Scott No: 1597
Serial number: J53
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: March 8, 1980
Denomination: 8 fen
Designer: Liu Shuoren
Engraver: Gao Pinzhang
Size of stamps: 30*40mm
Perforation: 11.5*11
Sheet composition: 50(10*5)
Printing process: Engraving and photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J53 "70th Anniversary of March 8 International Working Women's Day" commemorative stamp was issued on March 8, 1980. The set consists of 1 stamp, printed by photogravure combined with engraving, designed by Liu Shuoren, engraved by Gao Pinzhang, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. Stamp size 30 mm × 40 mm, perforation gauge 11.5 × 11, 50 stamps per sheet.

Theme of the Set

In 1910, at the Second International Conference of Socialist Women, Clara Zetkin proposed the establishment of International Working Women's Day, and 1980 marked its 70th anniversary. This stamp commemorates this worldwide women's festival and the pioneer of the international women's movement, Clara Zetkin, reviews the course of struggle of women of all countries for equal rights and their own liberation, praises the women's liberation movement, and calls for women's equality, unity, and progress.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

70th Anniversary of March 8 International Working Women's Day

The main subject of the design is a half-length portrait of Clara Zetkin, with a gentle yet firm expression. The portrait is surrounded by a ring of blooming yellow winter jasmine, with graceful branches and brilliant yellow blossoms. At the top of the design are printed the thematic text and the dates "1910–1980," indicating the seventy-year span. The winter jasmine symbolizes the spring of the women's liberation movement and implies the hope of equality and light.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts photogravure combined with engraving; the portrait engraving is delicate, and the facial expression is vividly depicted. The winter jasmine lines are soft, and the pale yellow flowers are plain and fresh, surrounding the portrait in a balanced composition. The tones are light and soft, dignified yet warm. It is a classic work among stamps on the theme of pioneers of the women's movement.