Scott No: 3418
Serial number: 2005-1
Values in set: 1
Denomination: 80 fen
Date of issue: January 5, 2005
Designer: Lui Shengzhong
Size of stamps: 36*36 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition:
24 for Sheet I; 6 for Sheet II
Printing process: Photogravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

This stamp set was issued on January 5, 2005. It consists of a single stamp with a face value of 0.80 yuan, designed by Lü Shengzhong, with Shi Yuan serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. On the same day, a miniature sheet (Sheet II), a mini sheet (Sheet III), and a stamp booklet were also issued in various collectible formats.

The year 2005 is the Year of the Rooster in the lunar calendar. This stamp is the second issue in the third cycle of the zodiac series. In Chinese folk culture, the rooster symbolizes the dawn, good fortune, and progress. Drawing on the artistic language of folk art, the stamp cleverly integrates the cyclical characters with the image of the rooster, conveying New Year greetings and auspicious wishes for good luck, continuing the unique folk character of the zodiac stamp series.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

Yiyou Year

The main image features a vibrant, stylized rooster, with its form cleverly incorporating the character Yi. The red sun and ink brushstrokes at the feet form the character You, subtly referencing the Yiyou cyclical year. A blooming peony beside the rooster's tail symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. The design draws on the bold and bright colors of folk paper-cutting and New Year prints, with a bright red comb and colorful plumage. The rooster stands proudly, as if crowing at the dawn, full of life and festive New Year spirit.

Artistic and Design Features

The square stamp format features distinctive hexagonal perforations at the corners, creating a refined and unique composition. The colors are bright and full, and the photogravure printing provides delicate and vivid layers. Fluorescent ink adds special visual effects. The stamp incorporates multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, shaped perforations, and fluorescent spray codes. In addition to the standard large sheet, a miniature sheet, a yellow-background souvenir sheet, and a stamp booklet were issued, offering a rich variety of formats. This is a classic issue in the third zodiac series.

This stamp is a special issue on the theme of zodiac and folk culture, suitable for thematic collections on the twelve zodiac signs and traditional New Year customs.