Scott No: 1764
Serial number: T70
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: January 5, 1982
Denomination: 8 fen
Designer: Zhou Linzhao
Engraver: Gao Pinzhang
Size of stamps: 26*31mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 80(8*10)
Printing process: Engraving and photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T70 "Renxu Year" special stamp was issued on January 5, 1982. The set consists of 1 stamp, printed by photogravure combined with engraving, designed by Zhou Lingzhao, engraved by Gao Pinzhang, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. It belongs to the first round of zodiac stamps.

Theme of the Set

Renxu corresponds to the zodiac dog. In traditional folk custom, the dog symbolizes loyal guardianship and auspicious peace. This stamp presents the zodiac dog in the art form of folk ceramic decoration, carrying the beautiful meanings of New Year well-being and household peace. It is a highly distinctive stamp in the first zodiac series.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

Renxu Year (Dog)

The background color is a transparent sapphire blue, and the main subject is a black dog, full and sturdy in form. The little dog stands with its head raised, its long tongue hanging out, a collar with a bell around its neck, floral patterns dotted on its body, and its curled tail raised. The image draws on the decorative style of folk clay sculpture and porcelain painting, vivid and plain, full of rustic flavor. A red seal-script seal is placed in the lower left corner, with the seal text "Renxu," indicating the sexagenary year.

Artistic Design Features

The design draws on the decorative language of folk porcelain painting, with concise and generalized lines and naive, full forms. The photogravure-plus-engraving process is solid, depicting the layers of fur and patterns in place, with bright color contrasts. The design breaks out of the realistic framework and is rich in folk charm. It is a classic dog stamp in the first round of zodiac stamps, and a matching stamp booklet was also issued at the same time.