasional light shower. Like other bulb varieties, the tulip cannot withstand harsh winters. Conscientious gardeners must dig up the bulbs before the season's first hard freeze and store them in a cool, dry place. Perfect in floral arrangements, the tulip is equally impressive artfully placed in ornate bouquets or simply scattered in crystal vases. Size: 9.75 x 14 in. Unframed. (B12931)

Zhenhua Wang (Chinese, 20th C.) "Red Tulips" Signed and stamped middle right. Watercolor on Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 29c Tulip Coil stamp issued January 22, 1991. Tulips are members of the lily family. These hardy, bulbous-rooted flowers originated in the Old World and flourished in temperate climates ranging from Japan to Asia Minor. Wildly popular during the 1600s, the flowers have retained a devoted following among modern gardeners who cannot envision spring flowerbeds without hosts of colorful tulips. Most cultivated tulips are varieties of T. gesneriana and possess the slender stems and turban-shaped blossoms typical of the flower. Yet a walk through the Netherlands' tulip markets provides an astonishing lesson in horticulture. Nestled among the more familiar flowers are strange, exotic plants in many shapes, sizes and colors. Some have pointed, lily-like petals which curl daintily. Others are voluptuous flowers, lushly petaled like peonies or dahlias. Their colors range from soft pastels to rich shades of crimson. Occasionally a tulip "breaks" -- its bulb produces a new color or bizarre pattern. In the past broken bulbs fetched extravagant market prices, for everyone wanted to own a flamboyant new variety of tulip. Botanists now know that a virus spread by aphids causes the mutant flower, and diseased tulips are removed to prevent further infection. Size: 9.75 x 14 in. Unframed. (B12930)

Zhenhua Wang (Chinese, 20th C.) "Tulips" Signed and stamped lower left. Watercolor on Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 29c Tulip stamp issued January 22, 1991. This graceful garden flower, which we traditionally associate with the Netherlands, is actually an exotic native of Asia Minor. The first bulbs found in Europe came to Vienna, Austria, from Constantinople in Turkey. Resembling the Turkish turbans for which they were named, the beautiful blossoms achieved instant notoriety. A passionate interest in the flower resulted, and by the 17th century the tulip reigned as the most popular flower in many European countries. Hardest hit by "tulipomania" was Holland, where Dutch citizens invested in tulips much like modern speculators invest in stocks or real estate. Many lost their entire fortunes during this horticultural craze, and the Dutch government eventually passed legislation to regulate bulb trade. Tulip cultivation remains a vital industry in the Netherlands, where hundreds of thousands of cup-shaped flowers herald the advent of spring and the opening of the season's bulb markets. The Royal Dutch General Bulbgrower's Association zealously monitors hybridization processes throughout the world and requires all hybrid species to undergo years of intensive testing before inclusion in the international register of tulips. Size: 9.75 x 14 in. Unframed. (B12928)

Keith Bowen (UK, B. 1950) "The Butcher" Signed and dated lower right. Charcoal on Watercolor Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Great Britain 27p Food and Farming Year 1989 stamp issued March 7, 1989. Whether hunted, snared, or placidly procured from the many friendly butcher shops which dot the land, meat and poultry have ever formed the centerpiece to any proper British meal. And fish isn't far behind. The English love of a variety of meats and fish at their table surely reached its height during the opulent Victorian Era of the 1800s. This was the age when exotic foods from the British Empire were imported from around the globe. At a proper dinner party, a choice of soups was followed by at least two kinds of fish. Then two meats -- roast mutton and turkey, perhaps -- would serve as side courses to the entrees: cutlets, fillets, or satueed fillets; these in turn were a prelude to the roasts. A dab of sorbet and then the game course -- partridge, pheasant, duck, woodcock, venison. To someone not raised amid such fare, it could be overwhelming, especially since many of the nobility hunted and the procurement of the game could prove the meal's main topic of conversation. Image Size: 18 x 20.75 in. Overall Size: 20 x 28.5 in. Unframed. (B11932)

