Scott No: 1896-1899
Serial number: J97
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: December 26, 1983
Denomination: 46 fen
Designer: Pan Keming
Size of stamps: 31*38.5mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 50(10*5)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J97 Commemorative Stamps: The 90th Anniversary of the Birth of Comrade Mao Zedong was issued on 26 December 1983, this set contains four photogravure stamps designed by Pan Kemin and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory.

Main Theme of the Set

Issued to mark the 90th anniversary of Comrade Mao Zedong’s birth, the stamps adopt a chronological sequence featuring images from four pivotal stages of his life. They depict his early exploration of revolutionary causes, leadership in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, strategic planning for the founding of the People’s Republic, and efforts to build a new China. The set commemorates his indelible contributions to the Chinese revolution and national construction, keeping alive his ideas and spirit.

Stamp Designs and Historical Context

1925 in Guangzhou

The portrait shows Mao Zedong in his youth, wearing a long gown against the backdrop of southern China. During this period, he conducted field research on the peasant movement and wrote *Analysis of the Classes in Chinese Society*, exploring the path for the Chinese revolution.

1945 in Yan’an

This portrait captures Mao Zedong at the time of the Seventh National Congress of the Communist Party of China, calm and resolute. In his Yan’an years, he systematically summed up revolutionary experience. The Seventh National Congress established Mao Zedong Thought as the Party’s guiding ideology, laying a solid foundation for the victory of the New Democratic Revolution.

1952 Inspecting the Yellow River

Mao Zedong visited the banks of the Yellow River in person, deeply concerned about its harnessing, the safety of the river and the wellbeing of the people. Set against the vast land of the Yellow River, this piece embodies his aspiration to tame floods and bring benefits to the people.

1961 in Jiangxi

This portrait records Mao Zedong during his stay in Jiangxi. He went to the grassroots level for investigation, gaining insight into national conditions and reflecting on the direction of national development and construction.

Artistic Features of the Design

Based on historical photographs, the stamps adopt a black-and-white documentary print style with a solemn, subdued tone. Arranged in chronological order, the four stamps coherently trace Mao Zedong’s footsteps across different historical periods. Free of superfluous ornamentation, they are simple yet weighty, ranking among the classic commemorative stamps on the theme of the great leader.