Scott No: 1474
Serial number: J35
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: May 1, 1979
Denomination: 8 fen
Designer: Deng Xiqing
Size of stamps: 40*30mm
Perforation: 11*11.5
Sheet composition: 50(5*10)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J35 "Commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of May Day, International Labor Day" commemorative stamp was issued on May 1, 1979. The set consists of 1 stamp, printed by photogravure, designed by Lu Tianjiao, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. Stamp size 40 mm × 30 mm, perforation gauge 11 × 11.5, 50 stamps per sheet.

Theme of the Set

The great strike of workers in Chicago, USA, in 1886 gave rise to May Day, International Labor Day. 1979 was the 90th anniversary of May Day. This stamp is issued to pay tribute to working people all over the world, praise labor's creation of value, highlight the strength of the working class, encourage workers in all walks of life to actively devote themselves to national construction, and carry forward the labor spirit of struggle and dedication.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

Gear and Hammer

The main subject of the design is composed of the classic worker symbols of a gear and a hammer, with a red flag flying above, bearing the characters "5·1." The background is dotted with radiating rays of light, and the thematic text "Commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of May Day, International Labor Day" surrounds the upper part of the design. The overall elements are striking and closely tied to the Labor Day theme, symbolizing the working class, the power of labor, and the leadership of the red flag.

Artistic Design Features

The design adopts a horizontal composition and a decorative poster style, with concise and powerful forms. The gear and hammer are iconic symbols of industrial labor, and the red flag and rays of light set off a passionate and dignified atmosphere. Red and gold are the main colors, with a strong sense of the times. The photogravure printing has full colors, and the composition is simple and direct, with the theme clear at a glance. It is a typical design style of labor-themed stamps in the late 1970s.