Scott No: -
Serial number: 2011-1
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: January 5, 2011
Denomination: 120 fen
Designer: Wu Guanying
Size of stamps: 36 * 36 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition:
20 for Sheet I;
6 for Sheet II
Size of sheet:
180 * 210 mm for Sheet I;
128 * 180 mm for Sheet II
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On January 5, 2011, the special stamp "Xin Mao Year" (catalog number 2011-1) was officially issued. This is the eighth stamp in the third cycle of China's zodiac stamp series, featuring the Year of the Rabbit. The set consists of one stamp with a face value of 1.20 yuan, designed by Wu Guanying and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The stamp is themed on the Xin Mao Year of the Rabbit, presenting a lively and auspicious jade rabbit image. It incorporates traditional folk auspicious meanings, conveying wishes for the jade rabbit welcoming spring, national peace, good fortune, and harmony. It is an important component of the third cycle of the twelve zodiac stamp series.

Stamp Design and Historical Background:

Xin Mao Year

Image: A colorful cartoon-style jade rabbit in a running posture, adorned with traditional auspicious floral patterns on its body, with auspicious cloud motifs in the background.
History: The Xin Mao year corresponds to the zodiac Rabbit. In Chinese folk culture, the rabbit symbolizes agility, peace, vitality, and longevity. Legends such as the jade rabbit pounding medicine and welcoming spring and good fortune have been passed down through generations.
Significance: The third cycle zodiac stamp for the Year of the Rabbit, continuing the unified creative system of the three zodiac cycles, and serving as the annual opening zodiac philatelic item.

Artistic and Design Features:

Artistic Style: Modern cartoon decorative style with rounded, soft lines, presenting a lively, cute, and endearing rabbit image.
Color Palette: The main colors are warm red and gold, creating a rich, festive atmosphere suited for the New Year celebration.
Format: The square stamp shape is a signature feature of the third zodiac cycle. The upper right corner features the character for "Rabbit" in seal script.
Detail Design: The rabbit's body is decorated with floral and cloud patterns, integrating traditional folk motifs while balancing modern illustration with traditional folk elements.

This stamp belongs to the third cycle zodiac series and can be collected together with the other eleven zodiac stamps. The designer Wu Guanying is a well-known figure, and the stamp was issued in multiple formats, including large sheets, miniature sheets, and stamp booklets, offering a variety of collectible formats. It is an essential item for zodiac-themed philately, combining New Year folk culture with thematic collectibility, and holds a stable position in zodiac series collections.