Scott No: -
Serial number: 2010-1
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: January 5, 2010
Denomination: 120 fen
Designer: Ma Gang
Size of stamps: 36 * 36 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition:
20 for Sheet I;
6 for Sheet II
Size of sheet:
170 * 210 mm for Sheet I;
128 * 180 mm for Sheet II
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On January 5, 2010, the special stamp "Geng Yin Year" (catalog number 2010-1) was officially issued, marking the Year of the Tiger in the third cycle of China's zodiac stamps. The set consists of one stamp with a face value of 1.20 yuan, designed by Ma Gang and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

This stamp is the Year of the Tiger issue in China Post's third cycle of the twelve zodiac series. The Geng Yin Year of the Tiger: in traditional Chinese culture, the tiger symbolizes courage, majesty, and good fortune, representing the warding off of evil and welcoming prosperity. The stamp depicts a tiger in a traditional painting style, integrating folk aesthetics and conveying wishes for national peace and vibrant life, continuing the simple and modern design style of the third zodiac cycle.

Stamp Design and Historical Background:

Geng Yin Year

Image: A colorful crouching tiger with rounded, soft lines and rich, vibrant colors, adorned with traditional decorative patterns.
History: The Year of the Tiger stamp continues the creative approach of the third zodiac cycle, emphasizing a folk decorative style. Tiger culture has a long history, with the tiger revered as an auspicious beast in folk culture, symbolizing strength and peace.
Significance: The third cycle Year of the Tiger stamp, an important component of the twelve zodiac thematic collection.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Square standard third-cycle zodiac stamp format, with a full and stable composition.
Painting Style: Decorative color ink painting, departing from the fierce image of traditional tigers, with a friendly and festive appearance that fits the New Year folk atmosphere.
Color Palette: A combination of red, yellow, and black, rich in New Year flavor.
Series Continuity: Maintains visual consistency with the other stamps in the third zodiac cycle.

This stamp is a single stamp for the Year of the Tiger in the third zodiac cycle, available in multiple formats including single stamp, miniature sheet, and stamp booklet. Zodiac themes are among the most popular stamp subjects, suitable for thematic collections on zodiac series and folk culture. The complete third zodiac series is a comprehensive set, and the Year of the Tiger is a popular issue within it.