Scott No: -
Serial number: 2014-1
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: January 5, 2014
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

The lunar year of Jiawu is the Year of the Horse. The horse symbolizes the Chinese nation's spirit of continuous self-improvement, perseverance, and enterprising drive, and has been cherished by the Chinese people since ancient times. The white horse is regarded as the "image of a king" and represents bravery and holiness.

The "Jiawu Year" special stamp was issued by China Post on January 5, 2014, as a zodiac-themed special stamp, with catalog number 2014-1. The set consists of one stamp with a face value of 1.20 yuan, designed by Chen Shaohua. This stamp is the 11th in the third cycle of zodiac stamps.

The main image of the stamp is a well-proportioned, vigorous white horse, with a handsome profile, strong sinews, elegant bearing, and a dignified presence. Its form draws inspiration from the essence of ancient Chinese horse sculpture, while also referencing the stylized features of Tang Dynasty tri-colored glazed pottery horses (sancai), using modern decorative geometric lines and structural lines to emphasize the horse's strength and robustness. In terms of dynamic design, the horse's right front leg is bent, its head raised as it neighs, and it is equipped with a saddle. The design deliberately avoids the conventional depiction of galloping or leaping horses, instead creating a composed, content, and standing horse. The horse's body is adorned with peony patterns, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. The saddle is red, symbolizing celebration and warmth, and features two bats, conveying the meanings of "good fortune arriving on horseback" and "bearing blessings." The stamp design emphasizes the horse's harmonious proportions and vigorous physique, expressing the spirit of steadiness, confidence, and pragmatism. In terms of printing technique, the stamp uses a special silver ink that gives the horse a metallic sheen that shimmers as the viewing angle changes. The printing process used is photogravure.