Scott No: 2125
Serial number: T122
Values in set:
Date of issue: December 10, 1987
Denomination: 300 fen
Designers: Pan Keming
Size of S/S: 92*165mm
Size of stamps: 80*52mm
Perforation: without Perforation
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Print technical research institute of People's Bank of of China

T122 "Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng" special stamp souvenir sheet was issued on December 10, 1987. The set consists of 1 souvenir sheet, printed by offset and indirect intaglio, with a souvenir sheet size of 92 × 165 mm and an inner stamp of 80 × 52 mm, imperforate and without gum, with a face value of 3 yuan. Designed by Shao Bolin, engraved by Sun Hongnian, and printed by the Printing Science and Technology Research Institute of the People's Bank of China.

Theme of the Set

The chime bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng were unearthed from the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng of the early Warring States period in Suizhou, Hubei. They are a bronze ritual and musical treasure that astonished the world, featuring one bell producing two tones and a complete set of twelve pitches, corroborating the ritual and music civilization of the pre-Qin era and the superb achievements in bronze casting and temperament. This souvenir sheet takes the national-treasure chime bells as its theme, showcasing the splendor of pre-Qin ritual and music culture and highlighting the outstanding achievements of ancient Chinese music and metallurgical craftsmanship. It is a classic among cultural-relic-themed stamps.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng

The main subject of the design is the complete set of chime bells, hung in three tiers and eight groups on an L-shaped bronze-and-wood frame. The upper-tier button bells, the middle-tier yong bells, and the large lower-tier yong bells are clearly arranged. The bell bodies are covered with gold-inlaid inscriptions recording knowledge of pitch and musical temperament. The border decoration uses the panchi pattern of ancient bronzes, and gold-script inscriptions are placed above, restoring the antique appearance of Warring States bronze patterns. The chime bells number 65 in total, with a wide range, capable of modulation and transposition and of performing complete musical pieces. They are physical testimony to the ritual and music system of the pre-Qin era.

Artistic Design Features

The engraving is delicate and solid, accurately restoring the weighty texture of the bronze artifacts, and the ancient bronze tones are steady and dignified. The border patterns, gold-script inscriptions, and the main chime bells echo one another, with an antique and imposing composition. The printing craftsmanship of this stamp is excellent, and it was voted the Best Printed Stamp of the year. Restrained and elegant, it fully presents the vigorous charm of this pre-Qin ritual and music treasure within the square inch of a stamp.