Scott No: 2449-52
Serial number: 1993-10
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: August 20, 1993
Designers: Zhou Feng
Size: 54*40 mm
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 28
Printing process: gravure

The special stamp set Masterpieces of Classical Chinese Literature – Water Margin (Part IV), catalog number 1993-10, was issued on August 20, 1993. It consists of four stamps, produced using the photogravure process. The stamps measure 54×40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11 degrees. Each sheet contains 28 stamps. The stamps were designed by Zhou Feng and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This is the fourth set in the Water Margin stamp series. It selects four classic stories from Chapters 51 to 61 of the original novel, revolving around Liangshan's recruitment of new heroes, the defeat of the government troops' chain-linked cavalry, and the mission to Daming Prefecture to rescue Lu Junyi. Continuing the narrative thread of the previous three sets, it continues to portray the distinctive personalities of the Liangshan heroes in the gongbi (meticulous brushwork) comic strip style, showcasing the story's progression as Liangshan's power continues to grow and its ongoing clashes with the government, laying the groundwork for the subsequent climax of the Liangshan gathering.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Chai Jin Imprisoned in Gaotang Prefecture

The image is based on the chapter where Li Kui kills Yin Tianxi and Chai Jin is trapped in Gaotang Prefecture. Chai Jin relied on his possession of the imperial iron certificate, but Gao Lian used his power to throw him into a death cell. When Song Jiang learned of this, he sent troops to attack Gaotang Prefecture and rescued Chai Jin. Chai Jin then joined Liangshan. This event further expanded Liangshan's strength.

Shi Qian Steals the Armor

The image depicts Shi Qian sneaking into Xu Ning's residence on a moonlit night to steal the goose-feather ringed golden armor. To break Huyan Zhuo's chain-linked cavalry formation, Wu Yong devised a plan: Shi Qian would steal Xu Ning's ancestral treasure armor to lure Xu Ning to Liangshan. It is a classic episode of Liangshan using a clever scheme to recruit talent.

Xu Ning Teaches the Use of the Hooked Lance

The image shows Xu Ning on the Liangshan training ground, teaching the hooked lance techniques to the leaders and soldiers. The hooked lance was specifically designed to counter the chain-linked cavalry. After this technique was mastered, the Liangshan army decisively defeated Huyan Zhuo's iron-armored chain-linked cavalry, winning a key major battle.

Shi Xiu Leaps from the Building at the Execution Ground

The image depicts the thrilling scene at the execution ground in Daming Prefecture, where Shi Xiu alone leaps down from a tavern building and draws his blade to rescue Lu Junyi. Knowing he was outnumbered, Shi Xiu still risked his life to act, fully displaying his resolute and fierce heroic character. This also leads to the subsequent story of Liangshan sending troops to Daming Prefecture to rescue Lu Junyi.

Artistic and Design Features

The set continues the series' unified gongbi (meticulous brushwork) and rich-color comic strip style. The figures' expressions are vivid, the scenes have a strong narrative quality, and the colors are substantial and antique. The four images advance in sequence, from Chai Jin's unjust imprisonment, to the clever recruitment of Xu Ning, the teaching of lance techniques, and Shi Xiu's brave rescue at the execution ground. The plot is closely linked, and the characters' personalities are clearly distinguished. The style maintains continuity with the previous three sets. It is a set with a tight plot and strong dramatic tension in the Water Margin series.