Scott No: 1912-1914
Serial number: T94
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: May 15, 1984
Denomination: 96 fen
Designers: Li Yinqing
Size of stamps: 40*30mm
Perforation: 11*11.5
Sheet composition: 50(5*10)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T94 "Crested Ibis" special stamps were issued on May 15, 1984. The set consists of 3 stamps, printed by photogravure, designed by Li Yinqing, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

The crested ibis, called the "zhu lu" in ancient times, has the reputation of being the "jewel of the East." It is a rare and endangered bird species in the world and was once on the verge of disappearance. China rediscovered a wild population of crested ibises in Yang County, Shaanxi. This set uses the occasion to popularize knowledge about the crested ibis among the public, call on the whole society to value the protection of rare birds, safeguard the homeland of wild animals and plants, and present the beautiful picture of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Soaring

The crested ibis spreads its wings and soars through the sky, with a red crown and white feathers, and its wing feathers glowing with a warm orange luster. The background is blue sky and distant mountains, displaying its light and graceful flying posture.

Wading

The crested ibis stands alone in a shallow stream, surrounded by lush vegetation. It stands quietly—a typical appearance of the crested ibis foraging and resting in wetlands.

Perching

Two crested ibises perch on branches in the woods, one standing and one lying down, leaning close to each other, restoring their life scenes of nest-building, breeding, and perching together.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts a realistic watercolor painting style, with delicate and soft colors. The three stamps are paired respectively with the different natural environments of spring, summer, and autumn, completely presenting the crested ibis's life states of flying, wading, and perching. The images blend the bird's graceful posture with the mountain and field environment, vivid and expressive. It is a classic work among JT animal-themed stamps and also carries the important significance of China's early crested ibis protection publicity.