Scott No: -
Serial number: 2012-30
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: December 1, 2012
Denomination: 420 fen
Designer: Chen Nan
Size of stamps: 40 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 12 (6 sets)
Size of sheet: 206 * 150 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On December 1, 2012, the special stamp set "Confucius Institutes" (catalog number 2012-30) was officially issued. The set was designed to showcase the mission of Confucius Institutes in promoting the Chinese language and disseminating Chinese culture worldwide, and to facilitate language and cultural exchange between China and other countries. The set consists of two stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 2.40 yuan. The stamps were designed by Chen Nan and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using offset printing. Each stamp measures 30 mm × 40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 13.5 degrees. Each sheet contains 16 stamps, incorporating anti-counterfeiting paper, anti-counterfeiting ink, shaped perforations, and fluorescent spray codes. This is a special stamp set reflecting the theme of Chinese culture reaching out to the world.

The stamp set focuses on the two core functions of Confucius Institutes: language teaching and cultural exchange. Rooted in the cultural symbols of Confucius and combined with elements of global cultural diversity, the stamps embody the role of Confucius Institutes in building bridges between China and other countries, spreading the Chinese language and fine traditional Chinese culture, and promoting mutual learning among different civilizations.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Exchange

Image: The center features the official logo of Confucius Institutes, surrounded by an outline of the world map, accompanied by Chinese cultural elements such as bamboo slips and writing brushes.
History: Confucius Institutes were officially established in 2004 to provide Chinese language teaching overseas and to build a platform for language communication.
Significance: Symbolizes language exchange, using the Chinese language as a bridge to facilitate communication between people of different countries.

Inheritance

Image: A half-length statue of Confucius at the top, with learners of different skin colors reading classic texts below, integrated with a globe pattern.
History: As a representative figure of traditional Chinese culture, Confucius' ideas transcend national boundaries. Confucius Institutes carry the mission of disseminating Chinese thought, traditional folklore, literature, and arts.
Significance: Symbolizes cultural inheritance, promoting the integration and mutual flourishing of Chinese culture with the cultures of other nations.

Artistic and Design Features:

Visual Style: The stamps employ a modern graphic illustration style, with concise and refined lines that blend Chinese and Western elements, appealing to an international aesthetic.
Color Palette: The overall color scheme is elegant and understated, with blue and brown tones conveying a sense of inclusiveness and refinement.
Symbolic Elements: The stamps incorporate the official Confucius Institute logo, the image of Confucius, bamboo slips, the world map, and other iconic symbols, making the theme clear and direct.
Composition: The vertical format is consistent across both stamps, with a clear hierarchy that balances Eastern cultural heritage with a global perspective.

This stamp set is the only stamp issue by China Post exclusively themed on Confucius Institutes. Its unique subject matter focuses on the international promotion of Chinese, cultural exchange between China and other countries, and the dissemination of Confucianism. With both traditional cultural and international exchange attributes, it is suitable for thematic collections on education and Sino-foreign cultural exchange, carrying a distinct imprint of the era.