Scott No: 2846-49
Serial number: 1998-5
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: March 5, 1998
Designers: Fan Yang; Shi Weiping
Size: 30*40mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 40
Printing process: gravure

The commemorative stamp set Centenary of the Birth of Comrade Zhou Enlai, catalog number 1998-5, was issued on March 5, 1998. It consists of four stamps, produced using the photogravure process. The stamps measure 30×40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11.5 degrees. Each sheet contains 40 stamps. The stamps were designed by Fan Yang and Shi Weiping and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

This stamp set was issued to commemorate the centenary of Comrade Zhou Enlai's birth. It selects images from four important stages of his life, connecting the revolutionary war, the governance of the founding of the nation, the diplomatic storms, and the years as a public servant. It commemorates Comrade Zhou Enlai's enduring contributions to national independence, national construction, and world peace, and expresses the deep respect and remembrance of the people across the country.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Military Strategist

The stamp shows Zhou Enlai on horseback during the war years. At this time, he devoted himself to revolutionary military struggle, devised strategies, and worked tirelessly for the cause of the Chinese people's liberation, displaying the bearing of a great military strategist.

Founding Premier

The design features Zhou Enlai after the founding of New China. As the first Premier of the People's Republic of China, he worked tirelessly to oversee national construction, toiled day and night, and led the people across the country in restoring and developing the national economy.

Diplomat

The stamp captures Zhou Enlai's image on international diplomatic occasions. He promoted the Bandung Conference, advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and displayed New China's diplomatic style on the international stage, greatly enhancing China's international status.

Public Servant of the People

The design portrays Zhou Enlai's gentle and composed image. He lived a simple life, cared for the people, always kept the people in his heart, and worked with utter dedication, making him a public servant beloved by the people.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamps are artistically re-created based on historical photographs. The images are solemn and dignified, with delicate and expressive portrayals of the figures. The overall tone is steady and substantial, with light blue sea elements in the background to enhance the theme, echoing Premier Zhou's broad mind as vast as the sea. The four stamps present different aspects of his life in sections, with a coherent structure, using realistic and dignified artistic language to recreate the spiritual character of this great man.