Scott No: -
Serial number: 2014-10
Values in set: 4 + 1
Date of issue: May 18, 2014
Denomination: 480 fen
Designer of Stamps: Liu Zhao, Fang Jun
Size of stamps:
30 * 60 mm
Perforation: 13.5 * 13
Sheet composition:
16 for Sheet I;
8 for Sheet II (2 sets)
Size of sheet:
176 * 270 mm for Sheet I;
190 * 150 mm for Sheet II
Size of S/S: 110 * 156 mm
Size of S/S Stamp: 66 * 108 mm
S/S Perforation: 13.5
Designer of S/S: Wang Huming
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Henan Postage Stamp Printing Works

China Post will issue a set of four special stamps and one souvenir sheet titled "Thangka" on May 18, 2014. The total face value of the set is 10.80 yuan.

Thangka is an artistic treasure of the Chinese nation and a brilliant example of China's rich folk art. With its distinctive ethnic characteristics and rich religious overtones, Thangka encompasses various aspects of Tibetan religion, history, politics, culture, art, and social life. It embodies the faith and wisdom of the Tibetan people and expresses their profound love for the snow-covered plateau. Renowned for its unique craftsmanship, lightweight and portable form, diverse content, exquisite depictions, and superb skill, Thangka is highly valued and cherished by people around the world.

The stamp designs depict Sakyamuni Buddha, Amitayus Buddha, Green Tara, and White Tara, while the souvenir sheet features Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. All of these images are treasured pieces from the collection of the Palace Museum. The stamp designs adopt a relatively large format, which is less commonly used, to faithfully reproduce the exquisite details of the Thangka paintings. The borders are decorated with gold and Thangka-related patterns, adding a magnificent golden radiance and a unique splendor to the entire stamp set.