Ren Yu (B. 1945) "White Camellias" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. Although it is native to the forests and gardens of the Far East, the Camellia has long been a favorite in the Western world as well. The first Camellias to be exported from China to England were probably owned by Lord Petre, a collector of rare plants. However, these flowers promptly died when planted in the warm conditions of a greenhouse. Occasionally, sailors from the British East India Company would bring the lovely Camellias home from their exciting voyages to the exotic East. Their tales of manicured gardens and brilliantly hued blossoms dangling pendant-like from forest trees no doubt painted vivid mental pictures for hopeful gardeners and quickened European interest in the elegant flowers. However, it took the enchanting novel La Dame aux Cam?lias to raise the flower to the romantic vogue it so long enjoyed in Europe. This enthralling book, based on a true story, tells the tale of Alphonsine Plessis, a girl loved by both the composer Liszt and the novel's author Dumas. When the young woman, who often wore Camellias in her hair, died at the age of twenty-two, heartbroken mourners covered her grave with her favorite blossom. Soon, Camellias became the rage in Europe and many flower dealers made their fortunes speculating in new species. The Camellia was first introduced in the United States in 1797. Over the years, the blossoms have become just as popular here as they were in Europe. Image Size: 9.25 x 10.75 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 15.75 in. Unframed. (B05685)