Scott No: 2172-73
Serial number: J155
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: October 24, 1988
Denomination: 28 fen
Designers: Ma Gang
Size of stamps: 40*30mm
Perforation: 11*11.5
Sheet composition: 50(5*10)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J155 "90th Anniversary of the Birth of Comrade Peng Dehuai" commemorative stamps were issued on October 24, 1988. The set consists of 2 stamps, printed by photogravure, with a stamp size of 40 × 30 mm, perforation gauge 11 × 11.5, and 50 stamps per sheet (5 × 10). Designed by Ma Gang and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

Peng Dehuai was a great proletarian revolutionary and military strategist and a founding marshal. He led the Pingjiang Uprising, commanded the Hundred Regiments Offensive, and rendered immortal service on the battlefield of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. Throughout his life he was upright and outspoken and devoted to the people. This set commemorates the 90th anniversary of Peng Dehuai's birth, honoring his military exploits of "sword drawn and horse reined" and his lofty character of speaking out for the people, and remembering his enormous contributions to the cause of the Party and the people.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

"Please Speak Out for the People"

The image is a portrait of Peng Dehuai, with his own signature beside it. "Please speak out for the people" embodies his integrity of being devoted to the common people and daring to voice their concerns. The portrait depicts an expression weathered by vicissitudes and deep in thoughtful concern.

General Peng

The image is a profile portrait of Peng Dehuai in marshal's uniform, with a military map in the background. It is taken from the poetic line "Who dares to draw the sword and rein in the horse? Only our General Peng," displaying his commanding bearing of devising strategy and directing operations with calm assurance.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts a realistic sketch portrait style, with calm and weighty tones. The first stamp is simple with blank space, highlighting the figure's firm and sincere temperament; the second uses a military map to set off the war background and render the atmosphere of a commander planning on the battlefield. The images are solemn and profound, full of reverence for the founding marshal.