Scott No: -
Serial number: 2008-17
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: July 19, 2008
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Liu Xiangping
Size of stamps: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 12 * 12.5
Sheet composition: 20
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Shengyang Postage Stamp Printing Works

On July 19, 2008, the commemorative stamp "Qi Jiguang" (catalog number 2008-17) was officially issued, marking the 480th anniversary of his birth. The set consists of two stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 2.40 yuan. The stamps were designed by Liu Xiangping and printed by Shenyang Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory in Liaoning Province using offset printing.

Qi Jiguang was a renowned military strategist and national hero of the Ming Dynasty. He dedicated his life to fighting Japanese pirates along the southeast coast and later defended the northern frontier against nomadic tribes. He formed the Qi Family Army, created the "Mandarin Duck Formation" tactic, and authored two important military treatises: Ji Xiao Xin Shu (New Treatise on Military Discipline) and Lian Bing Shi Ji (Records of Military Training). The stamps feature two core scenes—military training and a great victory—encapsulating Qi Jiguang's life achievements, his leadership skills, and his heroic defense of the homeland, promoting the spirit of patriotism and national responsibility. This set is an important part of China Post's series of stamps on ancient Chinese military heroes.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Military Training

Image: The main subject is Qi Jiguang in official Ming Dynasty attire, standing with a sword, with the "Mandarin Duck Formation" diagram in the background and the text "Ji Xiao Xin Shu" vertically inscribed on the upper right.
Significance: The stamp depicts Qi Jiguang's dedication to military training and strategy. The Mandarin Duck Formation was a key tactic in defeating Japanese pirates, combining long and short weapons. Ji Xiao Xin Shu systematically records his training methods, reflecting his outstanding military leadership.

Great Victory

Image: A grand battle scene depicting the Qi Family Army returning in triumph, with flags waving and soldiers advancing.
Significance: The scene is based on the victory at Taizhou, Zhejiang, where the Qi Family Army fought nine consecutive battles and won each one, eliminating the pirate threat in eastern Zhejiang. The stamp vividly recreates the Ming army's heroic efforts in defending the homeland and achieving peace.

Artistic and Design Features:

The set features a uniform vertical format with a traditional gongbi (meticulous brushwork) figure painting style. The two stamps contrast stillness and motion: the first focuses on a portrait with elegant tones, emphasizing strategic and literary achievements; the second is a grand battle scene with rich colors, highlighting the atmosphere of the battlefield. The costumes, weapons, and formations are based on Ming Dynasty historical research, ensuring accuracy. The vertical title on the right side creates a neat and well-coordinated layout.

This stamp set is a commemorative issue on the theme of ancient Chinese military heroes. Available in stamp set and large sheet formats, it is often collected together with other historical figure stamps, such as Yue Fei and Guan Gong, making it a representative item for thematic collections on historical figures and ancient military history.