Ren Yu (Chinese, B. 1945) "Cattleya Francis T.C. Au Orchid" Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This watercolor appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 32c Cattleya Francis T.C. Au stamp issued September 1, 1995. The "Queen of Orchids," the Cattleya genus boasts large, showy blooms that are very popular with commercial growers. The Francis T.C. Au variety shown here is just one of thousands of hybrids produced by crossing Cattleya with related genera. Image Size: 9.25 x 7.5 in. Overall Size: 13.25 x 10.25 in. Unframed. (B15102)

Ren Yu (Chinese, B. 1945) "Paphiopedilum armeniacum Orchid" Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This watercolor appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands Paphiopedilum armeniacum stamp issued September 1, 1995. Native to tropical Asia, the Paphiopedilum genus is a favorite among orchid growers. Suitable for cut flowers, this variety is cultivated in a wide range of colors and patterns. Foliage can be solid or variegated. Image Size: 9.5 x 7.5 in. Overall Size: 13.25 x 10.25 in. Unframed. (B15097)

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)

Huang Li (Chinese, B. 1941) "Mount Huangshan" Original Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Mint Stamps of the World Collectors Panel for the China Mount Huangshan stamp issue of October 20, 1997. Extending across four counties, Shexian, Yixian, Taiping and Xining, Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) is located in the southern part of China's Anhui Province. Known as Yishan during the Qin Dynasty (211-207 B.C.), the Yellow Mountains received its present name in 747 A.D. when Li Bai, the great poet of the Tang Dynasty, was inspired to write his famous poem Seeing off Hermit Wen Back to Former Residence White Goose Peak in the Yellow Mountains. These are some of his beautiful lines: "Thousands of feet high towers the Yellow Mountains, With its thirty-two magnificent peaks, Blooming like golden lotus flowers, Amidst red crags and rock columns. Once I was on its lofty summit, Admiring Tianmu Pine below. Many a stream and many a ford, Peaks upon peaks shutting out the sky, That's where I'll call on you some other day, Across a bridge that spans cliffs like a rainbow." Size: 20.25 x 15.5 in. Unframed. (B15991)

Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Battle of the Coral Sea - The Shoho" Original Oil on Canvas painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c Battle of the Coral Sea 1942 Japanese Carrier Shoho stamp issued May 8, 1992. Rear Admiral Fletcher's successful aircraft raid on the Japanese landing forces at Tulagi made conflict in the Coral Sea inevitable. The loss of a destroyer and oiler on May 7 only slightly weakened Fletcher's fighting strength, and he was resolutely determined to strike a lethal blow against the enemy forces. As the battle intensified, his carrier-based aircraft scrambled quickly and bore down upon the Japanese carrier Shoho. Mortally wounded, the Shoho, and an accompanying cruiser, sank. Image Size: 13.5 x 34.25 in. Overall Size: 15.75 x 36.5 in. Unframed. (B13780 / B13781)

Arthur Singer (1917 - 1990) "Cardinal and Red Carnation" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 20c Ohio: Cardinal and Red Carnation stamp issued on April 14, 1982. Cardinal - The male Cardinal brings the female tidbits of berries and insects during the two weeks that she incubates the three bluish-white eggs spotted with brown. While she prepares another nest for a second set of eggs, the male often takes complete charge of the fledglings, feeding them grasshoppers and beetles. So strong is the male Cardinal's instinct to feed young birds that he sometimes thrusts food down the throats of nestlings of other species. When out of the nest, the fledglings wear a plumage even browner and duller than their mother's garb, but soon their undersides turn lighter and the crests of the young male birds become reddish in color. Red Carnation - The Red Carnation, a European native, has been cultivated for the last two thousand years. Its name is derived from the Latin carnis, flesh, because the flower is commonly thought of as being pale pink, or flesh-colored. It was honored with the title of state flower of Ohio in memory of President William McKinley. He was born in Niles, Ohio, in 1843, and it was his favorite flower. More than one hundred varieties of Carnations have been developed by man from the original wild pink, which had only five petals. Carnations come in many colors, all with highly fragrant flowers. Some varieties have a narrow edging of a second color trimming the petals. Image Size: 11.75 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 19.5 in. Unframed. (B05081)

