Scott No: -
Serial number: 2014-13
Values in set: 3 + 1
Date of issue: June 21, 2014
Denomination: 510 fen
Designer: Dai Dunbang
Size of stamps: 40 * 54 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition:
16 for Sheet I;
8 (2 Sets) for Sheet II
Size of sheet:
190 * 246 mm for Sheet I;
210 * 144 mm for Sheet II
Size of S/S: 128 * 86 mm
Size of S/S Stamp: 45 * 70 mm
S/S Perforation: 13
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

China Post will issue a set of four special stamps and one souvenir sheet titled "Masterpieces of Classical Chinese Literature – Dream of the Red Chamber (I)" on June 21, 2014. The stamps depict: "Grandmother Jia Welcomes Her Granddaughter," "The Wrongful Judgment of the Gourd Case," "Granny Liu Visits Sister Feng," and "The Golden Locket Meets the Magic Jade." The souvenir sheet features "Dreaming in the Illusory Realm of Great Void." The total face value of the set is 11.10 yuan.

Dream of the Red Chamber, originally titled The Story of the Stone, is a classic Chinese novel written in chapter form. Set against the backdrop of the four influential clans of Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue, the novel primarily follows the love tragedy between Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu, while chronicling the decline of the wealthy and powerful Jia family. The novel covers a wide range of subjects, including poetry, song, music, calligraphy, painting, architecture, furnishings, clothing, fashion, customs, rituals, cuisine, medicine, tea culture, and the three major philosophical traditions of China — Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Written in beautiful and vivid language, the novel is renowned for its profound characterizations and its creation of many memorable, richly developed personalities, representing a supreme artistic achievement.

The special stamp set Dream of the Red Chamber – The Twelve Beauties of Jinling, issued in 1981, was well-received by stamp collectors for its innovative design and exquisite printing, and was honored as the Best Stamp of that year. This new series of stamps based on Dream of the Red Chamber will follow the narrative sequence of the novel, issued in separate groups, to recreate the artistic essence and profound meaning of this literary masterpiece.

The stamp set was designed by the renowned painter Dai Dunbang. Using traditional Chinese brushwork, his style is characterized by bold, vigorous strokes and vivid, lifelike figures, appealing to both connoisseurs and the general public. Mr. Dai is not only deeply familiar with the story of the Dream of the Red Chamber but is also highly skilled at depicting its characters, making him the most distinguished living artist known for painting scenes from the novel. The stamps focus on creating atmosphere and depicting the personalities of the characters, vividly recreating the former glory of the Jia mansion and revealing the complex relationships between its inhabitants. The scene is set for the rise and fall of the four great families of Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue. The stamp set was printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.