Scott No: 2096-97
Serial number: T117
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: June 1, 1987
Denomination: 16 fen
Designers: Yan Qinghui, Liu Yuan
Size of stamps:
40*25mm for Value 1;
25*40mm for Value 2
Perforation:
12.5*12 for value 1;
12*12.5 for value 2
Sheet composition:
60 (5*12) for Value 1;
60 (12*5) for Value 2
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T117 special stamps Our Festivals were issued on June 1, 1987. The set consists of two stamps, printed by photogravure. Stamp (2-1) measures 40×25 mm with a perforation gauge of 12.5×12 degrees. Stamp (2-2) measures 25×40 mm with a perforation gauge of 12×12.5 degrees. There are 60 stamps per sheet. The original paintings were created by Yan Qinghui and Liu Yuan. The stamps were printed by Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

Released for International Children’s Day on June 1, the designs were selected from entries collected through an open nationwide call for works by young children. From the perspective of children’s paintings, the stamps depict the joyful festival life of young children in the new era, express their longing for a peaceful environment, and call on the whole society to care for and protect children and safeguard their wonderful childhood.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Joy of the Festival

The painting shows children of all ethnic groups gathering in front of Tiananmen, singing and dancing. The bright and rich colours are filled with festive cheer, presenting a harmonious scene of children from all ethnic groups getting along well.

Peace and Happiness

It portrays three children holding hands, with colourful balloons and white doves floating in the sky. White doves symbolize peace, meaning children grow up happily in a peaceful environment.

Artistic Features

The stamps adopt the innocent style of children’s hand-painted works, with free and unrefined lines and bright, lively colours free from deliberate polish of professional painting. One horizontal and one vertical format form a lively pair, full of childlike fun. The designs retain the original perspective of children, making this a highly distinctive children’s painting stamp among JT stamps.