Scott No: 1813
Serial number: J80
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: October 16, 1982
Denomination: 8 fen
Designer: Zou Jianjun
Size of stamps: 31*38.5mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 50 (10*5)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J80 "World Food Day" commemorative stamp was issued on October 16, 1982. The set consists of 1 stamp, printed by photogravure, designed by Zou Jianjun, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. Stamp size 31 mm × 38.5 mm, perforation gauge P11.5.

Theme of the Set

In 1979, the Conference of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization designated October 16 of each year as "World Food Day." At the time, the global population was growing rapidly, and in many developing countries food production could not keep pace with population growth, making the contradiction between food supply and demand prominent. The purpose of establishing this commemorative day is to raise global attention to food and agricultural production and to promote the comprehensive development of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries. China issued this stamp to echo the international initiative and convey the concept of valuing food production.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

World Food Day

In the foreground of the design are tall, striking golden wheat ears, supported on left and right by two wheat leaves. Behind the wheat ears is superimposed an oblate globe, and in front of the globe are juxtaposed silhouettes of figures of three different skin colors—yellow, white, and black. Drawing on the art form of folk silhouettes, they represent people of all races in the world and imply that all humanity pays attention to the food issue together. In the upper left corner of the stamp is the emblem of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and at the top is printed the thematic text "World Food Day." The overall background color is grass green, symbolizing life and hope.

Artistic Design Features

The design uses the decorative technique of color-block contrast, with concise and generalized lines. The golden wheat ears, grass-green background, and human silhouettes set off one another, with a dignified and elegant composition, strong contrast yet quiet harmony. It transforms the worldwide food issue into an accessible visual language, with distinct characteristics of the times. It is a classic commemorative stamp on an international agricultural theme.