Scott No: 2403-06
Serial number: 1992-9
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: August 25, 1992
Designers: Dai Honghai
Size:
54*40mm for Value 1,3
40*54mm for Value 2,4
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 20
Printing process: offset

The special stamp set Masterpieces of Classical Chinese Literature – Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Part III), catalog number 1992-9, was issued on August 25, 1992. It consists of four stamps, produced using the photogravure process. The stamp sizes are 54×40 mm for (4-1) and (4-3), and 40×54 mm for (4-2) and (4-4), with a perforation gauge of 11 degrees. Each sheet contains 20 stamps. The stamps were designed by Dai Honghai and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This is the third set in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms stamp series. It selects consecutive classic stories from Chapters 43 to 46 of the original novel, on the eve of the Battle of Red Cliffs. Continuing the narrative thread of the previous two sets, it focuses on Zhuge Liang's mission to Eastern Wu and the entire process of promoting the alliance between Wu and Shu against Cao Cao. Using a comic strip narrative approach, it showcases Zhuge Liang's extraordinary eloquence, strategy, and courage, depicting the tense game of power among the three forces before the Battle of Red Cliffs, and laying the groundwork for the subsequent grand campaign of the fiery battle at Red Cliffs.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Debating the Scholars

The image depicts Zhuge Liang on his mission to Eastern Wu, debating with Zhang Zhao and a group of Eastern Wu civil officials in the court. Zhuge Liang argues calmly and firmly, refuting the arguments for surrendering to Cao Cao. It is a key scene in persuading Eastern Wu and forging the alliance, fully displaying his outstanding eloquence.

Wise Provocation of Sun Quan

In the hall, Zhuge Liang cleverly employs a provocative tactic, analyzing Cao Cao's military might and causing Sun Quan to change color with anger and resolve to resist Cao Cao. Lu Su stands nearby with an anxious expression. The emotional contrast among the figures is strong, showing the ups and downs of psychological博弈 in the negotiations.

Jiang Gan Steals the Letter

The image depicts Jiang Gan secretly reading a forged surrender letter from Cai Mao and Zhang Yun in Zhou Yu's tent at night. Zhou Yu pretends to be sound asleep, using this counterespionage scheme to mislead Cao Cao, causing Cao Cao to mistakenly execute the two generals familiar with naval warfare, clearing a major obstacle for the fire attack at Red Cliffs.

Borrowing Arrows with Straw Boats

The image shows Zhuge Liang directing boats covered with straw figures toward the Cao camp in heavy river fog. Unable to see clearly, Cao's army fires volleys of arrows that fill the straw boats. Without employing craftsmen, Zhuge Liang gathers one hundred thousand arrows in just three days. It is a classic passage demonstrating his brilliant foresight.

Artistic and Design Features

The set continues the unified gongbi (meticulous brushwork) and rich-color comic strip style of the Three Kingdoms series. The figures are vivid, and the scenes are full of narrative tension. The four episodes advance in sequence, from persuasion and debate, to provocation and strategizing, to the counterespionage trap, and finally to the ingenious scheme of borrowing arrows. The story is tightly linked. The stamp formats alternate between horizontal and vertical, and the compositions balance tension and relaxation. The colors are simple and substantial, maintaining visual consistency with the previous and subsequent sets in the series. It is a set in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms stamps with a tight story rhythm and full of intellectual intrigue.