Scott No: 2309
Serial number: J174
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: November 28, 1990
Denomination: 200 fen
Designer: Liu Shuoren
Size of Souvenir Sheet: 130*80mm
Size of Stamp: 60*40mm
Perforation: 11.5*11
Printing: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

The commemorative souvenir sheet The Third Congress of the All-China Philatelic Federation, catalog number J174, was issued on November 28, 1990. It consists of one souvenir sheet, produced using the photogravure process. The souvenir sheet measures 130×80 mm, and the stamp measures 60×40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11.5×11 degrees. It was designed by Liu Shuoren and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This souvenir sheet was issued to commemorate the convening of the Third Congress of the All-China Philatelic Federation. It continues the approach of the previous congress souvenir sheets in the series, which took ancient postal stations as their theme. Postal stations were the source of relay letter transmission and postal communication in ancient times. The stamp uses an ancient postal pavilion to symbolize the long history of the postal service, highlighting that philatelic culture is rooted in the history of Chinese postal service, uniting philatelic enthusiasts across the country, and promoting the continued development of philately.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

Gusu Station (Hengtang Postal Pavilion)

The main image of the stamp is the Hengtang Postal Pavilion in Suzhou, labeled Gusu Station. The Hengtang Postal Pavilion is one of the few surviving ancient postal pavilions in China. It is a landmark building of ancient Jiangnan postal routes and bears witness to ancient relay communication. The souvenir sheet border has a sapphire blue background, surrounded by ancient fish-shaped inscriptions. The fish tally was a communication credential in ancient times, echoing the connotation of postal relay letter transmission.

Artistic and Design Features

The souvenir sheet uses a simple and elegant Chinese painting style. The postal pavilion is realistically depicted, full of antique charm. The deep blue background is dignified and steady, and the fish-shaped patterns serve as border decorations, adding the historical charm of ancient seal inscriptions. It combines ancient postal relics with textual symbols, continuing the thematic system of the souvenir sheets from the previous two philatelic federation congresses, with rich cultural connotations.