Scott No: 1811-1812
Serial number: J84
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: September 29, 1982
Denomination: 78 fen
Designer: Wan Weisheng
Size of stamps: 27*60mm
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 35 (7*5)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J84 "10th Anniversary of the Normalization of Sino-Japanese Relations" commemorative stamps were issued on September 29, 1982. The set consists of 2 stamps, printed by photogravure, designed by Wan Weisheng, with original paintings by Guan Shanyue and Xiao Shufang, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. Stamp size 27 mm × 60 mm, perforation gauge 11, 35 stamps per sheet.

Theme of the Set

On September 29, 1972, China and Japan issued a joint statement and achieved the normalization of diplomatic relations, ending the long abnormal state between the two countries. This set was issued to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations. It selects famous flowers representing the two countries respectively, using flowers as metaphors for the countries, and conveying the vision of the two countries being close neighbors separated only by a strip of water, enjoying good-neighborly friendship, and the peoples being friendly from generation to generation.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Plum Blossom

Taken from a Chinese painting by Guan Shanyue. The plum blossom is a traditional famous flower of China, braving snow and frost with noble integrity, and is a symbol of the Chinese national spirit. In the image red plum blossoms bloom on gnarled branches, with vigorous brushwork, fully displaying the plum blossom's tenacious and elegant temperament, representing China. The two years 1972 and 1982 are marked at the top of the stamp, indicating the ten-year milestone.

Hibiscus

Taken from a Chinese painting by Xiao Shufang. The hibiscus, also called zhujin, was used in ancient times to refer to Japan, and is a representative flower of Japan. In the image the hibiscus flowers are bright and full, with flowers and leaves spreading out warm and gentle, representing Japan and implying mutual respect and friendly coexistence between the two countries.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts a narrow vertical scroll format, with the two stamps having one dark and one light background color, echoing each other. Using original Chinese paintings on the stamps, with freehand brushwork and elegant charm. Using flowers as symbols of the two countries is subtle and gentle, avoiding complicated narrative elements, and expressing the theme of good-neighborly friendship through traditional Eastern aesthetics. It is a classic commemorative stamp on a diplomatic theme.