Scott No: 2216-19
Serial number: T138
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: July 25, 1989
Denomination: 168 fen
Designers: Zhou Feng
Size of stamps: 54*40mm
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 28(4*7)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T138 "Chinese Classical Literature Masterpieces — Water Margin (Series II)" special stamps were issued on July 25, 1989. The set consists of 4 stamps, printed by photogravure, with a stamp size of 54 × 40 mm, perforation gauge 11, and 28 stamps per sheet (4 × 7). Designed by Zhou Feng and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

This set continues the Water Margin series, selecting four well-known classic episodes from the original novel and depicting the Liangshan heroes Wu Song, Qin Ming, Hua Rong, Li Kui, and Zhang Shun, showcasing the personality traits of different characters—bravery, wisdom, and heroic spirit—reproducing the charm of Water Margin stories in a picture-story-book style and carrying forward the rich heritage of classical literature.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Wu Song Fights the Tiger

The image depicts the thrilling moment when Wu Song fights a fierce tiger bare-handed on Jingyang Ridge. Taken from Chapter 22 of the original novel, Wu Song, after drinking, passes through Jingyang Ridge, encounters a fierce tiger, and relying on his immense strength, beats the tiger to death with his bare hands. Wu Song's heroic image thus becomes famous throughout the world.

Qin Ming's Night Flight from the Rubble Field

The image shows the "Thunderbolt" Qin Ming riding his horse and breaking out through battle, with arrows flying everywhere and fire blazing on all sides. Taken from Chapter 33, Qin Ming is tricked into rebellion by Song Jiang and others, his retreat is cut off, his whole family is murdered, and with nowhere to turn, he finally joins Liangshan.

Hua Rong Shoots a Goose on Liangshan

In the image, Hua Rong draws his bow and nocks an arrow while the assembled heroes watch intently. Taken from Chapter 35, Hua Rong, known as the "Little Li Guang," excels in archery. To win over the Liangshan company, he shoots a single arrow and hits a target among a flock of geese flying high, fully demonstrating his skill of hitting a mark from a hundred paces.

The Black Whirlwind Fights the White Streak in the Waves

The image shows Li Kui and Zhang Shun fighting on a small boat on the river. Taken from Chapter 38, Li Kui forcibly seizes fish by the riverbank and gets into a fight with Zhang Shun, who is an excellent swimmer. Li Kui is fierce on land, while Zhang Shun dominates in the water—a delightfully amusing classic duel in the book.

Artistic Design Features

The set continues the unified fine-brush heavy-color picture-story-book style of the entire Water Margin stamp series, with a plain light beige background that is simple and steady. The character modeling is exaggerated and vivid, the movements are full of tension, the fight scenes are highly dynamic, and the colors are rich and saturated. The characters' clothing, weapons, and scene details are meticulously researched, with a strong narrative quality. It carries on the style of the first set in the same vein and is a classic chapter in the Water Margin stamp series.