Wan Weisheng (Chinese, B. 1932) "Four Whooper Swans in Flight" Signed lower right. Tempera on Original Watercolor Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the China 80f Whooper Swans stamp issue of November 18, 1983. The Xinjiang Swan Protection Area in China is rich in abundant wildlife. More than fifty species of waterbirds make their home on the large lake and marshy areas of the reserve. One of the most beautiful residents of Xinjiang is the noble Whooper Swan. Swimming through the marshes and tall bending reeds to the many islands on Swan Lake, the graceful Whooper Swans are truly a beautiful sight. Adorned with pure white plumage, the Whooper Swan is regarded as a bird of stately elegance. Perhaps it was the great beauty of the Whooper Swan that inspired the Asian folktale of the Swan Maiden. This enchanting legend tells of a gentle maiden with a magical feathered robe and a young prince who falls in love with her. After the prince and the maiden are married, the couple fall under a magical spell. The prince eventually breaks the spell, but the girl he loved ... dressed in her magical feathered robe ... becomes a graceful swan gliding across the crystal waters of eternity. Today, the Whooper Swan makes its home in many parts of Asia and Europe, enhancing the beauty of lakes, ponds and waterways. Image Size: 14.5 x 16.75 in. Overall Size: 15.5 x 17.5 in. Unframed. (B08242)