Scott No: 1475-76
Serial number: J37
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: May 4, 1979
Denomination: 16 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

J37 "Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the May Fourth Movement" commemorative stamps were issued on May 4, 1979. The set consists of 2 stamps, printed by photogravure, designed by Deng Xiqing, 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 May Fourth Movement broke out in 1919. It was a great patriotic movement against imperialism and feudalism that held high the banners of democracy and science, opened the prelude to China's new democratic revolution, and profoundly influenced the intellectual course of modern China. 1979 marked the 60th anniversary of the May Fourth Movement. This set was issued to honor the patriotic youth of the older generation, carry forward the May Fourth spirit of patriotism, progress, democracy, and science, inspire young people of the new era to devote themselves to national construction, and strive toward the goal of the four modernizations.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Carry Forward the Glorious May Fourth Tradition

The design is taken from the May Fourth Movement relief on the Monument to the People's Heroes, recreating the scene of patriotic youth taking to the streets, holding rallies and giving speeches, and shouting in protest. The group of figures is passionate and full, freezing the magnificent historical moment of the May Fourth Movement and recalling the patriotic struggle of the forerunners.

Contribute Youth to the Great New Long March

The main subject of the design is the image of a vigorous young woman, with modern scientific and technological symbols such as rockets, satellites, and atomic models in the background, implying that youth of the new era inherit the May Fourth spirit, study science, strive vigorously, and contribute their youthful strength to the modernization of the motherland.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts a horizontal composition. The two designs, one looking back at history and one facing the future, echo each other. The first faithfully restores the weighty sculptural texture of the relief, with steady tones, focusing on reproducing history; the second uses realistic figures combined with scientific and technological symbols, full of the vigor of the times. The main tones are red and gold, dignified and passionate. The photogravure printing has steady colors and a strong flavor of the times. It is a classic work among revolutionary history-themed stamps of the JT period.