Scott No: 1239-41
Serial number: T15
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: September 26, 1975
Denomination: 59 fen
Designer: Lu Tianjiao, Song Huimin
Size of stamps:
40*30mm for Value 1, 3;
30*40mm for Value 2
Perforation:
11*11.5 for Value 1, 3;
11.5*11 for Value 2
Sheet composition:
50(5*10) for Value 1, 3;
50(10*5) for Value 2
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T15 "The Chinese Mountaineering Team Conquers Mount Everest Again" special stamps were issued on September 26, 1975. The set consists of 3 stamps, printed by photogravure, designed by Lu Tianjiao and Song Huimin, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. The 1st and 3rd stamps measure 40 mm × 30 mm, perforation gauge 11 × 11.5, 50 stamps per sheet; the 2nd stamp measures 30 mm × 40 mm, perforation gauge 11.5 × 11, 50 stamps per sheet.

Theme of the Set

On May 27, 1975, nine members of the Chinese Mountaineering Team (including the woman member Pan Duo) successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest from the north slope. This ascent also completed an on-site measurement of Everest's elevation and was a major breakthrough in the history of China's mountaineering and scientific expeditions. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications issued this special set to record this historic climbing feat, display the mountaineers' climbing spirit of fearing no severe cold, fearing no hardships and dangers, and fighting tenaciously, and highlight New China's achievements in high-mountain exploration and scientific research on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Beautiful Mount Everest

The design is a photographic image of Everest: the pyramid-shaped snow peak stands majestically, the mountain body is covered in white snow, clouds and mist surround it, and the blue sky is clear. It presents Everest's majestic and magnificent natural appearance and sets off the tremendous momentum of the world's highest peak.

With Revolutionary Aspirations, Bravely Scale the World's Peak

With Everest as the background, the design depicts the collective image of the nine mountaineers who reached the summit. Leading the way is the woman mountaineer Pan Duo; the members wear heavy mountaineering suits and hold red flags, with high-spirited and heroic expressions, freezing the scene of all members meeting in victory at the summit.

The Five-Star Red Flag Flies Again at the Top of the Earth

The design centers on a close-up of the mountaineers: at the top of Everest, the members hold high the five-star red flag, which stands out brightly against the high-altitude blue sky. It expresses the exciting moment of successful summit and the national flag standing at the top of the world, with a clear theme of winning glory for the country.

Artistic Design Features

The set combines the two expressive forms of photography and painting. The first stamp uses an original photograph, realistic and weighty; the latter two are painted creations, with vivid and full depiction of figures and strong color contrasts. The three stamps progress layer by layer from the distant view of the peak, to the group portrait of the members, to the close-up of the figures, with a coherent narrative sequence. It is a classic work among New China's mountaineering-themed stamps.