Scott No: 3000-01
Serial number: 2000-1
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: January 5, 2000
Designers: Huang Li; Guo Chenghui
Size: 26*31mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 32
Printing process: gravure-engraving combined

The special stamp set Gengchen Year was issued on January 5, 2000. It consists of two stamps with a total face value of 3.60 yuan. It was designed by Huang Li and Guo Chenghui, engraved by Li Qingfa and Jiang Weijie, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using a combination of offset and intaglio printing. This set is the eighth issue in the second cycle of zodiac stamps from China Post and the first zodiac stamp set of the new century. It continues the classic "one image, one character" format of the second zodiac cycle, centered on traditional dragon culture, carrying the beautiful connotations of auspiciousness and soaring success, as a tribute to the millennium Year of the Dragon.

The year 2000 is the Gengchen Year of the Dragon in the lunar calendar. The dragon is the core totem and cultural symbol of the Chinese nation, representing auspiciousness, progress, soaring success, and a prosperous era. This stamp set continues the creative approach of combining images and text from the second zodiac cycle. One stamp reproduces the form of a traditional Han Dynasty dragon-patterned artifact, and the other uses the classic cursive calligraphic character "dragon." It blends the ancient charm of thousand-year-old artifacts with traditional calligraphic art, deeply interpreting the profound heritage of Chinese dragon culture and expressing the beautiful vision of national prosperity, renewal, and national soaring in the new century.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Auspicious Dragon Soaring

The design is based on the classic pattern of a Han Dynasty azure dragon roof tile. The overall background is golden, paired with simple sea wave patterns. A black coiled dragon hovers above the waves, with a majestic, simple, and dignified form, perfectly reproducing the rough and substantial artistic style of Han Dynasty dragon patterns. As an auspicious totem, the dragon is combined with the imagery of rivers and sea waves, symbolizing the endless vitality of Chinese culture, the nation's spirited progress, and prosperous soaring, fully displaying the unique charm of traditional Chinese auspicious beast culture.

The Sun Rises in the East

The main subject is the cursive character "dragon" in the style of Huaisu. The brushwork is free and dynamic, with magnificent momentum. The background features the grand scene of a rising sun over the sea and surging waves. The rising red sun and churning blue sea, paired with the powerful calligraphic dragon character, combine movement and stillness with a profound artistic conception, symbolizing the new century's vitality, prosperity, national peace, and renewal.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp set uses the classic offset-intaglio printing technique. The engraved lines are fine and solid, with clear and three-dimensional textures, combining the quality of metal-and-stone printmaking with the charm of ink brushwork. The two stamps complement each other in image and text, balancing movement and stillness. One highlights the substantial ancient charm of artifact patterns, and the other displays the lively vitality of calligraphic art. The golden and plain colors are paired in warm and cool tones with clear layers. The overall design perfectly integrates Han Dynasty roof tile art, traditional cursive calligraphy, and zodiac folk culture. The style is simple and elegant with profound meaning. It is a classic masterpiece in the second cycle of zodiac stamps, with great folk value and artistic collectible value, suitable for thematic collections on zodiac culture, traditional patterns, and calligraphy art.