Scott No: 1832
Serial number: T80
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: January 5, 1983
Denomination: 8 fen
Designer: Lu Tianjiao
Engraver: Zhao Shunyi
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

T80 "Guihai Year" special stamp was issued on January 5, 1983. The set consists of 1 stamp, printed by photogravure combined with engraving. The original painting was by Han Meilin, designed by Lu Tianjiao, engraved by Zhao Shunyi, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. It belongs to the first round of zodiac stamps.

Theme of the Set

Guihai is a year in the sexagenary cycle, and hai corresponds to the zodiac pig. In folk custom, the pig is regarded as a symbol of abundance and auspiciousness, implying a long life and a bountiful year and the peace and health of the whole family. This stamp presents the zodiac pig in the form of folk art, carrying the beautiful wishes for New Year auspiciousness and an abundant harvest of all grains.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

Guihai Year (Pig)

The little pig's form is exaggerated and full, with a big head and small body, chest out and striding forward, looking back over its shoulder, lively and agile in posture. The pig's body is painted with red peaches and green leaves; the peach is a traditional auspicious pattern, implying harvest and longevity. A red seal-script seal is placed in the upper left corner, full of rustic folk flavor.

Artistic Design Features

The design draws on the decorative style of folk paper-cutting and shadow puppetry, with bright and varied colors and concise, generalized lines. The photogravure-plus-engraving process gives the picture rich layers, with delicate engraving and naive, interesting forms. It is a highly distinctive pig stamp in the first zodiac round.