Scott No: 2176-80
Serial number: T131
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: November 25, 1988
Denomination: 88 fen
Designers: Chen Quansheng
Size of stamps:
54*40mm for Value 1, 3
40*54mm for Value 2, 4
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition:
20 (4*5) for Value 1, 4
20 (5*4) for Value 2, 3
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T131 "Chinese Classical Literature Masterpieces — Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Series I)" special stamps were issued on November 25, 1988. The set consists of 4 stamps plus 1 souvenir sheet, printed by photogravure, perforation gauge 11, designed by Chen Quansheng, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. Stamp sizes: (4-1)(4-3) 54 × 40 mm, (4-2)(4-4) 40 × 54 mm, 20 stamps per sheet; souvenir sheet size 182 × 65 mm, with an inner stamp of 162 × 40 mm.

Theme of the Set

This group is the opening of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series, selecting four classic stories from the beginning of the novel—from the Peach Garden Oath that sets the stage for the contention of warlords, to the entanglements of Lü Bu and Dong Zhuo, and then to the stormy probing between Cao Cao and Liu Bei—unfolding the prelude to the great chaos at the end of the Eastern Han dynasty and the entry of heroes onto the stage. It opens the way for the subsequent four groups of stamps to tell the complete Three Kingdoms story, interpreting the classic through classical painting and conveying the historical stories and character styles of the Three Kingdoms.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

The Peach Garden Oath

The image depicts Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei burning incense and swearing brotherhood in the peach garden, with peach blossoms in full bloom and the rising sun high above. Taken from Chapter 1 of the original novel, the three, sharing the same aspirations, become sworn brothers of different surnames and vow to support the Han dynasty together—the starting point of the Three Kingdoms story.

Three Heroes Fight Lü Bu

The image shows the fierce battle before Hulao Pass, with Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei jointly attacking Lü Bu, warhorses galloping, and weapons clashing. This is the classic battlefield duel during the warlords' campaign against Dong Zhuo, fully displaying Lü Bu's valor and the three heroes' shared resolve.

Fengyi Pavilion

The image depicts the meeting of Diao Chan and Lü Bu in Fengyi Pavilion, and Dong Zhuo's furious confrontation upon discovering them. It is a key episode of Minister Wang's chain stratagem, sowing discord between the adoptive father and son Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu and laying the groundwork for the removal of Dong Zhuo.

Discussing Heroes over Wine

The image shows the two sitting facing each other in a pavilion, Cao Cao raising his cup and commenting on the heroes of the realm. Liu Bei is greatly startled at his words, and just then a peal of thunder crashes, so Liu Bei uses the thunder to cover his loss of composure. It is a classic scene of hidden thrust and parry between Cao Cao and Liu Bei, fully revealing their depth and boldness.

Riding Alone for a Thousand Li (Souvenir Sheet)

The image is a handscroll-style composition: Guan Yu escorts Lady Gan and Lady Mi traveling west by carriage, while Cao Cao leads his followers in farewell behind them. It tells the story of Guan Yu, upon learning of Liu Bei's whereabouts, taking leave of Cao Cao and traveling a thousand li to seek his brother, highlighting Guan Yu's peerless loyalty and righteousness.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts a fine-brush heavy-color style on an antique silk ground, with vivid and expressive figures and a slight freehand exaggeration. Two horizontal and two vertical stamps alternate, giving the layout variety. The colors are weighty and antique, and the scenes are simplified, focusing on setting off the story atmosphere and character personalities; the souvenir sheet uses the form of a long handscroll, with continuous narration and lasting antique charm, establishing the unified artistic keynote for the entire Three Kingdoms stamp series.