Scott No: -
Serial number: R22a
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: September 30, 1982
Denomination: 22 fen
Size of stamps: 26*31mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 100(10*10)
Printing process: Photogravure with Phosphor Bands
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

R22a "Scenery of the Motherland Ordinary Stamps (Phosphorescent)" ordinary stamps were issued on September 30, 1982. The set consists of 3 stamps, printed by photogravure, designed by Jiang Weijie, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. Stamp size 26 mm × 31 mm, perforation gauge 11.5, 100 stamps per sheet.

Theme of the Set

This set consists of phosphorescent stamps printed with phosphorescent bars added on the basis of the Pu 22 "Scenery of the Motherland" ordinary stamps. The purpose of issuance was to work with automatic letter-sorting equipment, using the number of phosphorescent bars to distinguish mail categories, realizing automated letter sorting and improving postal processing efficiency. They are experimental stamps from the exploratory stage of China's postal automation.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Hainan Scenery

The main subject of the design is coconut trees on the southern seaside, tall and straight against the blue sea and sky. Phosphorescent bars are printed vertically on the stamp face, visible under ultraviolet light and suited to automatic sorting identification.

The Great Wall

The main subject of the design is the Great Wall winding among lofty mountains, a landmark cultural landscape of China representing the northern land, paired with a corresponding number of phosphorescent bars.

Northeast Forest Sea

The image presents the dense primeval forests of the Greater Khingan Mountains, with continuous trees and verdant greenery everywhere, expressing the appearance of the Northeast forest region; it likewise bears phosphorescent identification bars.

Artistic Design Features

The set continues the fresh, realistic landscape painting style of R22, with simple and lively images and scenery restored to its natural appearance. The phosphorescent bars are superimposed vertically on the stamp face without damaging the main landscape subject, balancing the practical function of postal sorting with the visual appeal of the picture. It is a classic variety among China's early phosphorescent stamps.