Arthur Singer (1917 - 1990) "Mockingbird and Apple Blossom" Signed lower right. Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 20c Arkansas: Mockingbird and Apple Blossom stamp issued on April 14, 1982. Mockingbird - Indians, by way of admiration, call the Mockingbird Cencontlatolly, or "four-hundred tongues." A bit more cautious, science named the mocker Mimus polyglottos, "many-tongued mimic." Besides imitating the songs of other birds, this star performer also sings at great length in phrases that are pure Mockingbird. He repeats each theme rapidly up to half a dozen times or more. The distinctive call note is an emphatic tchack or tchair. "Out of the Mockingbird's throat, the musical shuttle," came the song that awakened the poet in Walt Whitman. Indeed, the song of the Mockingbird is a welcome sound to any poet's ear, for this bird has a passion for singing and a beautiful, liquid voice. Apple Blossom - Most of the earliest apple trees in the northern part of Arkansas owed their existence to John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. From Pennsylvania, where Chapman had sold or given saplings and apple seeds to families migrating westward, he traveled to present day Ohio, sowing apple seeds as he went. Many of his original apple seeds are reported to have been planted in Arkansas. The Apple Blossom is deep pink in the bud stage, and the open flowers are white, faintly streaked with pink. The blossoms are grouped on short twigs that grow along the ends of branches. In most parts of the United States, the month of May is welcomed by everyone as the Apple Blossom month. Image Size: 11.75 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 19.5 in. Unframed. (B05062)

Arthur Singer (1917 - 1990) "Hawaii Goose & Hibiscus" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 20c Hawaii: Hawaiian Goose and Hibiscus stamp issued on April 14, 1982. Hawaiian Goose - High on the mountain slopes of Hawaii, one may hear the thin uck-uck calls of the Hawaiian Goose, the world's rarest goose. Its rarity is due to its curiosity and gentle nature that make it all too easy to kill. Lacking plumes, they were not highly regarded by the Polynesians, for they could contribute nothing to the feather cloaks of the chieftains. Villagers and explorers hunted them unmercifully for food. This species, also called Nene, dwindled until by the 1940's probably fewer than a dozen wild Nene remained. But state authorities joined forces with a local rancher to breed a successful and substantial flock, thus preserving the species. The wild Nene or Hawaiian Goose dwells only on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. Hibiscus - The Hibiscus is Hawaii's most outstanding flower. More than thirty-three varieties have been brought from other countries, and by crossing these with one another and with three native species, more than five thousand horticultural varieties have now been produced. One such native variety, known as the Hawaiian flag, has red petals striped with white. In Hawaii, bouquets are sometimes made by mounting the flowers on midribs of coconut leaflets and on strips of bamboo, or by grouping them in flat decorations on tables. They do not need to be placed in water to last. Hibiscus buds are often picked in the early morning, put in an ice box, and brought out to open in the evening for a special celebration. Image Size: 11.75 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 19.5 in. Unframed. (B05074)

Charles J. Berger (American, 1922 - 2012) "Blacksmith" Signed lower left. Original Acrylic painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 13c Blacksmith stamp issued July 4, 1977. Like other American civilians with valuable skills, the Blacksmith made important contributions in support of troops in the field during the Revolution. America's War for Independence was fought with handmade tools and weapons. Chances are, if it was made from iron, the Blacksmith made it. In the artwork, the Blacksmith is working a tomahawk -- a small ax used for chopping wood for fires or building barricades; it was also a weapon. He also supplied troops with iron work for cannon, carriages, horseshoes, chains, pikes, and literally hundreds of other items. Before the Revolution, the Blacksmith forged wherever iron work was necessary to any settlement. He made everyday things such as nails and was called upon to repair iron tools of all sorts. If a Blacksmith was inclined to produce something decorative, he might try his hand at a scroll hinge, modeling it after some European design he admired. The Blacksmith was above all a versatile fellow. In a capital such as Williamsburg, Virginia, he might have to repair surgical instruments. With fire and anvil the Blacksmith forged the implements of peace and war and perhaps if he read his Bible, he looked forward to forging farm implements in abundance. As with the other civilian craftsmen, freedom was worth any sacrifice. Image Size: 12 x 13.5 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 20 in. Unframed. (B05215)

