Scott No: 2182-83
Serial number: T132
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: December 20, 1988
Denomination: 48 fen
Designers: Xu Yanbo
Size of stamps: 30*40mm
Perforation: 11.5*11
Sheet composition: 50(10*5)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T132 "Milu Deer" special stamps were issued on December 20, 1988. The set consists of 2 stamps, printed by photogravure, with a stamp size of 30 × 40 mm, perforation gauge 11.5 × 11, and 50 stamps per sheet. Designed by Xu Yanbo and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. An imperforate set with the same designs was also issued.

Theme of the Set

The milu deer, commonly known as the "four unlike," is a rare deer species unique to China. Its wild population had long become extinct in its native land; through reintroduction and protection, breeding reserves have been established in Dafeng, Jiangsu, and Nanhaizi, Beijing. This set takes the milu deer as its theme, presenting the morphological characteristics of this ancient species, promoting the concept of wildlife protection, and calling on the public to protect rare creatures and maintain biodiversity.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Milu Deer

The image is a close-up of a male deer's head, with branching antlers clearly visible and a gentle expression, with the Latin scientific name of the milu deer marked below. It highlights the male deer's iconic antler shape and intuitively presents the unique appearance of the "four unlike."

Milu Deer Herd

The image presents a herd of milu deer, including males, females, and fawns, accompanying one another and full of vitality. It shows the milu deer's herd-living habits and reflects the scene of population reproduction, implying species protection and endless life.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts a realistic watercolor painting style, with soft and plain tones, dominated by the milu deer's natural light brown, and a simple background with blank space and no superfluous scenery to interfere. The forms are delicate and true to life, focusing on restoring the milu deer's gentle and peaceful temperament. It is scientifically realistic, combining science popularization with natural beauty, and is a classic among China's rare animal stamps.