Scott No: 2109
Serial number: J142
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: September 5, 1987
Denomination: 8 fen
Designers: Cheng Youlin, Liu Xiufeng
Size of stamps: 27*40mm
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 50(10*5)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J142 "China Art Festival" commemorative stamp was issued on September 5, 1987. The set consists of 1 stamp, printed by photogravure, with a stamp size of 27 × 40 mm, perforation gauge 11, and 50 stamps per sheet (10 × 5). Designed by Chen Youlin and Liu Xiufeng, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

The first China Art Festival was held in Beijing, gathering various art categories such as opera, music, fine arts, and dance, and presenting the achievements of China's literary and artistic creation in a concentrated way. This stamp was issued in conjunction with the opening of the Art Festival. Using calligraphy as its carrier, it highlights the time-honored heritage of Chinese art, carries forward the nation's excellent culture, and promotes the development of domestic literary and artistic exchange.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

China Art Festival

The design uses a bright red background dotted with scattered gold specks. The main subject is the traditional Chinese character "艺" (art) in running script by Mi Fu of the Northern Song dynasty, and the Art Festival emblem is printed in the upper right corner. The emblem's form is distorted so that it resembles both a person holding flowers and a bird spreading its wings, implying the vigorous development of art.

Artistic Design Features

Traditional calligraphy serves as the main visual, and the bright red background sets off a festive and enthusiastic atmosphere. The seal-script and calligraphic flavor is rich. The composition is concise and condensed, combining traditional calligraphy art with a modern festival emblem, with a distinctive national style, antique and elegant.