Scott No: 2326-28
Serial number: J176
Values in set: 2
Denomination: 75 fen
Date of issue: May 23, 1991
Designer: Ga De
Size of stamps: 27*40 mm
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 50 (5*10)
Printing process: photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

The commemorative stamp set 40th Anniversary of the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet, catalog number J176, was issued on May 23, 1991. It consists of two stamps and one souvenir sheet, 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 Ga De and Wang Huming and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This stamp set commemorates the 40th anniversary of the peaceful liberation of Tibet. It showcases the tremendous changes in social outlook, cultural construction, and economic development that occurred in Tibet after peaceful liberation, reflecting ethnic unity and the thriving scene of the snowy plateau, and commemorating this major historical event.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Song and Dance

The image depicts a joyful scene of Tibetan people singing and dancing. They wear traditional festive attire and perform traditional Tibetan opera, expressing the peaceful and happy lives of the Tibetan people and reflecting an atmosphere of ethnic harmony.

Golden Bridge

The main subject is snow-capped mountains and a highway bridge, symbolizing the transportation artery connecting the snowy plateau. The opening of transportation has broken the plateau's isolation, building a golden bridge for Tibet's development and serving as an important symbol of Tibet's construction and progress.

Celebration (Souvenir Sheet)

The souvenir sheet adopts the stamp-within-a-stamp format. The central main image is the panoramic view of the Potala Palace from the 1952 C13 Peaceful Liberation of Tibet stamp. It is surrounded by auspicious clouds and seven cranes, with the seven cranes symbolizing the unity and harmony of the people of all ethnic groups in Tibet's seven prefecture-level cities. The border features traditional Tibetan seawater and cliff patterns and precious flower motifs. The overall format draws on the style of Tibetan thangkas, looking back at history and symbolizing auspicious prosperity.

Artistic and Design Features

The images carry a strong Tibetan artistic style, with vivid and substantial colors, drawing on the decorative characteristics of traditional Tibetan painting. Elements such as snow-capped mountains, prayer flags, and ethnic costumes are rich in regional character. The compositions are full and lively, blending realism with ethnic decorative style, enhancing a festive and peaceful atmosphere and reflecting the unique appearance of the plateau. The souvenir sheet has a red background with blue patterns, magnificent and dignified. The stamp-within-a-stamp design links the history of the forty years before and after, creating a strong sense of commemoration.