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)