Scott No: -
Serial number: 2018-9
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: May 5, 2018
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Wu Weishan
Size of stamps: 30 * 50 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 12
Sheet Size: 146 * 190 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

Karl Marx (May 5, 1818 – March 14, 1883) was one of the founders of Marxism, a great mentor to the proletariat and working people around the world, the spiritual leader of the proletariat, and a pioneer of the contemporary communist movement. Marx's most well-known philosophical theory is historical materialism. Scientific socialism, which he co-founded with Friedrich Engels, serves as a theoretical weapon and guide to action for the working people worldwide in their struggle to realize the great ideals of socialism and communism. Throughout his life, Marx authored numerous significant articles and works, the most famous of which are The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital. The Communist Manifesto is the first programmatic document of scientific socialism. Guided by the basic ideas of historical materialism, Das Kapital profoundly analyzes the capitalist mode of production, reveals the laws governing the development of capitalist society, and thus provides scientific verification and further enrichment and development of historical materialism.

May 5, 2018, marked the 200th anniversary of Marx's birth. China Post issued a set of stamps titled "The 200th Anniversary of Karl Marx's Birth" to commemorate the occasion. The stamps feature two designs: a portrait of Marx, and a portrait of Marx and Engels. The total face value of the set is 2.40 yuan.

The first stamp presents a portrait of Marx. This sculpture integrates the creative techniques of modern Chinese freehand sculpture with the European realistic tradition, depicting Marx in motion. With confident and profound eyes and a calm and firm stride, he walks from Trier to the world, and from history to the future, artistically embodying the demeanor and grace of this great man. The second stamp depicts Marx and Engels: Marx is seated while Engels stands, forming a stable triangular composition that symbolizes their unwavering beliefs and profound, indestructible friendship. Viewed from behind, their backs resemble a monumental monument. Marx's deep gaze exudes wisdom and radiance, reminiscent of the demeanor of classical philosophers; Engels stands resolutely. The contrast between sitting and standing fully reflects Engels' respect for Marx. Both stamps have distinct backgrounds and themes, with sculpture and painting integrated to create a spatial contrast. Additionally, the visual relationship between the three-dimensional sculpture and the two-dimensional painting itself constitutes a form of beauty.