Scott No: 3320
Serial number: 2003-23
Values in set: 1
Denomination: 80 fen
Date of issue: 20th November 2003
Designer: Wang Huming
Size of stamps: 36*36 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition:
20 for Sheet I; 8 for Sheet II
Printing process: gravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

This is a commemorative stamp titled China 2003 – The 16th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, issued on November 20, 2003, with a face value of 80 fen, designed by Wang Huming, photographed by Jiang Cong, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. A miniature sheet was also issued, including a special member edition with the emblem of the All-China Philatelic Federation overprinted.

The 16th Asian International Stamp Exhibition was held in Mianyang, Sichuan. The exhibition also commemorated the 125th anniversary of the birth of China's first set of stamps, the Large Dragon stamps, and was organized by the State Post Bureau and the All-China Philatelic Federation. The Asian International Stamp Exhibition is the highest-level event in the Asian philatelic community, bringing together exhibits from various countries and promoting philatelic cultural exchange in Asia. This stamp features a Han Dynasty bronze horse as its main design, combining an ancient Chinese cultural treasure with the philatelic event, showcasing China's long and splendid ancient art to collectors from across Asia and building a platform for philatelic cultural exchange.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

China 2003 – The 16th Asian International Stamp Exhibition

The main subject is an Eastern Han bronze horse, specifically the companion bronze horse to the famous Bronze Galloping Horse unearthed in Wuwei, Gansu. The bronze horse is vigorous and powerful, with a vivid posture, representing a classic example of Han Dynasty bronze sculpture. On the left side of the design is a Han Dynasty bronze figurine of a entertainer, serving as an accent. The white background is clean and simple, highlighting the antique, substantial texture of the bronze artifact. Using a national treasure as the thematic image of the stamp exhibition symbolizes the long history of Chinese philatelic culture and showcases the beauty of Chinese historical art to the Asian philatelic community.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp uses a square format with a simple and grand composition, set against a pure white background that highlights the ancient bronze object. The photogravure printing accurately reproduces the mottled texture of the bronze surface and delicately expresses the smooth, flowing lines of the horse's form. The design has no elaborate background decoration, fully presenting the vigorous and antique character of Han Dynasty sculpture, integrating ancient bronze art with the modern philatelic event and highlighting the exhibition's theme of preserving civilization and exchanging philatelic art.