Scott No: 2287-8
Serial number: T153
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: July 20, 1990
Denomination: 58 fen
Designers: Xu Yanbo
Size of stamps: 40*30 mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 40 (4*10)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

The special stamp set Snow Leopard, catalog number T153, was issued on July 20, 1990. It consists of two stamps, produced using the photogravure process. The stamps measure 40×30 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11×11.5 degrees. Each sheet contains 40 stamps (5×8). The stamps were designed by Xu Yanbo and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

The snow leopard, also known as the "mugwort-leaf leopard," is a rare national first-class protected mammal. It inhabits high-altitude snow-covered rocky areas such as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Pamir Plateau in China. This stamp set selects two postures of the snow leopard—one static and one dynamic—to showcase the unique appearance of this highland predator, popularize wildlife knowledge, and raise public awareness of the need to protect rare alpine animals and their cold high-altitude ecological environment.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Crouching Leopard

In the image, a snow leopard lies quietly on the rocks, looking back over its shoulder. Its fur is grayish-white, covered with black ring-like spots, and it has a thick, long tail. The snow leopard's long tail helps maintain balance when walking on steep cliffs, an adaptation to the rugged highland environment.

Standing Leopard

The image depicts the dynamic posture of a snow leopard striding among the mountain rocks. Its muscles are taut, and its gaze is alert. In the distant snow-capped mountains, the silhouette of another snow leopard is also painted, enhancing the sense of its remote snowy habitat far from human presence.

Artistic and Design Features

The set uses a delicate and realistic painting style. The brushwork is soft, accurately expressing the fluffy texture of the snow leopard's fur. The background uses light-colored rocks and distant mountains to enhance the cold, lonely, and secluded atmosphere of the snowy plateau. The contrast between one static and one dynamic image, the simple and restrained tones, and the vivid and expressive forms combine educational value with the beauty of natural painting.