Scott No: 3421-24, 3424a
Serial number: 2005-4
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: February 1, 2005
Denomination: 320 fen
Designer: Wang Huming
Size of stamps: 30*40
Perforation: 13.5*13
Sheet composition:
Sheet I 8 mint, 180*104mm;
Sheet II 8 mint(2 sets), 120*210mm
Size of M/S: 150*90mm
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

This special stamp set, Yangjiabu Woodblock New Year Prints, was issued on February 1, 2005. It consists of four stamps with a total face value of 3.20 yuan. A souvenir sheet was also issued, designed by Wang Huming and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using offset printing. A New Year prize-winning postcard redemption miniature sheet was issued simultaneously.

Yangjiabu woodblock New Year prints originate from Yangjiabu in Weifang, Shandong. They are a highly representative intangible cultural heritage of Chinese folk art. Using woodblock color printing, the designs are characterized by bold and exaggerated compositions and vivid, intense colors. The themes are often drawn from folk stories conveying blessings and good fortune, embodying the simple and vibrant Spring Festival culture of northern rural communities. This stamp set continues the series of Chinese woodblock New Year prints, showcasing the unique rustic charm of traditional folk art.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Door Gods

The stamp depicts a mighty and imposing warrior door god, clad in ornate armor with intricate patterns. The bold contrast of red and green is striking. This classic New Year image is pasted on doors to protect the home and bring blessings.

Surplus Year After Year

A lady holds a basket filled with lotuses and fish, accompanied by children. The lotus (lian) and fish (yu) together symbolize "abundance year after year" (liannian youyu), expressing the people's wishes for prosperity, good health, and a bountiful harvest. The figures are lively and festive.

Good News of Triple Success

Two playful children hold auspicious objects, evoking the traditional motif of "good news of triple success" in imperial examinations. It symbolizes academic achievement and a bright future, conveying blessings for success and prosperity.

Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers

A heavenly maiden dances in the air, scattering petals across the world, accompanied by children. The image is light and ethereal, symbolizing the spreading of blessings and good fortune, conveying auspicious New Year wishes.

Artistic and Design Features

The square stamp format preserves the bold and vibrant composition of the original prints, faithfully retaining the intense colors and rustic charm of Yangjiabu prints. The offset printing faithfully reproduces the bright and rich colors of the woodblock prints. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, microtext, and fluorescent spray codes. The souvenir sheet features an elegant red border with gold outlines, enhancing the festive character. The entire set exudes a strong New Year atmosphere and a powerful sense of folk art.

This stamp set is a special issue on the theme of folk woodblock prints and intangible cultural heritage, including a souvenir sheet and redemption miniature sheet, suitable for thematic collections on folk art and traditional New Year customs.