Zhang Kerang (Chinese, B. 1937) "Sika Stag" Signed lower right. Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 4fen Sika Stag Head stamp issued July 18, 1980. Standing majestically atop a mountain ledge, the setting sun reflecting from his glistening fur, the stag Sika Deer displays the antlers that give him prowess within the herd. Among the world's threatened species, the Sika Deer of the Far East is a truly exquisite animal. Of thirteen sub-species, three are found in China, inhabiting the hilly forest areas. In summer, the skin is covered with chestnut-red hair and many delicate snow-white spots in the shape of plum blossoms. In winter, the hair turns dark brown and the spots become less conspicuous. The male of this species is the only one to grow antlers, which are used as a display to attract females and to intimidate rivals: the larger and more powerful the antlers, the greater the dominance within the herd. For ten months of the year, stags travel in segregated groups. Hind groups, consisting of females and young deer, roam a different range at this time. Groups vary in size, usually comprising fewer than twenty individuals. In late September, these feeding groups break up and stags may wander considerable distances to find the hind groups. Meanwhile, their antlers have grown through the summer and now, in autumn, are hard, ready for the challenges of the breeding season. Manchurian Sika are known to deliberatly accumulate vegetation on their antlers to make them even more impressive to the female. The following year, in later winter or early summer, the antlers are cast off as a new set begins to grow and the breeding cycle repeats itself. Image Size: 10.25 x 8.25 in. Overall Size: 14.5 x 11.75 in. Unframed. (B06398)