Scott No: 2236-40
Serial number: J163
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: October 1, 1989
Denomination: 78 fen
Designers: Zhang Lei
Size of stamps: 40*30mm
Perforation: 11*11.5
Sheet composition: 50(5*10)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J163 Commemorative Stamps for the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China were issued on October 1, 1989. The set contains four stamps plus one souvenir sheet, printed by photogravure. Each stamp measures 40×30 mm with a perforation gauge of 11 degrees, 50 stamps per sheet (10×5). The souvenir sheet is 110×130 mm in overall size, with the inner stamp measuring 60×40 mm and a perforation gauge of 11.5 degrees. Designed by Zhang Lei, the stamps were printed by Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

Issued to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of New China, the stamps adopt four thematic perspectives. They review the achievements made since the founding of the People’s Republic in ethnic unity, industrial construction, agricultural development and modernization drive. The stamps depict the magnificent land of China and people of all ethnic groups striving side by side, celebrate the vigorous development of the country over four decades, and convey best wishes for the prosperity of the motherland.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Tiananmen

Centered on Tiananmen with fluttering red flags, the stamp features the most iconic symbol of New China. It carries the historical memory of the Founding Ceremony and stands for the dignity and new birth of the nation.

Blooms

The design shows people of all ethnic groups gathered together amid blooming flowers. It symbolizes the unity and harmony of the 56 ethnic groups and the thriving big family of the motherland.

Grain Ears

Dominated by golden grain ears and farmland, this stamp represents bumper harvests, reflecting steady progress in agricultural production which consolidates the foundation of national development.

Rays of Light

Composed of symbols such as gears, rockets and satellites, the design stands for the modernization of industry, science and technology, and national defense, embodying continuous strides toward the goal of modernization.

The 40th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China (Souvenir Sheet)

The main pattern is the Five-star Red Flag, set against silhouettes of mountains and rivers across the land. Flying doves above add a solemn and grand touch. It encapsulates the theme of the nation forging ahead through hardships over the past forty years.

Artistic Features

The overall style is solemn and festive, dominated by red and gold tones to create a celebratory atmosphere. The four stamps correspond to national symbol, ethnic unity, agriculture, science and industry respectively, with concise and powerful imagery. The souvenir sheet boasts an open composition, with the Five-star Red Flag as the core, set off by mountains, rivers and doves. It carries a strong sense of the times and maintains the solemn tone of national day commemorative stamps.