Scott No: 2314
Serial number: T158
Values in set: 5
Date of issue: November 20, 1990
Denomination: 250 fen
Designers: Wang Huming
Size of stamps: 60*34mm
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 20 (5*4)
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

The special stamp set The Night Revels of Han Xizai, catalog number T158, was issued on December 20, 1990. It consists of five stamps, produced using offset printing. The stamps measure 60×34 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11 degrees. The set is printed as a horizontal continuous strip of five, with each sheet containing 20 stamps. The stamps were designed by Wang Huming, with photography by Hu Chui, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This stamp set draws on the surviving handscroll The Night Revels of Han Xizai by the Five Dynasties Southern Tang painter Gu Hongzhong. Using a continuous printing format, it completely reproduces this famous masterpiece. Behind the painting is the story of Li Yu, the last ruler of Southern Tang, who ordered the painter to infiltrate Han Xizai's residence, observe and memorize the scene, and paint the night revels. Through this national treasure figure painting, the stamps showcase the superb iron-wire line technique and realistic skill of Five Dynasties figure painting, document the life of Southern Tang nobility, and highlight the artistic height of ancient Chinese figure painting.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Listening to Music

The image is the opening of the night revels. Han Xizai, wearing a high cap, sits cross-legged on a couch. Everyone listens quietly to a pipa performance. The figures' expressions are focused. It is the scene with the largest number of characters in the entire painting. Han Xizai originally had the talent to govern, but witnessing the decline of Southern Tang, he was unwilling to become chancellor and concealed his aspirations through night revels of song and dance.

Watching the Dance

The image depicts Han Xizai beating a drum while a maidservant performs the Liuyao dance. The guests watch intently. Amid the festive singing and dancing, the complex and repressed state of mind of the figures is hidden.

Resting

The image depicts a break during the banquet. Han Xizai washes his hands and sits at leisure, attended by maidservants. The rhythm shifts from lively to relaxed, meticulously restoring the details of ancient banquet life.

Playing Wind Instruments

The image shows female musicians seated in a row playing wind instruments. Han Xizai sits quietly listening. Without the clamor of song and dance, it focuses on the elegant scene of instrumental ensemble.

Farewell

The image is the finale of the night revels. Guests take their leave one after another. Han Xizai stands by the door to see them off. The music ends and the people disperse, bringing the scroll's story to a close.

Artistic and Design Features

The set strictly follows the narrative order of the original handscroll. The five stamps are printed continuously; when joined, they form the complete ancient painting, preserving the antique tones of the original silk. The lines are precise and soft, with the iron-wire line technique delicate and expressive. Each figure's expression is different, and the coloring is steady and elegant. The continuous printing format is ingenious, preserving to the greatest extent the narrative feel of a handscroll comic. This stamp set was awarded the Best Stamp of 1990 and the Best Printed Stamp.