Zhang Kerang (Chinese, B. 1937) "Sika Doe & Fawn" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This watercolor appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 60fen Sika Doe and Fawn stamp issued July 18, 1980. Traveling for ten months of the year in hind groups consisting of only females and fawns, the lovely Sika Deer can be seen refreshing themselves in the clear, cool mountain streams of the Far East. These strikingly beautiful deer and their respective stag groups are found mostly in northeast China, north China, Inner Mongolia, east China, South China and the Sichuan province, as well as in Japan and the northern part of Korea. The Sika is a social species and, at any time of the year, females are much friendlier and easier to locate than the bucks. As they wander in their feeding groups, both adult females and young deer can be seen indulging in the joyful frolic of play, usually in the form of chasing. The invitation to play often comes with a stiff-legged bounce accompanied by a bobbing of weaving of the head and neck, all displayed in front of the desired playmate. The chase that follows is seldom over any great distance, but usually consists of twists and turns in which the role of chaser and the chased is exchanged at a moment's notice. During play, the young display amazing agility, twisting and turning, side stepping and bucking at great speed. It is thought that such play is a vital part of the learning experience. But, on occasion, even the adult females will play, apparently for the simple joy of the game. Play can occur at any time, day or night, and often includes chasing, butting, exploration and mock fighting. Image Size: 10.25 x 8.25 in. Overall Size: 14.5 x 11.75 in. Unframed. (B06399)

Zu Tianli (Chinese, 20th C.) "Year of the Dragon" Original Acrylic on Watercolor Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 8f Year of the Dragon stamp issued January 5, 1988. The Dragon is the only mythical creature among the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. A person born under this sign is thought to be full of vitality and enthusiasm. The Dragon is a popular individual even with the reputation of being foolhardy at times. Dragons are intelligent, gifted and perfectionists, but these qualities make them unduly demanding on others. The years of the Dragon are: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012. Image Size: 12.25 x 11.25 in. Overall Size: 24 x 20 in. Unframed. (B11282)

Paul Calle (American, 1928 - 2010) and Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "The Power of Nature Asserts Itself" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This painting appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 60c The Power of Nature Asserts Itself stamp issued October 15, 1997. The largest and most luxurious ship ever built, the S.S. Titanic was considered unsinkable due to its double-bottomed hull divided into 16 compartments. On April 11, 1912, this state-of-the-art ship departed from Southhampton, England, on its maiden voyage to New York City. Four days later, shortly before midnight, the Titanic collided with an iceberg. The ship sank at 2:20 a.m. on April 15. Because of limited lifeboat space and the fact that a nearby ship failed to receive the Titanic's distress signals, over 1,500 people perished. The disaster led to the first International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea in 1913. Human accomplishments, however well-conceived, are often infinitesimal compared to the power of the natural world. This is the legacy of the Titanic. Image Size: 8.25 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 14.5 x 22.25 in. Unframed. (B15775 / B15776)

Dean Ellis (American, 1920 - 2009) "Killer Whale" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 25c Killer Whale stamp issued October 3, 1990. Carnivores -- on land and in the sea -- have felt the wrath of mankind throughout history. The beautiful black and white Killer Whale is no exception to this rule. The largest of the porpoise family, the Killer Whale has obtained a bad reputation as willing to eat anything in sight including, sometimes, man himself. Even the whale's name is a reflection of that claim. However, the last three decades have drawn a more accurate picture of the strikingly-marked whale. Today, Orcinus orca is found in aquariums throughout the world, where thousands are enthralled by the animal's intelligence and gentleness. Wild Killer Whales eat primarily fish, taking an occasional sea mammal such as a sea lion. Image Size: 18 x 15.5 in. Overall Size: 24 x 24 in. Unframed. (B12249)

