Scott No: -
Serial number: 2025-11
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: July 12th, 2025
Denomination: 400 fen
Designer: Zeng Xiaolian
Size of stamps: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 12
Size of sheet: 170 * 160 mm
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

China Post will issue a set of four special stamps titled "Edible Fungi (Series 2)" on July 12, 2025. The stamps are named "Russula virescens," "Naematelia aurantialba," "Tricholoma matsutake," and "Thelephora ganbajun." The total face value of the set is 4.00 yuan, with a planned issuance quantity of 4.9 million sets.

Edible fungi generally refer to large, edible higher fungi and can be categorized into cultivated and wild varieties. As precious gifts from nature, they embody the wisdom of harmonious coexistence between human civilization and the natural ecosystem. Continuing the scientific approach of the first "Edible Fungi" stamp set issued in 1981, this new set focuses on China's rare species and their ecological value. The stamp designs blend traditional Chinese naturalism with Western realism, featuring delicate brushwork, vibrant colors, and a simple style to vividly depict the morphological characteristics and growing environments of these four fungi, showcasing the beauty of biodiversity and vibrant vitality.

The first stamp, "Russula virescens," commonly known as "Green Russula," belongs to the Russulaceae family. Its cap is firm, greenish in color, and covered with greenish-brown scales. Widely distributed, it is beloved for its delicious taste. The stamp design highlights its lush green hue and incorporates a forest ecological background, giving the overall image a blend of natural wildness and aesthetic charm.

The second stamp, "Naematelia aurantialba," commonly known as "Golden Ear," belongs to the Naematelia family. It appears golden yellow, with a tough yet elastic texture, and possesses both edible and medicinal value. In 2024, Chinese researchers used DNA barcoding technology to identify the common market "Golden Ear" as a new species—Naematelia aurantialba, further revealing its biological characteristics. The stamp employs a unique naturalist illustration style to accurately depict the fungus's distinctive wrinkles and gelatinous texture.

The third stamp, "Tricholoma matsutake," commonly known as "Matsutake," belongs to the Tricholomataceae family. It is a globally recognized rare and valuable natural edible fungus and is also listed as a Class II endangered protected species in China. Historically revered as a treasure among edible fungi, it enjoys the reputation as the "King of Mushrooms" and is extremely precious. The stamp uses meticulous brushwork to capture the fine textures on the mushroom's cap and the robust form of its stem. Pine forest elements are added to the background, with soft light and shadow illustrating its growth environment and enhancing the natural atmosphere of the scene.

The fourth stamp, "Thelephora ganbajun," commonly known as "Ganba Fungus," belongs to the Thelephoraceae family and is endemic to China. It grows in clusters resembling coral, with intertwined branches, and its color ranges from grey-white to grey-black. The stamp uses extremely fine lines to outline the complex, clustered, and branching structure of the fungus, complemented by a simple and soft background to emphasize the subject, recreating its fresh, lively state.

This stamp set is printed using "high-precision offset printing + scented ink + 3D embossing." The overall visual effect of the stamps is fresh and elegant, with rich layers. The high-precision offset printing almost perfectly reproduces the delicate and soft beauty of the original designs, clearly capturing every detail and color variation. Mushroom-shaped shaped perforations are used to complement the stamp theme. The 3D embossing technique enhances the three-dimensionality of the stamps, with layered treatment applied to different parts like the main mushroom body, cap, and gills; the tactile differences recreate the texture of fresh mushrooms. Rubbing the stamp image activates the scented ink, releasing a natural, earthy fragrance reminiscent of a forest, cleverly creating an original ecological ambiance. The comprehensive use of multiple techniques allows viewers to appreciate the stamps through visual, tactile, and olfactory dimensions, fostering an immersive sensory experience, enhancing interactivity and fun, and achieving an organic integration of technical aesthetics and interactive enjoyment.

The stamp set was designed by Zeng Xiaolian, edited by Wang Nan, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Co., Ltd. using the offset process.