Scott No: 2310-13
Serial number: T157
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: December 10, 1990
Denomination: 120 fen
Designers: Chen Quansheng
Size of stamps:
54*40mm for Value 1, 3
40*54mm for Value 2, 4
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition:
20 (4*5) for Value 1, 4
20 (5*4) for Value 2, 3
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

The special stamp set Masterpieces of Classical Chinese Literature – Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Part II), catalog number T157, was issued on December 10, 1990. It consists of four stamps, produced using the photogravure process. The stamp sizes are 54×40 mm for (1) and (3), with a perforation gauge of 11.5×11 degrees; and 40×54 mm for (2) and (4), with a perforation gauge of 11×11.5 degrees. Each sheet contains 20 stamps. The stamps were designed by Chen Quansheng and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This stamp set continues the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series. It selects four classic episodes from the Battle of Guandu, the Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage, and the Battle of Changban Slope—one stratagem, one visit, and two battles—linking key turning points in the early Three Kingdoms period. It depicts classic characters such as Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Zhao Yun, and Zhang Fei, showcasing the original novel's dramatic political intrigue and heroic spirit, and carrying forward the literary charm of the classical novel.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Night Raid on Wuchao

The image depicts the fierce battle scene of Cao Cao's army launching a night raid on Wuchao and burning Yuan Shao's army's grain supplies. From the Battle of Guandu, Cao Cao's surprise attack on Wuchao and the destruction of the grain supplies became the key to victory in the Battle of Guandu, laying the foundation for Cao Cao's unification of the north.

Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage

The image depicts Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei braving the snow to visit Zhuge Liang at his thatched cottage in Longzhong. Liu Bei sincerely sought talent and made three visits to the thatched cottage, finally persuading Zhuge Liang to come out of seclusion and assist him, opening the grand plan for the tripartite division of the realm.

Single Rider Saves the Master

The image shows Zhao Yun, holding the infant A Dou in his arms amid the chaos of battle, fighting bravely to break through the encirclement. After Liu Bei's defeat while leading the people across the river, Zhao Yun single-handedly rescued the young lord Liu Shan from the heavy encirclement of Cao's army. It is a household heroic episode.

Havoc at Changban Bridge

The image presents Zhang Fei reining his horse at the head of Changban Bridge, holding his spear horizontally and roaring, single-handedly blocking Cao Cao's massive army. Zhang Fei's thunderous shout overawed Cao's army, buying precious time for Liu Bei's retreat and fully displaying his fierce and heroic character.

Artistic and Design Features

The set uses the traditional gongbi (meticulous brushwork) and rich-color comic strip style. The antique yellow background enhances the classical atmosphere. The figures are vivid and expressive, and the battlefield fighting is dynamic. The horizontal and vertical formats alternate, and the compositions balance density and sparsity. The colors are rich and substantial, with a strong narrative quality. It is in the same artistic vein as the first set of Romance of the Three Kingdoms stamps, full of traditional Chinese painting charm.