Zeng Xiaolian (B. 1939) "Rhododendron Rex" Original First Day Cover watercolor painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This watercolor was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 1.60fen Rhododendron stamp issued June 25, 1991. Born in 1939 in Yunnan Province, Zeng Xiao Lian is a talented Chinese artist. He worked as a senior engineer of the Botanical Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences. In addition, Zeng Xiao Lian received artistic training in Beijing. The artist has painted a series of beautiful botanical images of flowers and birds. These accurate detailed images have been published in more than fifty books, including Flora of China, Flora and Rhododendrons Yunnan and others. Paintings by Zeng Xiao Lian participated in numerous national exhibitions in China, as well as in the United States, Canada and Australia. Rhododendrons such as the R. rex are propagated chiefly by cutting. Gardeners use seeds, layering, grafting and cutting to produce their desired results. Seeds are used specifically for breeding new varieties or for multiplying existing species. Layering is a lengthy process that involves rooting a branch while it is still attached to the mother plant. In recent years, grafting has been superceded by cutting, which speedily produces new plants from late summer and fall cuttings. Image Size: 9.75 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 12 x 13.75 in. Unframed. (B13055) See More