Scott No: 2276-78
Serial number: T151
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: June 20, 1990
Denomination: 58 fen
Designers: Wang Huming, Liu Lijun
Size of stamps: 30*40mm
Perforation: 11.5*11
Sheet composition: 50 (10*5)
Size of Souvenir Sheet: 140*78mm
Size of Stamp: 120*40mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

The special stamp set Bronze Chariots and Horses from the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, catalog number T151, was issued on June 20, 1990. It consists of two stamps and one souvenir sheet, produced using the photogravure process. The stamps measure 30×40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11.5×11 degrees. Each sheet contains 50 stamps (10×5). The souvenir sheet measures 140×78 mm, and the stamp within it measures 120×40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12.5×11 degrees. The stamps were designed by Wang Huming and Liu Lijun, with photography by Hu Chui, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

The bronze chariots and horses from the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor were unearthed in 1980 from a burial pit on the western side of the mausoleum. They are known as the "Crown of Bronze" and represent the pinnacle of Qin Dynasty bronze craftsmanship. This stamp set selects close-up details and panoramic views of the chariots and horses, showcasing the superb casting, assembly, and painting techniques of the Qin Dynasty, recreating the magnificent appearance of the imperial carriage procession, and highlighting the outstanding achievements of Qin Dynasty handicrafts and the profound civilization of the Qin Dynasty.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Head of the Charioteer Figure

The image is a close-up of the head of the charioteer figure from Chariot No. 1. The charioteer has a respectful expression. The hair bun, cap, and facial features are finely detailed. He is the driver who controls the horses. His clothing and expression are strictly modeled according to the Qin Dynasty charioteer system, reflecting the superb level of Qin Dynasty realistic sculpture.

Head of a Bronze Horse

The image is a close-up of the head of a bronze horse from the chariot team. The horse holds its head high with a spirited expression. The halter, reins, and horse ornaments are all present, with intricate and exquisite details. Four horses abreast is a typical configuration for a Qin Dynasty imperial carriage. The horse's form is strong and vivid.

Bronze Chariots and Horses from the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (Souvenir Sheet)

The image fully presents two bronze chariots and horses, one behind the other. The front one is a standing chariot, and the rear one is a seated chariot, drawn by four horses, with a charioteer seated on the vehicle. The two carriages are made at half the scale of real chariots, people, and horses. With numerous components and precise craftsmanship, they are precious physical materials for studying the Qin Dynasty chariot and horse system, metallurgical technology, and painting art.

Artistic and Design Features

The set uses a realistic artifact photography presentation. The two stamps focus on close-up details, magnifying the texture of the bronze sculptures, simple and substantial. The souvenir sheet uses a horizontal panoramic composition, fully presenting the grand layout of the two chariots and horses. The background is simple and elegant, highlighting the mottled, aged patina of the bronze itself. The light and shadow are soft, and the details are clear, accurately restoring the weathered and dignified historical texture of these national treasure artifacts.