Scott No: -
Serial number: 2012-7
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: April 27, 2012
Denomination: 480 fen
Designer: Wang Huming
Size of stamps: 28 * 55 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition:
12 for Sheet I;
8 for Sheet II (2 Sets)
Size of sheet:
138 * 200 mm for Sheet I;
148 * 166 mm for Sheet II
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On April 27, 2012, China Post issued the special stamp set "Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity, and Happiness" with catalog number 2012-7. The set consists of four stamps, named Fu (Fortune), Lu (Prosperity), Shou (Longevity), and Xi (Happiness). Each stamp has a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 4.80 yuan. The stamps were designed by Wang Huming, with Tong Liying serving as the responsible editor. They were printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using offset printing, supplemented by localized holographic hot stamping and embossing. Anti-counterfeiting features include anti-counterfeiting paper, anti-counterfeiting ink, shaped perforations, and fluorescent spray codes. Visual and textual materials were provided by the Suzhou Taohuawu Woodblock New Year Print Studio and the Tianjin Yangliuqing Painting Society. The stamp set was issued to promote traditional Chinese folk culture and convey the people's aspirations for a better life.

Fu (Fortune), Lu (Prosperity), Shou (Longevity), and Xi (Happiness) are deeply rooted in China's millennia-old folk traditions and are among the most widely used auspicious expressions.

Fu (Fortune) symbolizes safety, fulfillment, and enduring blessings.

Lu (Prosperity) represents career success and a bright future.

Shou (Longevity) signifies good health and a long life.

Xi (Happiness) refers to joy, celebration, and the arrival of good news.

Together, these four characters embody the sincere and heartfelt aspirations of the common people.

The stamp design draws on the traditional Chinese painting format of the "Four Screens," with elegant vertical layouts. Each stamp features a beautifully rendered floral-style Chinese character as the central motif, paired with corresponding auspicious symbols:

The character Fu (Fortune) is accompanied by bats (bianfu), a homophone for "good fortune," with the character's design inspired by traditional patterns from Suzhou Taohuawu New Year prints.

Lu (Prosperity) is paired with a deer (lu), symbolizing success and rank.

Shou (Longevity) is complemented by a crane and peach, representing long life and health.

Xi (Happiness) is associated with a magpie (xique), echoing the folk belief that magpies herald good news.

The stamps are also rich in decorative floral and auspicious patterns, adding depth and detail.

The printing technology used for this set is particularly notable. Under fluorescent light, the background reveals multiple miniature seal-script characters of "Fu," "Lu," "Shou," and "Xi," creating a subtle and refined effect. The holographic hot stamping enhances the layering of the designs. This stamp set, which appeals to both popular and refined tastes, combines folk aesthetics with collectible value and won the Outstanding Stamp Award at the 33rd National Best Stamp Selection.