Robert Seabeck (American, B. 1945) "1917 Model T Truck" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media on Paper painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Federated States of Micronesia 55c 1917 Model T Truck stamp issued June 4, 1996. In 1896 Henry Ford built his first car -- the Quadricycle. This unique vehicle featured a buggy-type chassis that rolled on bicycle-type tires and weighed only 500 pounds. Reaching a speed of 20 mph, the Quadricycle was powered by a four-horsepower, two-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled engine. It had two forward speeds but no brakes or reverse gear. Henry Ford went on to produce a long line of Ford automobiles. Ford's 1917 Model T truck featured a larger high-set radiator than previous models, as well as crowned fenders and nickel-plated hubcaps. The Tudor sedan was the first Model A built, and was introduced in 1928. This instantly popular automobile could reach a speed of 65 mph. One of Ford's first sporty cars was the 1932 V-8 Sport Roadster, which featured fold-down windshields. These tough cars also had anti-theft locks on the steering columns. In 1941, the Lincoln Continental became a separate model instead of a Zephyr series, and in 1953 the F-100 half-ton pickup -- with a 110-inch wheel base -- debuted. This rugged truck sold for $1,330. A personal luxury cruiser, the Thunderbird convertible was re-introduced as a four-seater in 1958. Today, the 1996 Mercury Sable embodies the essence of aerodynamic engineering and modern automobile design. Image Size: 7.5 x 13.5 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 22.25 in. Unframed. (B15431)

Robert Seabeck (American, B. 1945) "1970 Chevelle SS-454" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media on Paper painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 60c 1970 Chevelle SS 454 stamp issued September 1, 1998. In 1970, long hair, bell bottoms and fast muscle cars were all the rage, and for many, the 1970 Chevelle Super Sport 454 was the muscle car supreme. Its 454-cubic-inch V-8 beast-of-an-engine could churn out a fearsome 450 horsepower. In 1970, 53,599 Super Sport Chevelle models were produced, but only 3,733 had the 454-cubic-inch V-8 engine. Of these, most were standard 454 V-8s that offered 360 horsepower. Only the high-performance, solid-lifter, high-compression LS-6 models, available in limited quantities, produced the coveted 450 horses. "You can make our tough one even tougher," promised Chevy. The ultimate Chevelle, the SS 454 LS-6 was one of the quickest muscle cars ever made -- a formidable adversary for anyone foolish enough to challenge it on a hot summer's night. Image Size: 7.75 x 18.25 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 22.25 in. Unframed. (B15996)

Paul Calle (American, 1928 - 2010) and Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "1900s-The Quest for a Better Future" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 60c Quest for a Better Future Accelerates stamp issued April 15, 1997. The beginning of the 20th century was a time of optimism, confidence, prosperity and peace. Advancing technology in manufacturing, transportation and communication drastically changed the world and the way man lived. A growing number of people were confident that the world was becoming better and better, and that their children would enjoy longer, more prosperous and fulfilling lives. This promise, coupled with adverse conditions at home, inspired less fortunate people to leave their native lands and immigrate to new countries, especially America, in search of their dreams. The children of the 20th century would witness more change than all of the preceding generations combined -- changes that would forever alter man's existence on Earth. Image Size: 13.25 x 16.75 in. Overall Size: 18 x 23.25 in. Unframed. (B15632 / B15634)

Paul Calle (1928 - 2010) and Chris Calle (B. 1961) "1900s-Dawn of Aviation Age" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 60c Dawn of the Aviation Age stamp issued April 15, 1997. The 20th century witnessed the myth of Icarus brought to life with the realization of one of man's oldest dreams -- the ability to fly. Building on the work of previous pioneers of flight, the Wright brothers labored to produce a practical flying machine. On December 17, 1903, at Kill Devil Hills near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright brothers made history's first powered, sustained and controlled airplane flights. The work started by the Wright brothers would eventually lead to space flight, including man's ability to slip "the surly bonds of Earth" and travel to the moon. Today, aircraft have extensive recreational, commercial and military uses, and have helped move the world increasingly toward a global community. Image Size: 10.25 x 14.25 in. Overall Size: 14.5 x 20 in. Unframed. (B15653 / B15654)

