Scott No: 2301-4
Serial number: J173
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: October 10, 1990
Denomination: 68 fen
Designers: Yang Guchang, Liu Xiangping
Size of stamps: 40*30mm
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 50 (5*10)
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

The commemorative stamp set Modern Chinese Scientists (Part II), catalog number J173, was issued on October 10, 1990. It consists of four stamps, produced using the photogravure process. The stamps measure 40×30 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11 degrees. Each sheet contains 50 stamps (10×5). The stamps were designed by Yin Huili and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This stamp set is the second group in the Modern Chinese Scientists series. It selects four scientists who made pioneering contributions in different disciplines—geology, meteorology, physics, and agronomy—commemorating their dedicated research under difficult conditions and their service to the nation, and promoting the spirit of serving the country through science and rigorous scholarship.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Zhu Kezhen

The image is a portrait of Zhu Kezhen, with meteorological observation instruments and phenology and meteorology-related curves in the background. Zhu Kezhen was the founder of modern meteorology and geography in China. He pioneered China's meteorological cause and conducted long-term research on phenology, laying an important foundation for climate and geographical research in China.

Wu Youxun

The image is a portrait of Wu Youxun, with diagrams related to atomic physics in the background. Wu Youxun was a famous physicist who made important achievements in X-ray scattering research. He also devoted himself to physics education, training a large number of physics talents and promoting the development of modern physics in China.

Zhang Yuzhe

The image depicts a portrait of Zhang Yuzhe, with star charts and astronomical orbit diagrams in the background. Zhang Yuzhe was a pioneer of modern astronomy in China. He discovered the asteroid "China" and long presided over the Purple Mountain Observatory. He is the founder of planetary astronomy in China.

Hou Debang

The image is a portrait of Hou Debang, with a simplified diagram of chemical equipment in the background. Hou Debang was a famous chemist who invented the Hou process for alkali production, breaking the foreign technological monopoly and establishing China's national chemical industry. He made enduring contributions to the development of the chemical industry.

Artistic and Design Features

The set uses a realistic portrait painting style. The figures' expressions are dignified and steady, and the backgrounds are paired with simple disciplinary symbols to indicate their respective research fields. The tones are simple and steady, without elaborate decoration, focusing on the scientists themselves. The style is consistent with the first group of scientist stamps—simple and dignified, with a strong commemorative feel.