Yu Ren: Lion Head Camellias

Artist: (Mrs.) Ren Yu
1945 -
Nationality: Chinese
Artwork Year: 1979
Image Size: 11.5 by 10.5 inches
Overall Size: 20.25 by 14 inches
Medium: Water Color on Water Color Paper

Brilliant red flowers characterize the Lion Head Camellia. Among the thickly twisted petals, stamens bunch in small groups, providing golden blotches of color within the deep red blossoms. To the Chinese, the stamens represents hearts, and they call the Lion Head "Nine Hearts and Eighteen Petals." The lovely Lion Head blossoms grow from one of the taller Camellia trees. Like all the Camellia trees, they grow slowly, especially when young. However, when planted in moist, acid, peaty soil, and protected from the wind, a well-grown Camellia reaches approximately ten feet in twenty years. Perhaps these leisurely growing habits add to their longevity, because many Camellias live hundreds of years. In a temple garden, near Kunming, Yunnan's capital, one Camellia tree is reputed to be over three hundred years old and five hundred feet tall. At one time, western gardeners knew nothing of these Chinese beauties. In 1704, Georg Kamel, a Jesuit priest serving in China, discovered the Camellia. There is some doubt that Kamel, whom the flowers were named after, ever brought a Camellia back to Eurpe, but as the trading routes expanded, the treasured flowers found their way to other countries. Today, Camellias similar to the Lion Head, thrive as well in New York greenhouses as they do in California's sun-filled gardens.

This artwork originally appeared on the Fleetwood® First Day of Issue Proofcard of the China 8fen Lion Head Camellia stamp issued November 10, 1979.

Artwork Copyright © 1979 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB05682

US$ Price: $950.00

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