Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Siamese and Exotic Shorthair Cats" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting 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 U.S. 22c Siamese and Exotic Shorthair Cats stamp issued February 5, 1988. Perhaps the most talked about of all domestic cats is the mysterious Siamese. Descended from the "royal cats of Siam," these felines once inhabited the spectacular palaces of Thailand (Siam) as sacred guests. Their appeal may well be based on their affectionate natures, and though their voices are mournful and nagging, they use them to "talk" to their human friends, making these cats appear almost human themselves. Long and slim, the Siamese has a short, sleek coat and almond-shaped eyes of a sapphire hue. Because of their beauty, grace and gentle dispositions, Siamese Cats are among the most desired cats of all. The Exotic Shorthair, on the other hand, is a domestic cat, related to the Persian. Like other domestic shorthaired cats, this breed is proud and fearless, but with an easygoing, faithful nature which is so characteristic of the shorthair breeds. For show, this cat should display ears well set apart and rounded at the tip, a squared chin, rounded eyes and a broad, full-cheeked face. With a muscular body and broad chest, the Exotic Shorthair is generally an excellent show cat. Many cities sponsor such shows with national associations setting the accepted standards for judging. But show, or not, these two breeds of cat will always have the attention of American pet-owners, because of their exceptional good looks and interesting traits. Image Size: 13.75 x 12 in. Overall Size: 22.25 x 20.25 in. Unframed. (B11370) See More