Scott No: 2425-28
Serial number: 1992-16
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: December 15, 1992
Designers: Ren Guoen
Size: 30*40mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 50
Printing process: offset

The special stamp set Qingtian Stone Carvings, catalog number 1992-16, was issued on December 15, 1992. It consists of four stamps, produced using offset printing. The stamps measure 30×40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12 degrees. Each sheet contains 50 stamps. The stamps were designed by Ren Guoen and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory.

Thematic Focus of the Set

Qingtian stone carvings are created from Qingtian stone produced in Qingtian, Zhejiang. Qingtian stone is ranked among China's four famous stones. The carving technique emphasizes using the stone's natural colors, adapting to the material, and creating transparent openwork. It is a traditional arts and crafts form with strong regional characteristics in China. This set selects representative works by four national-level arts and crafts masters. The subjects cover vibrant natural scenes, agricultural produce, human joy, and auspicious visions, showcasing the unique artistic charm of Qingtian stone carving—cleverly utilizing the stone's colors and balancing solid and void—and promoting this Jiangnan stone art culture.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Spring

The image is the work Spring by Master Zhou Baiqi. The main subject is a bamboo shoot breaking through the soil and growing upward, accompanied by azaleas and a spring-announcing bird. The bamboo shoot stands upright, and the flowers and bird complement each other, symbolizing the awakening of spring and the rebirth of all things. It is a classic vitality-themed work of Qingtian stone carving.

Sorghum

The image is Sorghum created by Lin Rukui. The natural colors of the original stone are used to carve heavy sorghum ears. The red ears and green stalks are full and vivid, rooted in the soil, symbolizing a bountiful harvest. It is a model of crop-themed Qingtian stone carving.

Harvest

The image is Harvest by Zhang Aiting. It depicts a festive scene of children gathering, singing, and dancing. The figures' expressions are lively and joyful, enhancing the happy and peaceful atmosphere of the harvest season, full of rustic life flavor.

Blooming Flowers and Full Moon

The image is the famous work Blooming Flowers and Full Moon by Ni Dongfang. A full moon is in the center, surrounded by peonies and peach blossoms, with two birds perched on the flowering branches. Using the imagery of a full moon and blooming flowers, it expresses beautiful wishes for reunion, happiness, and good fortune.

Artistic and Design Features

The set uses a realistic still-life presentation. The background is simple and unadorned, faithfully reproducing the natural colorful stone texture and openwork details of Qingtian stone. The base is simply rendered to set off the carvings and highlight the stone carvings themselves. The four works have diverse subjects: natural scenery, agriculture, folk figures, and auspicious themes. They fully display the core characteristic of Qingtian stone carving—clever use of natural colors—with a simple and elegant visual style. It is an outstanding work in the category of arts and crafts stone carving stamps.