Scott No: 1900
Serial number: T90
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: January 5, 1984
Denomination: 8 fen
Designers: Li Yinqing
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

T90 "Jiazi Year" special stamp was issued on January 5, 1984. The set consists of 1 stamp, printed by photogravure combined with engraving. The original painting was by Zhan Tong, the stamp was designed by Li Yinqing, the seal-script inscription was by Zhou Zhewen, the engraving was by Hu Zhenyuan, and it was printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

This stamp belongs to the first round of zodiac stamps. Jiazi is the first of the sexagenary cycle, and the rat (zi) ranks first among the twelve zodiac animals. In folk custom, the rat symbolizes vitality and abundance and implies the beginning of all things and the renewal of all phenomena, carrying the New Year wishes of bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new and of auspiciousness and smoothness.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

Jiazi (Rat)

The background color of the design is a bright warm yellow, with a small rat crouching within it. Its body is round and full, its ears broad, and its cheeks carry a faint blush. The lines are outlined with black-and-white hatching, and its long tail stretches out lively and agile. As the first of the twelve zodiac animals, the rat represents the beginning of the cycle, and there is also a folk saying that the rat portends a bumper year.

Artistic Design Features

The design adopts a cartoon decorative style, downplaying the negative impression of the rat and creating a naive, nimble, lively, and lovable image. The photogravure-plus-engraving process gives the lines delicate layers, and the hatching is full of rhythm. A red seal-script seal is placed in the upper left corner, with a rich classical Chinese flavor. It is a classic rat stamp full of childlike charm in the first zodiac round.