Scott No: 2242-43
Serial number: J164
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: October 29, 1989
Denomination: 28 fen
Designers: He Jiaying
Size of stamps: 40*30mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 40(4*10)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J164 "Centenary of the Birth of Comrade Li Dazhao" commemorative stamps were issued on October 29, 1989. The set consists of 2 stamps, printed by photogravure, with a stamp size of 40 × 30 mm, perforation gauge 11, and 50 stamps per sheet (5 × 10). Designed by Yang Keshan and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

Li Dazhao was a pioneer of the Chinese communist movement, a great Marxist, an outstanding proletarian revolutionary, and one of the principal founders of the Communist Party of China. He was the first to spread Marxism in China, actively promoted the New Culture Movement and the May Fourth Movement, and made indelible contributions to the founding of the Party. This set commemorates the centenary of Li Dazhao's birth, showcasing his revolutionary bearing and pursuit of ideals, and honoring his lofty spirit of opening up a new world and seeking truth.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Portrait of Li Dazhao

The image is a half-length portrait of Li Dazhao, wearing glasses, with a calm and resolute expression. Li Dazhao was profoundly learned and cherished the ideal of saving the nation. In the dark old China he actively spread new ideas and was a forerunner who ignited the spark of Marxism.

Iron Shoulders Bear Morality

The image is drawn from Li Dazhao's famous line, "Iron shoulders bear morality; a brilliant hand writes articles." It features Li Dazhao leaning over his desk holding a brush, with manuscripts in the background. He wrote a large number of articles propagating revolutionary thought, using his pen as a weapon to explore the path of saving the nation. This couplet is precisely a portrayal of the spirit of his life.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts a realistic portrait painting style, weighty and plain. The background of the first stamp is simple, highlighting the character's calm, refined, and firm temperament; the second creates a study atmosphere, combining the figure with literary ideals in a restrained and profound way. The tones are solemn and dignified, and the figure is depicted vividly, full of reverence for the revolutionary forerunner.