Scott No: 2519-24
Serial number: 1994-14
Values in set: 6
Date of issue: October 5 , 1994
Designers: Wang Huming
Size: 31*52mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 40
Printing process: offset

The special stamp set Selected Works of Fu Baoshi, catalog number 1994-14, was issued on October 5, 1994. It consists of six stamps, produced using offset printing. The stamps measure 31×52 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12 degrees. Each sheet contains 40 stamps. The stamps were designed by Wang Huming and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This set was issued to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Fu Baoshi's birth. It selects six masterpieces from his two major categories: landscapes and figures. Fu Baoshi created the distinctive "Baoshi Cun" (Baoshi texture strokes). His landscape paintings are majestic and vigorous, and his historical figure paintings are classical and expressive. He made achievements in both painting creation and art theory. The stamps balance landscape artistic conception with classical figure stories, showcasing his artistic achievements in brush-and-ink innovation and carrying forward the artistic thread of modern and contemporary Chinese painting innovation.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Listening to the Spring

The image is a landscape hanging scroll. A mountain spring cascades down, the forest is deep and secluded, and a visitor sits quietly on the cliff listening to the sound of the spring. Ink wash rendering creates the poetic mood of empty mountains, solitude, and listening to the sounds of nature. It is a representative of Fu Baoshi's freehand landscapes.

Washing Hands

The image depicts a scene of literati gathering, washing hands before discussing paintings. It is based on the historical anecdote of literati washing their hands before appreciating paintings. The figures are composed and the brushwork is simple and elegant, fully displaying the refined tradition of literati respecting paintings and calligraphy and revering brush and ink.

Thatched Cottage of Dadi

The image depicts the thatched cottage residence of Shitao, surrounded by trees, with a simple and peaceful artistic conception. Shitao was also known as Dadi Zi. Fu Baoshi greatly admired Shitao's painting thought, and this work expresses his admiration for the predecessor painter.

Playing the Ruan

The image depicts ancient women sitting around playing the ruan. Their robes flow elegantly, their expressions are gentle, and the lines are lively and free. It is a classic work of Fu Baoshi's classical lady subjects, full of the charm of classical music and dance.

Hupao

The image depicts the mountain forest scenery around Hupao Spring in Hangzhou. Thick ink and broken brushstrokes render the layered forest, with a spring hidden in the mountains and misty rain. The signature Baoshi Cun is used to express the vast, moist appearance of Jiangnan mountain forests.

On the Shanyin Road

The image is based on Wang Xizhi's anecdote: "On the Shanyin Road, the eyes cannot take it all in." Literati stroll together among the beautiful mountains and waters of Jiangnan, with scenery changing at every step. It expresses the aesthetic conception of endless landscapes and breathtaking beauty.

Artistic and Design Features

The set uniformly adopts a vertical mounting-style format, imitating the effect of ancient hanging scrolls. It faithfully reproduces the ink layers of the original works, with rich variations of density, dryness, and wetness. The landscape works mostly use the bold and vigorous Baoshi Cun, with dripping momentum. The figure paintings have elegant and classical lines, with simple and expressive forms. The six works alternate between landscapes and figures, with a rich and balanced style. It is a highly substantial set in the category of modern and contemporary famous Chinese painting stamps.