Scott No: 2134-35
Serial number: J146
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: January 16, 1988
Denomination: 28 fen
Designers: Liu Xiangping
Size of stamps: 40*30mm
Perforation: 11*11.5
Sheet composition: 50(5*10)
Printing process: Engraving and photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J146 "80th Anniversary of the Birth of Comrade Tao Zhu" commemorative stamps were issued on January 16, 1988. The set consists of 2 stamps, printed by photogravure, with a stamp size of 40 × 30 mm, perforation gauge 11, and 50 stamps per sheet (5 × 10). Designed by Liu Xiangping and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

Tao Zhu was a great proletarian revolutionary and statesman who devoted himself over the long term to revolutionary struggle and the cause of New China's construction. Upright in style and mindful of the people, he made important contributions both during the revolutionary war years and in local construction posts. This set commemorates the 80th anniversary of Tao Zhu's birth, recalling his revolutionary career and honoring his lofty qualities of loyalty, candor, and selfless dedication.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Portrait of Comrade Tao Zhu

The image is a half-length portrait of Tao Zhu, with a resolute and calm expression. Tao Zhu devoted himself to the revolution in his early years and, through arduous struggles, always held firm to his revolutionary faith.

A Broad Mind When Selfless

The image centers on Tao Zhu leaning over his desk, with his poetic line "A broad mind when selfless, the world is wide" in the background. This famous line, from his poem "To Zeng Zhi," is a vivid portrayal of his open, magnanimous spirit and his devotion to public duty.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts a realistic portrait painting style, weighty and plain. The background of the portrait stamp is simple, focusing on depicting the character's firm and steady temperament; the poetry stamp blends scene and feeling, with a subtle and profound poetic quality. The tones are solemn and peaceful, the figure is vividly depicted, and the stamps are full of respect for the veteran proletarian revolutionaries.