Scott No: 2378-79
Serial number: 1992-1
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: January 25, 1992
Designers: Cao Hongnian; Xu Yanbo
Engravers: Hu Zhenyuan
Size: 26*31mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 32
Printing process: gravure-engraving combined

The special stamp set Renshen Year, catalog number 1992-1, was issued on January 5, 1992. It consists of two stamps, produced using a combination of offset and intaglio printing. The stamps measure 26×31 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11.5 degrees. Each sheet contains 32 stamps. The stamps were designed by Cao Hongnian, Xu Yanbo, and Wang Zhenhua, engraved by Hu Zhenyuan, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This set is the opening work of the second cycle of zodiac stamps and established the fixed format of "one image, one text" for the second zodiac cycle. In folk culture, the monkey symbolizes intelligence and agility. The peach symbolizes longevity. The magpie and plum blossom represent auspiciousness and celebration. Using folk paper-cutting art as a carrier, the stamps integrate auspicious patterns with zodiac culture, opening the issuance chapter of the second zodiac series and expressing beautiful wishes for New Year blessings and enduring longevity.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Monkey and Peach Bring Longevity

The image uses a folk paper-cutting style to shape a monkey's head hidden within the outline of a longevity peach, surrounded by peach blossoms and bees. The pink background enhances the lively and festive New Year atmosphere. It takes the auspicious meaning of a clever monkey holding a peach, symbolizing good fortune, longevity, and well-being. It is a concrete expression of the zodiac image.

Magpie Alighting on a Plum Branch

At the center is the striking seal script character for "monkey," surrounded by paper-cut patterns of magpies and plum blossoms. A magpie alighting on a plum branch is a traditional auspicious pattern, symbolizing the arrival of spring and good news. It echoes the zodiac theme through text and pattern, complementing the previous stamp.

Artistic and Design Features

The set draws on the decorative language of northern folk paper-cutting and New Year prints. The forms are full and exaggerated, and the colors are rich and fiery red. The engraved lines are solid and clear, with a strong printmaking flavor. One stamp features a concrete zodiac image, and the other features the auspicious seal script character. The compositions are one complex and one simple, with a unified style. It set the design tone of image-text pairing and folk paper-cutting for subsequent sets in the second zodiac cycle. It is an important set that bridges the past and the future in zodiac stamps.