Scott No: 3137-40
Serial number: 2001-18
Values in set: 4
Denomination: 520 fen
Date of issue: 28th September 2001
Designer: Wang Huming
Size of stamps: 45*45 mm
Size of bridge: 145*95 mm
Perforation:12
Sheet composition: 22
Printing process: gravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

This stamp set, Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchids), was issued on September 28, 2001. It is a special stamp set consisting of four stamps, along with one souvenir sheet issued concurrently. The total face value of the stamps is 5.20 yuan, and the souvenir sheet is priced at 8 yuan. The designer is Wang Huming. It was printed using photogravure by Beijing Stamp Printing Works. The perforation gauge is 12 degrees. The stamps are diamond-shaped with a diagonal measurement of 45×45 mm. The souvenir sheet measures 145×95 mm.

This stamp set features four rare native slipper orchid species from China. Slipper orchids, also known as lady's slippers, are nationally protected wild orchid species. Using botanical scientific illustration, the stamps showcase the unique flower forms of these orchids, popularizing knowledge about orchid plants, raising public awareness of the need to protect wild orchid resources, and displaying China's rich wild plant diversity.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Paphiopedilum malipoense

Paphiopedilum malipoense is a rare slipper orchid species discovered in southeastern Yunnan, China. It is a relatively primitive species within the genus, mostly growing in humus soil under forests in limestone mountainous areas. Its leaves have alternating dark and light grid patterns. The flower stalk is upright, and the flower has a yellow-green base color with purple veins on the petals and a shallow pouch-shaped lip. The stamp fully presents the plant with leaves and flowers. The wild population of this species is scarce, and its habitat is narrow. It is an endangered wild orchid and a precious endemic germplasm resource of China.

Paphiopedilum dianthum

Paphiopedilum dianthum is found on limestone cliffs in Guangxi, Guizhou, and Yunnan, growing attached to rock surfaces. Its most distinctive feature is its two extremely elongated, drooping, and curling petals, with reddish-brown markings. The flower form is elegant and unusual. The stamp depicts the spreading, slender petals and clustered green leaves. Paphiopedilum dianthum relies on specific insects for pollination and has strict environmental requirements. Due to collection pressure, its wild population continues to decline. It is a slipper orchid species with high ornamental and scientific value.

Paphiopedilum tigrinum

Paphiopedilum tigrinum is distributed in southern Yunnan and is named for the purple-brown markings on its petals that resemble tiger stripes. Its leaves are smooth and glossy. The flower has strong color contrast, with yellow-green sepals and petals featuring large tiger-like markings, and a round, substantial pouch-shaped lip. The stamp highlights the vivid markings and full flower form. Paphiopedilum tigrinum grows under high mountain forests. Its habitat is fragile, and over-collection and forest destruction severely threaten its survival. It is a key protected rare orchid.

Paphiopedilum appletonianum

Paphiopedilum appletonianum is mainly distributed in Hainan and southern Guangxi, mostly growing in humus soil under forests. The outward-curling dorsal sepal is its signature feature. The petals have a deep purple-red base color, rich and vivid, with a full pouch lip. The stamp shows the blooming flower and clustered leaves. Paphiopedilum appletonianum is a representative slipper orchid of the tropical region of South China. Due to over-collection for the wild orchid trade, its native population has declined sharply and is in urgent need of protection.

Souvenir Sheet: Paphiopedilum

The souvenir sheet brings the four diamond-shaped slipper orchid stamps together on one sheet. The background features light-colored orchid line drawings, with a calligraphic title "Paphiopedilum" on the right side. The souvenir sheet presents four slipper orchid species together, integrating rare orchids of different colors and flower forms. It combines collectible and educational value, serving as the complete collection format for this diamond-shaped stamp set.

Artistic and Design Features

This stamp set is the first diamond-format stamp set in New China. It uses a botanical scientific illustration style. The paintings are realistic and delicate, accurately reproducing leaf textures, petal markings, and the forms of the pouch-shaped lips. Each stamp uses a light, elegant circular background to set off the flower subject, highlighting the elegant and unique flower forms of the slipper orchids. The four species have different forms and rich color variations, balancing botanical accuracy with artistic beauty. The souvenir sheet has an elegant layout, arranging the four diamond-shaped stamps in a unified design. The novel and unique format makes this a creatively designed set among botanical-themed stamps.