Scott No: -
Serial number: 2014-29
Values in set: 6
Date of issue: December 1, 2014
Denomination: 890 fen
Designer: Xiao Yutian
Size of stamps: 30 * 50 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 6 (1 set)
Size of sheet: 135 * 220 mm
Printing process: Offset + Engraving
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

"Yuan Qu" is a set of six special stamps issued by China Post on December 1, 2014. The stamps feature six classic works of Yuan Dynasty literature: Ma Zhiyuan's "Autumn Thoughts" to the tune of "Clear Skies over the Sand," Zhang Yanghao's "Recalling the Past at Tong Pass" to the tune of "Hillside Sheep," Guan Hanqing's "The Injustice to Dou E," Bai Pu's "Romance on the Wall," Ji Junxiang's "The Orphan of Zhao," and Zheng Guangzu's "The Soul of Qiannu Leaves Her Body." The total face value of the set is 8.90 yuan.

Yuan Qu is a form of art that flourished during the Yuan Dynasty, encompassing both zaju (variety plays) and sanqu (lyric songs). Zaju integrates multiple forms of performance art, combining realism with romanticism, with clear storylines and well-defined characters. Sanqu originated from folk songs and ballads, characterized by free and lively language, rich expressiveness, and appeal to both refined and popular tastes. In terms of ideological content and artistic expression, Yuan Qu is distinctive and stands alongside Tang poetry, Song ci poetry, and Ming-Qing fiction as a major literary form. It occupies an important place in Chinese literary history and represents a brilliant flower in the treasury of Chinese culture.

This stamp set continues the format established by the earlier "Three Hundred Tang Poems" and "Song Ci" stamp issues. The complete text of the "Three Hundred Yuan Qu" is micro-printed around the edges of the stamps. By using a dedicated digital pen to tap the stamps, or by scanning the QR codes on the stamps, viewers can listen to audio recordings of the Yuan Qu works. The sheet border features the painting "Secluded Life" by the Yuan Dynasty artist Qian Xuan.

The stamp set was specially commissioned from the renowned gongbi (meticulous brushwork) artist Xiao Yutian. Using traditional painting methods and mineral pigments, he created works characterized by the fine, precise brushwork and rich coloration typical of gongbi painting. The stamp designs vividly capture the essence of the stories with intense atmosphere, complemented by various calligraphic styles that evoke a sense of historical authenticity. The stamp set was printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using a combination of offset and engraving techniques.