Zhan Gengxi (Chinese, B. 1941) "Black-necked Crane Flapping Its Wings" Signed and stamped lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. To the Chinese people, many varieties of birds are considered symbolic. The golden pheasant, for example, is associated with royalty, denoting glory, splendor, wealth and rank. The beautiful kingfisher, too, is fraught with symbolism. Its jade-colored feathers represent nobility and fortune. The crane is considered a meaningful bird in China as well. One writer comments that cranes are best known as symbols of longevity. Still others report that Chinese mythology describes the birds as emblems of justice. China's Black-necked Crane is also reputed to denote the ideas of friendship and peace. Though at one time naturalists could easily count thousands of Black-necked Cranes wintering in China's Y?nnan province, they have become noticeably fewer in number. Conservation efforts in both countries seek to preserve these striking birds for the future. Only time will tell if they will be successful. Image Size: 11.25 x 12.5 in. Sheet Size: 12.25 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 16 x 20 in. Unframed. (B14739)