Scott No: 2110-15
Serial number: T120
Values in set: 6
Date of issue: September 25, 1987
Denomination: 144 fen
Designers: Lou Jiaben
Size of stamps: 31*38.5mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 50(10*5)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T120 "Ancient Chinese Myths" special stamps were issued on September 25, 1987. The set consists of 6 stamps, printed by photogravure, with a stamp size of 31 × 38.5 mm, perforation gauge 11.5, and 50 stamps per sheet. Designed by Lou Jiaben and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

The set selects six ancient mythological stories that have been passed down for ages and recorded in ancient texts such as the Classic of Mountains and Seas and the Huainanzi. Unfolding in sequence from the creation of the world, the creation of humanity, the elimination of evils, the flight to the moon, the pursuit of the sun, and the filling of the sea, it presents the ancients' imagination of the origin of heaven and earth and of all natural things, and praises the national spirit of pioneering, resistance, dedication, and perseverance. It is a classic set on mythological themes.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Pangu Creates the World

The image depicts Pangu pushing apart the chaotic heaven and earth, his body transforming into all things in the world. Pangu is the creator god who splits the chaos, divides yin and yang, and opens the universe.

Nüwa Creates Humanity

The image shows Nüwa with a human head and snake body, molding humanity from yellow earth. Nüwa is the progenitor of humankind; besides creating humanity, she is also associated with the legend of smelting stones to mend the sky.

Hou Yi Shoots Down the Nine Suns

The image shows Hou Yi drawing his bow and shooting down the nine suns. In remote antiquity, ten suns rose together and the earth was scorched; Yi shot down nine of them, eliminating the drought and saving the people.

Chang'e Flies to the Moon

The image shows Chang'e, sleeves flying, flying toward the moon palace. Hou Yi obtained the elixir of immortality, and after Chang'e took it, she flew to the moon palace—a well-known romantic myth.

Kuafu Chases the Sun

The image depicts Kuafu striding toward the sun, staff in hand. Kuafu resolved to chase the sun; though he died of thirst on the way, his staff transformed into a peach grove, symbolizing unyielding pursuit.

Jingwei Fills the Sea

The image shows the bird Jingwei carrying stones in its beak and dropping them into the sea above the waves. The daughter of the Yan Emperor drowned in the sea and transformed into the bird Jingwei, who day after day carries wood and stones, resolved to fill up the sea—representing an unyielding will.

Artistic Design Features

The set draws on the antique decorative style of painted pottery, rock art, and Shang and Zhou bronze patterns, with exaggerated and fantastical forms and intense, sharply contrasting colors. The images are full of primitive romantic imagination and a strong national antique flavor. The six stories are coherent and unified in style. It is one of the most artistically accomplished sets among JT stamps.