Scott No: -
Serial number: 2017-6
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: March 20, 2017
Denomination: 540 fen
Designer: Feng Yuan
Size of stamps: 30 * 50 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition:
16 for Sheet I;
8 for Sheet II (2 Sets)
Sheet Size:
146 * 240 mm for sheet I;
170 * 130 mm for Sheet II
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Works

In ancient China, the character "Shi" (Time) was used to denote seasons. The ancients defined the alternation of "days" based on the apparent motion of the sun, established the time unit of "months" according to the waxing and waning cycle of the moon, and determined the seasonal changes of the "Four Seasons" through the alignment of the sun and celestial phenomena. Gradually, they developed a concept of seasons and a method of seasonal division with distinct Chinese characteristics. The first explicit division of a year into spring, summer, autumn and winter was recorded in Yueling (Monthly Ordinances). This text divided each season into three months, named Meng (First), Zhong (Second) and Ji (Last) respectively. Since then, the division of "Shi" (Time/Seasons) has become more objective and scientific. The origin and evolution of the four-season division reflect the ancient people’s thinking and values of "harmony between heaven, earth and humanity", which advocates that "one should align one’s virtues with heaven and earth, and conform one’s actions to the order of the four seasons".

Four Seasons is a set of special stamps issued by China Post on March 20, 2017, with the catalogue number 2017-6, to promote traditional Chinese culture. The full set consists of 4 stamps, titled "Swallows Cutting Through Willow Branches in Spring", "Lotus Flowers Dancing in Summer Waters", "Roosters Crowing Amidst Rice Ears in Autumn" and "Plum Blossoms Shining Against Winter Snow" respectively.

The first stamp depicts spring scenery: gentle breezes caress the air, willow branches sway on both riverbanks, a group of children fly kites, and swallows dart back and forth, brimming with vibrant life. The second stamp portrays summer scenes: children paddle small boats through a lotus pond, some wearing lotus leaf hats, others playing with lotus flowers in their hands, presenting a picture of exuberant vitality. The third stamp shows autumn vistas: the sky stretches endlessly, the land is bathed in golden hues, children busily harvest rice, and joy lights up people’s faces, depicting a bountiful harvest scene. The fourth stamp captures winter views: snowflakes flutter all over the sky, red plum blossoms bloom gracefully, a girl busies herself pasting "Fu" (blessing) characters, and children squat on the ground to light firecrackers, praying for good fortune in the new year, creating a joyous and peaceful atmosphere.

Four Seasons is another creatively designed stamp set featuring traditional Chinese culture, following the "four-character themed" stamp series such as Fu Lu Shou Xi (Blessing, Prosperity, Longevity, Joy), Qin Qi Shu Hua (Lute-playing, Chess, Calligraphy, Painting) and Shi Ci Ge Fu (Poems, Ci Verses, Songs, Odes). Through scenes of children engaging in different activities across the four seasons, the stamps convey the natural ambiance and cultural connotations of spring, summer, autumn and winter. The designs blend the fresh and elegant style of traditional New Year paintings with modern perspective composition, creating concise and vivid images within the small stamp format, and effectively communicating the message of "Four Seasons".