Scott No: 2132-33
Serial number: J145
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: January 11, 1988
Denomination: 28 fen
Designers: Yan Baozhen
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

J145 "120th Anniversary of the Birth of Cai Yuanpei" commemorative stamps were issued on January 11, 1988. The set consists of 2 stamps, printed by photogravure, with a stamp size of 40 × 30 mm, perforation gauge 11, and 50 stamps per sheet (5 × 10). Designed by Yan Baozhen and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

Cai Yuanpei was a renowned modern educator and thinker and a pioneer of the New Culture Movement. He advocated "freedom of thought and inclusiveness," presided over the reform of Peking University, and laid the conceptual foundation of modern university education, making epoch-making contributions to the development of modern Chinese education, science, and culture. This set commemorates the 120th anniversary of Cai Yuanpei's birth, showcasing his bearing as a leading figure in academic circles and honoring his enlightened and innovative educational thought.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Portrait of Cai Yuanpei

The image is a half-length portrait of Cai Yuanpei, with a refined and calm countenance. Cai Yuanpei was broadly learned and open-minded, and was a leader of modern Chinese educational reform.

Former Site of Peking University

The image shows the Red Building of Peking University. The Red Building was an important campus building of Peking University at the time and also an important venue for the New Culture Movement and the May Fourth Movement. It bears witness to the flourishing academic atmosphere of Peking University during Cai Yuanpei's presidency.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts an expressive approach combining realistic portraiture with architectural painting, with a plain and dignified style. The portrait stamp is concise and clean, highlighting the calm temperament of a scholar; the Red Building stamp has an antique tone, using architecture to carry historical meaning. The whole is restrained and inward-looking, with a dignified tone, fitting the keynote of commemorative stamps for modern cultural celebrities.