Scott No: 3437
Serial number: 2005-12
Values in set: 5
Date of issue: June 1, 2005
Denomination: 380 fen
Designer: Qiong Liang
Size of stamps: 33*44 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 10 (2 sets)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

This special stamp set, Andersen's Fairy Tales, was issued on June 1, 2005. It consists of five stamps with a total face value of 3.80 yuan, designed by Xiong Liang, with Qin Wei serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. The five stamps are in a horizontal continuous format, with a self-adhesive miniature sheet also issued concurrently.

The year 2005 marked the bicentenary of the birth of the Danish literary master Hans Christian Andersen. Over his lifetime, he created more than 160 classic fairy tales that transcend borders and generations. Filled with poetic warmth and profound observations of human nature and society, his stories have accompanied generations of children and remain timeless treasures of world children's literature. China Post selected five of his most beloved works for this stamp set, issued on Children's Day, to honor Andersen's invaluable literary legacy to humanity and to convey the innocence, kindness, and hope that fairy tales embody.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

The Emperor's New Clothes

The stamp depicts the naked emperor parading on a red carpet, adorned with invisible finery, while his courtiers feign admiration. Only a child dares to speak the truth. The satirical and humorous scene exposes the human weakness of vanity and self-deception.

The Little Mermaid

In the deep sea, a long-haired mermaid sits on a rock, gazing at a distant castle on the sea. Her tail gently brushes the water. The story embodies the pure spirit of love, devotion, and sacrifice, making it one of Andersen's most iconic and beloved characters.

Thumbelina

The tiny girl sleeps inside a tulip bud floating on the water, surrounded by giant lotus leaves and white flowers. The dreamlike and tender scene tells the story of a small but courageous being on a journey toward light and happiness.

The Little Match Girl

On a snowy winter night, a poorly dressed girl huddles in a corner, striking matches to glimpse warm and beautiful visions in the flickering light. The scene is cold and poignant, filled with compassion for the poor and vulnerable.

The Ugly Duckling

In a bleak reed pond, the ugly duckling looks up at the swans flying across the sky, foreshadowing its own eventual transformation. The story conveys the inspirational message of self-acceptance and growth through perseverance and resilience.

Artistic and Design Features

The vertical format features a hand-drawn illustration style, with each stamp capturing the texture and atmosphere of a picture book. The five horizontal stamps form a continuous fairy tale scroll, with colors tailored to the mood of each story. The photogravure printing provides soft and delicate textures, accurately reproducing the warm and dreamy quality of watercolor illustrations. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, shaped perforations, and fluorescent spray codes. The self-adhesive miniature sheet adds an interactive and fun format for collectors. The entire set is charming, heartwarming, and rich in literary and artistic appeal.

This stamp set is a special issue on the theme of world children's literature and fairy tales, suitable for thematic collections on foreign literature, illustrated storytelling, and Children's Day themes.