Scott No: -
Serial number: 2008-3
Values in set: 6
Date of issue: February 23, 2008
Denomination: 720 fen
Designer: Yuan Shanshan
Size of stamps: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 12 * 11.5
Sheet composition: 20
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Henan Provincal Posts and Telecommunications

On February 23, 2008, the special stamp "Jing Role in Peking Opera" (catalog number 2008-3) was officially issued. The set consists of six stamps, with a total face value of 6.80 yuan. The stamps were designed by Yuan Shanshan and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using offset printing. This set is the concluding issue of the series featuring the four major role categories of Peking opera.

The Jing role, commonly known as the "painted face," is one of the four major role categories in Peking opera, alongside the Sheng (male), Dan (female), and Chou (clown) roles. It is characterized by vividly colored facial makeup, powerful singing, and broad, vigorous stage movements to portray distinct male characters. The Jing role is further divided into subcategories: Tongchui Hua Lian (bronze hammer painted face), Jiazi Hua Lian (shelf painted face), and Wu Jing (martial painted face). Following the earlier issues of "Sheng Role," "Dan Role," and "Chou Role," China Post issued this stamp set featuring six iconic Jing role stage images from classic operas, covering different branches of the Jing role. The stamps present the art of Peking opera facial makeup and traditional costumes, systematically showcasing the unique stage charm of the Jing role, preserving the cultural heritage of Peking opera, and completing the full series of stamps on the four major role categories.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Xu Yanzhao

Image: From the opera "Da Bao Guo," representing the Tongchui Hua Lian subcategory. Xu Yanzhao holds the imperial bronze hammer, symbolizing loyalty and protection of the state, a classic image of a loyal minister in traditional opera. The name "Tongchui Hua Lian" originates from this character.

Bao Zheng

Image: From the opera "Zhan Mei An," representing the black-faced Tongchui Hua Lian. The black facial makeup symbolizes impartiality and integrity. Bao Zheng is a well-known incorruptible official and one of the most iconic Jing role characters in Peking opera.

Lian Po

Image: From the opera "Jiang Xiang He," representing the Tongchui Hua Lian. Depicts the famous Warring States general Lian Po, with a red-and-purple facial makeup portraying a straightforward and remorseful veteran general, known for the story of "carrying brambles to apologize."

Zhang Fei

Image: From the opera "Lu Hua Dang," representing the Jiazi Hua Lian. The black face with a butterfly pattern portrays Zhang Fei's bold, straightforward, and fierce character, a classic Jing role figure in Three Kingdoms-themed operas.

Cao Cao

Image: From the opera "Chang Ban Po," representing the Jiazi Hua Lian. The white facial makeup is a traditional convention symbolizing cunning and ambition, making Cao Cao the most classic treacherous figure in Peking opera.

Yang Yansi

Image: From the opera "Jin Sha Tan," representing the Wu Jing (martial painted face). Yang Yansi is depicted in full armor, emphasizing the martial aspect of the Wu Jing role, known for its focus on physical performance and vigorous combat, representing the loyal Yang family generals.

Artistic and Design Features:

The set features a uniform vertical format, drawing on the style of late Qing Dynasty opera figure paintings. The composition boldly extends the figures beyond the stamp borders, enhancing the sense of movement. The stamps clearly distinguish the three subcategories of Tongchui, Jiazi, and Wu Jing, with facial makeup, costumes, and postures faithful to the original operas. The character names are arranged vertically on the right side of each stamp, creating a simple and ancient layout. The figures are true to traditional stage conventions, with meticulous attention to facial patterns and costume details, achieving a unified and harmonious overall style that is both aesthetically pleasing and professionally accurate.

This stamp set is the concluding issue of the four major role category series, holding significant series collectible value. Available in stamp set and large sheet formats, collectors often pair it with the Sheng, Dan, and Chou role stamps to complete the full series, making it a core item for thematic collections on Peking opera and traditional Chinese theater.