Scott No: 2158-59
Serial number: J151
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: July 20, 1988
Denomination: 38 fen
Designers: Wang Huming
Size of stamps: 40*30mm
Perforation: 11*11.5
Sheet composition: 50 (5*10)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J151 "The 11th Asian Games, Beijing 1990 (Series I)" commemorative stamps were issued on July 20, 1988. The set consists of 2 stamps, printed by photogravure, with a stamp size of 40 × 30 mm, perforation gauge 11 × 11.5, and 50 stamps per sheet (5 × 10). Designed by Wang Huming and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

This is the opening set of the Beijing Asian Games stamp series. The 1990 Beijing Asian Games was the first comprehensive international sports event hosted by China. This group first issues the two core symbols—the emblem and the mascot—to convey the Asian Games aims of unity, friendship, and progress, to show the Asian countries China's sincerity in hosting the event, and to pave the way for the subsequent two sets on venues and competition events, arousing society-wide attention to the Asian Games.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Asian Games Emblem

The main subject of the design is the emblem of the 11th Asian Games. Above is the sun emblem of the Olympic Council of Asia, and below is interwoven with the Great Wall pattern. The Great Wall form also constitutes the Roman numeral XI, representing the 11th Asian Games; the Great Wall also symbolizes Chinese civilization, implying that the peoples of Asia are linked in friendship through the bond of sport.

Asian Games Mascot

The image shows the mascot, the giant panda Panpan, smiling and holding up an Asian Games medal. The panda is China's national treasure, and Panpan means hoping for peace, hoping for friendship, and hoping for outstanding results. It was a classic image known to every household at the time.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts a concise and lively decorative painting style, with clean images and prominent subjects. One stamp is dignified and elegant, the other lively and festive, with sharp color contrasts. The set is highly recognizable and full of the spirit of the times, becoming a classic Asian Games memory for a generation.