Scott No: 2291-12
Serial number: J170
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: August 30, 1990
Denomination: 28 fen
Designers: Yin Huili
Size of stamps: 40*30mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 40 (4*10)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

J170 Commemorative Stamps for the 90th Anniversary of the Birth of Comrade Zhang Wentian were issued on August 30, 1990. The set consists of two stamps, printed by photogravure. Each stamp measures 40×30 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11×11.5 degrees. There are 40 stamps per sheet (5×8). Designed by Yin Huili, the stamps were printed by Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

This set marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Zhang Wentian. Zhang Wentian was a great proletarian revolutionary, theorist and an important leader of the Communist Party of China. He played a pivotal role at the Zunyi Meeting. Upholding truth all his life and being upright and uncorrupted, he made remarkable contributions to the Party’s historical cause, theoretical publicity and diplomatic work. The stamps commemorate his revolutionary feats and noble character.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Portrait of Comrade Zhang Wentian

The design features a portrait of Zhang Wentian in his later years, with a ray of light breaking through heavy dark clouds in the background. Zhang Wentian endured many hardships yet remained faithful to his beliefs. The streak of light symbolizes that history has fairly evaluated his contributions and restored his true stature.

Comrade Zhang Wentian at the Zunyi Meeting

This design depicts Zhang Wentian during the Zunyi Meeting in the Long March. At the meeting, Zhang Wentian delivered a report criticizing the Left-leaning mistakes and strongly supported Mao Zedong’s correct propositions. He was one of the core figures behind this great historical turning point.

Artistic Features

The stamps adopt sketch portraits, with a simple and profound style. The first stamp carries a restrained and solemn tone, using the imagery of light amid clouds to echo the twists and turns of his life. The second stamp is concise and dignified, recreating the figure of the revolutionary era. The two stamps complement each other, presented in a solemn and implicit manner, conveying deep respect for the older generation of revolutionaries.