Scott No: 3055-58
Serial number:2000-21
Values in set: 4
Denomination: 5.20 yuan
Date of issue: October 20, 2000
Designer: Li Haicheng, Zhang Hui
Size of stamps: 27*38mm
Perforation: 3
Sheet composition: 24
Printing process: gravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

The special stamp set Cultural Relics from the Tomb of the Prince of Zhongshan was issued on October 20, 2000. It consists of four stamps with a total face value of 5.20 yuan. It was designed by Li Haichen and Zhang Hui and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. The artifacts were unearthed from the tomb of Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan of the Western Han Dynasty, and his wife Dou Wan, located at Lingshan in Mancheng, Hebei. Commonly known as the Mancheng Han Tombs, this was a major archaeological discovery of the Han Dynasty in China. The stamp set features four national treasure-level artifacts from the tomb, showcasing the superb metalworking techniques of the Western Han Dynasty and recreating the material civilization of Han Dynasty royalty and nobility.

Thematic Focus of the Set

Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan of the Western Han Dynasty, was a son of Emperor Jing of Han. His tomb is a cliff tomb carved into the mountain. More than ten thousand precious artifacts were unearthed, making it a milestone in Han Dynasty archaeology. The stamp set selects four representative bronze treasures, including a lamp, a wine vessel, an incense burner, and a decorative cup. The artifacts combine top-level techniques such as gilding, gold inlay, and gemstone inlay. Using national treasure artifacts as a medium, it showcases the exquisite handicraft level of the prosperous Western Han period, provides a glimpse of the aesthetic trends of Han Dynasty nobility, and bears witness to the long and brilliant history of Chinese civilization.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Changxin Palace Lamp

The main image is a Western Han gilt bronze Changxin Palace Lamp. A palace maid kneels holding the lamp, with a gentle form. This artifact came from Dou Wan's tomb. It cleverly uses the palace maid's sleeve as a smoke duct to absorb soot and can also adjust the direction and brightness of the light. The design combines aesthetics with environmental ingenuity. It is a masterpiece of Han Dynasty bronze craftsmanship and is now a cultural relic prohibited from being exhibited abroad.

Bronze Hu with Coiled Dragon Pattern

The stamp presents a gilt bronze hu with coiled dragon patterns. The body is covered with intricate and magnificent dragon patterns, with ring handles on both ears. The vessel is dignified and full in form. This is a large Han Dynasty wine storage vessel with exquisite decoration and refined gilding. It reflects the banquet culture of Western Han royalty and nobility and demonstrates the advanced bronze casting and gilding techniques of the time.

Gold-Inlaid Boshan Censer

The stamp features a gold-inlaid Boshan censer. The lid is carved with layered mountains, with divine beasts hidden among them. This is a Han Dynasty incense burner. The entire piece is inlaid with fine gold wire patterns. When incense is lit, smoke slowly drifts out from the openings in the mountains, creating the image of an immortal mountain. It is a classic representative of Han Dynasty incense utensils, embodying the ancient imagination of a fairyland.

Cup with Vermilion Bird Holding a Ring

The stamp shows a vermilion bird holding a ring, with a stemmed cup on each side of the bird's body. The body is inlaid with turquoise. This artifact has a lively and fantastical form, integrating casting and inlay techniques. It is presumed to have been used for ceremonial wine serving. Its design is ingenious and unique, making it a decorative bronze treasure of the Han Dynasty.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp set is based on actual photography of the artifacts. The background is simple and elegant, highlighting the artifacts themselves and faithfully reproducing the textures of different materials such as gilding, gold inlay, and gemstone inlay. The photogravure printing provides delicate layers, with metallic luster and decorative details well expressed. The four artifacts each have different functions and styles. They collectively present the artistic charm of the national treasures unearthed from the Mancheng Han Tombs. It is a classic work in the category of Han Dynasty artifact stamps.