Scott No: 420-421
Serial number: C63
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: July 25, 1959
Denomination: 30 fen
Designer: Liu Shuoren, Han Xiangqi
Engraver: Tang Linshen, Gao Pinzhang
Size of stamps: 23*27.5mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 100(10*10)
Printing process: Engraving
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

C63 "The World Peace Movement" commemorative stamps were issued on July 25, 1959. The set consists of 2 stamps, printed by engraving, designed by Liu Shuoren and Han Xiangqi, engraved by Tang Linkun and Gao Pinzhang, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. Stamp size 23 mm × 27.5 mm, perforation gauge 11.5, 100 stamps per sheet (10 × 10), with a total face value of 0.30 yuan for the set; Portrait of Joliot-Curie 8 fen, circulation 4.15 million copies; Silhouettes of Black, Yellow, and White People 22 fen, circulation 1.495 million copies.

Theme of the Set

In 1949 the First World Congress of Defenders of Peace was held, opening the prelude to the postwar worldwide peace movement; 1959 marked its tenth anniversary. The world peace movement, regardless of race, nationality, or belief, united peace-loving people around the world, opposed war, called for the prohibition of nuclear weapons, and safeguarded world tranquility. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications issued this set to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the peace movement and express China's position of supporting the cause of world peace and the peoples of all countries joining hands against the threat of war.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Portrait of Joliot-Curie

The design is a half-length portrait of Joliot-Curie, with atomic structure patterns and intertwining flowers dotted in the background. Joliot-Curie was a famous nuclear physicist and chairman of the World Peace Council; he actively advocated the peaceful use of atomic energy and opposed the nuclear arms race, and was a core leader of the world peace movement.

Silhouettes of Black, Yellow, and White People

The design shows the profile silhouettes of the three races, flanked by olive branches and a dove of peace, with elaborate patterns in the background. It implies that people of different skin colors and different ethnic groups around the world share a common destiny, making no distinctions among one another and jointly pursuing peace; the olive branch and dove of peace are internationally recognized symbols of peace.

Artistic Design Features

The set uniformly adopts a vertical format and engraving; the lines are delicate and soft, and the continuous pattern ground is elegant and dignified. The two stamps have a clear division of labor: the first makes clear the guiding force of the peace movement through the leader's portrait, and the second symbolizes the broad unity of people around the world through silhouettes, with profound humanistic meaning.