Peter Barrett (B. 1935) "Irish Setter" Signed lower right. Watercolor on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Proofcard of the Great Britain 13P Irish Setter stamp issued February 7, 1979. His drum-major stride and silky, mahogany coat make him a popular contender in the show ring. In fact, no dog in the British Isles or the United States is received with more admiration by the audience than a champion Irish Setter. The "show" audience applauds action and they get it when this red Irishman steps smartly before the judge. Traditionally, however, the Irish Setter was bred as a bird dog, and he is still very much an alert and industrious hunter. Indeed, with long legs, speed, and sensitivity, this dog makes a natural field hunter. The Irish Setter evolved in Ireland, where game was not as plentiful as in the United Kingdom, where the weather is more severe, and where the surrounding countryside is much rougher. Because of these factors, the breed is inclined to be more headstong than the other two members of this family, the English and Gordon Setters. The Irish Setter is more demonstrative, therefore he demands more patience in the matter of training. If scolding is necessary, it should be administered in small doses, lest the dog's spirit be broken and his desire to hunt squelched. Importantly, the Irish Setter's first love is his owner's companionship, not hunting birds. When treated as a prized friend, the Irish Setter becomes a true joy as both a hunting companion and a gentle pet. Image Size: 6.75 x 6 in. Overall Size: 11.75 x 12.75 in. Unframed. (B95310)

Zhan Jianjun (China, B. 1931) "Fog in the Stone Forest" Original oil on canvas painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is an original unsigned oil on canvas by Zhan Jianjun that was commissioned directly by Helzer for Unicover. Helmuth Stone Gallery and Wind River Studios both guarantee the authenticity of this piece. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 8fen Fog in the Stone Forest stamp issue of September 18, 1981. Pearl gray light softens the stark outlines of rough cliff walls in China's famous Stone Forest, nature's wonderland carved in rock. Fantasy and enchantment are etched in these unusual stone formations, creating fantastic views and illusions through their everchanging shapes. In a silent, primeval sleep, these strange forms stand like ancient Druids, dark and mysterious. Wisps of fog cling to their rocky faces like spindrift, while a velvet mantle of clouds shrouds them in opaque serenity. Feathery vines garland their craggy ridges with mauve and violet fringe, bringing a delicate, fragile brightness to the lifeless, unreal forms. As haunted air entwines these stone ghosts of antiquity with a heather mist, one has the impression of being in another world, a world of mysterious secrets waiting to be uncovered. The infinity of patterns and hues of the rock formations in the Stone Forest opens a new world of boundless vision to the visitor. Indeed, what can be seen here is limited only by the imagination, varied by the subtle and shifting moods of the days and seasons. Split and carved as if by some magic power into fantastic and even grotesque shapes, the cliffs of China's Stone Forest are pictured in this artwork in a veiled mist. Imbued with the mystery and fantasy of nature, the age-old secrets of these mysterious formations await the thoughtful discovery of contemplation and imagination. Image Size: 27.5 x 23.5 in. Overall Size: 28 x 24.25 in. (B07309)

Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Cape Hatteras Lighthouse" Signed lower center. Oil on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 25c Cape Hatteras stamp issued April 26, 1990. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse lies at the crook of a bending arm of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina known as the Outer Banks. The turbulent waters and shifting sandbars of nearby Diamond Shoals have vexed mariners for centuries, and many a voyage has ended here in tragedy as storm and shoal conspired to defeat even the most experienced navigator. In an attempt to assist these hardy sailors, a lighthouse has been signaling from Cape Hatteras since 1803, but the lighthouse itself may soon become a victim of the sea. In its early days, more than a mile of beach protected the brick tower of the lighthouse from the threat of the sea. By the time a taller lighthouse replaced the original in 1870, about fifteen hundred feet of beach remained. Today, at high tide in winter, the beach may only measure one hundred fifty feet. Over the years, attempts have been made to halt the encroachment of the sea. The base of the more than two hundred foot high structure -- it is the tallest brick lighthouse in the nation -- buffered against the sea's attack by large nylon sandbags. Further, the beach has been replenished several times, sand fences have been planted to help build dunes, and artificial seaweed has been positioned offshore to create a sandbar to reduce wave erosion. In the future, rescue efforts like these may be funded at least in part through the efforts of concerned groups like The Lighthouse Preservation Society. Image Size: 12.5 x 17.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 19.5 in. Unframed. (B12267)