Scott No: 1555-56
Serial number: J49
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: December 21, 1979
Denomination: 16 fen
Designer: Ren Yu
Engraver: Sun Hongnian, Gao Pinzhang
Size of stamps:
30*40mm for Value 1;
40*30mm for Value 2
Perforation:
11.5*11 for Value 1;
11*11.5 for Value 2
Sheet composition:
50 (10*5) for Value 1;
50 (5*10) for Value 2
Printing process: Engraving and photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J49 "Centenary of the Birth of Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin" commemorative stamps were issued on December 21, 1979. The set consists of 2 stamps, printed by engraving, designed by Ren Yu, engraved by Sun Hongnian and Gao Pinzhang, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. Stamp sizes: 2-1 measures 30 mm × 40 mm, 2-2 measures 40 mm × 30 mm; perforation gauges: 2-1 is 11.5 × 11, 2-2 is 11 × 11.5, 50 stamps per sheet.

Theme of the Set

Stalin was a great Marxist and an important leader of the Soviet Union who led the Soviet people to the great victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. 1979 marked the centenary of Stalin's birth. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications issued this set to commemorate his historical achievements, remember the history of the World Anti-Fascist War, and express remembrance of the history of the proletarian revolution.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Portrait of Stalin

The image is a standard half-length portrait of Stalin in military uniform, with a dignified and steady expression and rigorous depiction—a classic figure portrait.

Great Contribution

The design presents the scene of Stalin delivering a radio address before a microphone, corresponding to his mobilization speech in the early period of the Great Patriotic War in 1941, calling on the Soviet people to resist the fascist invaders and remembering his major contributions in the Anti-Fascist War.

Artistic Design Features

The two stamps, one vertical and one horizontal, differ in format. Both are entirely printed by engraving, with solid and delicate lines, rich layers of light and shade, and a weighty, solemn texture. One is a static portrait, freezing the figure's image; the other is a dynamic speech scene, carrying historical deeds; the two echo each other. The engraved plate itself is dignified and antique, without superfluous decoration. It is an engraved stamp set on the theme of a foreign revolutionary figure from the JT period.