Scott No: 2232
Serial number: J161
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: Semptember 21, 1989
Denomination: 8 fen
Designers: Wang Huming
Size of stamps: 30*40mm
Perforation: 11*11.5
Sheet composition: 50(10*5)
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J161 Commemorative Stamps for the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference were issued on September 21, 1989. The set contains one single stamp, printed by offset printing. Each stamp measures 40×30 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11 degrees. There are 50 stamps per sheet (10×5). Designed by Wang Huming, the stamp was printed by Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

Founded in 1949, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference is an organization of the patriotic united front. Adopting the stamp-within-a-stamp format, this set reviews its forty-year journey. It highlights the CPPCC’s function of uniting all democratic parties and people from all walks of life, participating in the deliberation and administration of state affairs, and conducting consultations. The stamp keeps in mind the original aspiration of consultative democracy and embodies visions of unity, democracy and peace.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

The 40th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference

At the centre of the design is a stamp-within-a-stamp reproducing the second stamp of C1 *Celebration of the First Plenary Session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference*, which features Tiananmen decorated with lanterns and streamers. Four white doves spreading their wings surround the inner stamp. The four doves correspond to the 40th anniversary. The background is clear blue sky, symbolizing unity, consultation and peaceful development, and signifying the continuous progress of the CPPCC cause.

Artistic Features

The creative stamp-within-a-stamp design forms a dialogue between the old and new stamps, linking historical memories. The striking contrast between red and blue delivers a concise and dignified composition. The white doves are soft and graceful, creating a serene atmosphere. By combining historical symbolic emblems and symbolic images, the design is solemn yet poetic.