Scott No: -
Serial number: 2012-1
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: January 5, 2012
Denomination: 120 fen
Designer: Chen Shaohua
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, 2012, China Post officially issued the special stamp for the "Year of the Dragon" with catalog number 2012-1. This is the 9th stamp in the third cycle of China's zodiac stamp series, corresponding to the lunar Year of the Dragon (Ren Chen). It is also the only dragon-themed zodiac stamp in the entire third cycle.

The dragon is a totemic symbol that has been integral to Chinese culture for thousands of years. The Year of the Dragon is traditionally associated with the auspicious meaning of "prosperous times and national peace." As the first special stamp of 2012, issued at the beginning of the Lunar New Year, it sparked a nationwide collecting frenzy and became the most anticipated stamp of the year.

The set consists of one main stamp with a face value of 1.20 yuan. It was designed by Chen Shaohua, the core designer of the third-cycle zodiac stamp series, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The main design features a dragon in the style of traditional Chinese folk paper-cutting. The dragon is rendered in vivid red and gold tones, with powerful, dynamic lines. Its head is raised high, and its eyes are bright and spirited, conveying a sense of majestic vitality.

Design Background and Concept:

1. Stylistic Origin:
The stamp's main image is a frontal coiled dragon, inspired by the front-facing dragon motif on Ming Dynasty imperial dragon robes. It also draws on the dragon's structure and color palette from the Nine-Dragon Wall of the Qing Dynasty in Beihai, Beijing, representing a classic Ming-Qing coiled dragon style.

The background incorporates auspicious cloud patterns. The overall style is festive and vibrant, preserving the profound weight of traditional zodiac culture while infusing the dragon image with a contemporary vitality that perfectly captures the New Year's theme of "good fortune and a prosperous dragon era."

2. Image Interpretation:
The golden dragon faces forward, its eyes bright, mouth wide open, and claws strong and vigorous. The colors are rich and splendid. When the stamp was first issued, many online commenters described the dragon as "solemn and fierce" in its expression. The designer, Chen Shaohua, explained:

In traditional culture, the dragon serves to guard the home, ward off evil, and protect the people, so it should not be depicted as a cute or gentle creature.

Comparing the dragon stamps across the three cycles:

1988 (Wu Chen) Dragon: Soft, restrained, with a folk New Year painting style.

2000 (Geng Chen) Dragon: Flowing and subtle, inspired by Qin and Han Dynasty ornamentation.

2012 (Ren Chen) Dragon: Reflects confidence, strength, and a soaring national spirit, embodying the self-confidence of the era.

3. Symbolic Elements:

Coiled dragon composition: Sitting in a guarding posture, symbolizing the dragon's role in protecting the nation and ensuring peace.

Pearl beneath the belly: The dragon pearl represents perfection and good fortune.

Vibrant, multi-colored whiskers and horns: Enhance the festive New Year atmosphere.