Scott No: 2373-77
Serial number: T167
Values in set: 4
Souvenir Sheet: 1
Date of issue: November 19, 1991
Denomination: 160 fen
Denomination of S/S : 300 fen
Designers: Zhou Feng
Size of stamps: 54*40mm
Size of S/S: 87*140mm
Size of S/S Stamp: 60*90mm
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 28 (4*7)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

The special stamp set Masterpieces of Classical Chinese Literature – Water Margin (Part III), catalog number T167, was issued on November 19, 1991. It consists of four stamps and one souvenir sheet, produced using the photogravure process. The stamps measure 54×40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11 degrees. Each sheet contains 28 stamps (4×7). The stamps were designed by Zhou Feng and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This stamp set continues the Water Margin series, selecting classic chapters such as the Xunyang Tower, the Three Attacks on the Zhu Family Manor, and the Dengzhou Prison Break, depicting Liangshan heroes such as Dai Zong, Hu Sanniang, Gu Dasao, and Sun Li. It showcases the vivid personalities and dramatic martial world stories of the Water Margin characters, promoting the literary charm of the classical novel. It is an important component of the Water Margin stamp series.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Dai Zong Delivers a Forged Letter at Liangshan Marsh

The image depicts Dai Zong rushing to Jiangzhou to deliver a forged letter. Song Jiang was thrown into a death cell for writing a rebellious poem at Xunyang Tower. Wu Yong forged a letter to rescue Song Jiang and had the Divine Traveler Dai Zong deliver it. However, the flaw in the letter was discovered by Huang Wenbing, and both men fell into danger.

Hu Sanniang Captures Wang Ying

The image shows the exciting moment when Hu Sanniang captures Wang Ying alive on the battlefield. Hu Sanniang, nicknamed "Ten Feet of Blue," was highly skilled in martial arts. In the battle of the Zhu Family Manor, Wang Ying went out to fight but was no match for Hu Sanniang and was captured alive. The plot is vivid and humorous.

Gu Dasao's Great Prison Break in Dengzhou

The image depicts the scene of Gu Dasao leading a group to break into the prison and rescue people. The Xie Zhen and Xie Bao brothers were unjustly imprisoned. Gu Dasao joined forces with Sun Xin, Yue He, and others, stormed the Dengzhou prison to rescue the two Xie brothers, and then the group fled to Liangshan.

Sun Li's Stratagem Breaks the Zhu Family Manor

The image shows Sun Li leading his men into the Zhu Family Manor. Sun Li pretended to defect to the Zhu Family Manor to gain their trust and acted as an inside agent, coordinating with the main Liangshan army to breach the manor. It is a key stratagem in the Three Attacks on the Zhu Family Manor.

Four-Pronged Rescue at the Execution Ground (Souvenir Sheet)

The image is a grand group scene. Liangshan heroes launch a four-pronged assault, rushing to the Jiangzhou execution ground to rescue Song Jiang and Dai Zong. Weapons clash and horses gallop, creating a tense and fierce scene. It is one of the most dramatic classic episodes in the original novel.

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 fight scenes are dynamic. The details of clothing, weapons, and architecture are meticulously researched. The colors are rich and full, with a strong narrative quality. The style is consistent with the previous two sets of Water Margin stamps, full of traditional folk painting charm.