Scott Number: -
Serial number: 2011-12
Values in set: 3
Denomination: 360 fen
Date of issue: May 10, 2011
Size of stamp: 30 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13.5 * 13
Sheet composition: 16
Size of Sheet: 150 * 240 mm
Size of M/S: 170 * 100 mm
Designer: Li Qun
Printing process: Photogravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

On May 10, 2011, the special stamp "Nanjing Yunjin Brocade" (catalog number 2011-12) was officially issued. Yunjin is the iconic traditional silk weaving craft of Nanjing, and was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. This stamp set presents the weaving art of Yunjin, known as the "Oriental Treasure." The set consists of three stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 3.60 yuan, with a souvenir sheet issued concurrently. The stamps were designed by Li Qun, with the souvenir sheet designed by Huang Rongrong. Artifact materials were provided by the Nanjing Yunjin Research Institute, and the stamps were printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The three stamps are arranged in sequence representing imperial ceremonial patterns, official rank badge patterns, and folk auspicious patterns, covering the three major themes of Yunjin. Yunjin originated in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and was long used as a royal product. It is renowned for its use of gold threads, silver threads, and peacock feathers, with the "zhuanghua" technique being unmatched. These stamps present the magnificent and brilliant visual characteristics of Yunjin, distinguishing its different usage contexts—imperial rituals, official attire, and folk blessings—and bearing witness to the historical status of Nanjing Yunjin as a famous export brocade along the Maritime Silk Road.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Golden Dragon Roundel

Image: A red-ground golden dragon roundel pattern with a five-clawed golden dragon encircled by auspicious clouds; the lower part of the stamp features a line drawing of the large wooden drawloom.
History: The pattern originates from Ming Dynasty imperial dragon robe fabric, woven with substantial real gold threads, representing the highest grade of imperial Yunjin. The large wooden drawloom is a unique Yunjin weaving device requiring coordination between the "pattern puller" and the weaver.
Significance: A representative of Yunjin's imperial patterns, symbolizing imperial power and the majesty of a prosperous era.

First-Rank Crane Rank Badge

Image: A dark-ground crane pattern, with a crane standing on river rocks and waves, surrounded by auspicious clouds and the Eight Treasures motifs; the lower section shows a weaving operation illustration.
History: This is the rank badge pattern for first-rank civil officials of the Ming and Qing dynasties; the crane symbolizes integrity, longevity, and noble character. Yunjin rank badges were finely woven and are important material carriers of the ancient official dress system.
Significance: A classic example of traditional official brocade and a microcosm of ancient ritual dress culture.

Double Fish of Auspicious Surplus

Image: A green-ground double fish pattern with two koi fish nestled together, accompanied by auspicious clouds and floral motifs; the lower section features a simple diagram of the "taohua jieben" (flower pattern preparation) technique.
History: "Fish" (yu) is a homophone for "surplus" (yu), symbolizing abundance and prosperity. This is a Yunjin pattern used in folk hall decorations and wedding textiles. The "taohua jieben" process is a core step in creating the pattern draft before weaving.
Significance: A representative of Yunjin's folk auspicious patterns, reflecting people's aspirations for a better life.

Artistic and Design Features:

Composition: Uniform vertical stamp format with a two-part layout: the upper section reproduces the brocade pattern, while the lower section features weaving process illustrations, balancing artifact display with craft education.
Color Reproduction: Accurately reproduces the rich, deep colors of Yunjin, restoring the magnificent texture of gold-thread brocade.
Narrative Concept: The orderly arrangement of imperial, official, and folk themes provides a comprehensive view of Yunjin's journey from the palace to the common people.
Derivative Format: A souvenir sheet was issued concurrently, bringing the three stamps together in an elegant, antique layout that enhances the viewing experience.

This stamp set is the only special stamp dedicated to Nanjing Yunjin, making it a scarce intangible cultural heritage-themed issue. It covers ancient silk weaving techniques, costume culture, Nanjing local themes, and Maritime Silk Road export brocade. The pattern prototypes hold high historical value, and the printing quality is excellent. With both the stamp set and souvenir sheet formats available, it has long been highly valued by collectors interested in traditional textiles and intangible cultural heritage art.