Zeng Xiaolian (B. 1939) "Rhododendron Agglutinatum" Original Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 50fen 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. R. agglutinatum is native to China, bearing shocks of reddish-pink flowers that stand out stunningly against the deep, rich green of its leaves. Its striking beauty can be found brightening much of China, especially the moist, humid mountains near the Malay Peninsula. Gardeners find this plant grows best in partial shade, sheltered from strong winds. It does poorly in alkaline soils, preferring an acid soil rich in organic material. Image Size: 9.75 x 12.75 in. Overall Size: 12 x 13.75 in. Unframed. (B13053)