Scott No: 2443
Serial number: 1993-6
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: May 9, 1993
Designers: Li Wei; Li Bin
Size: 30*40mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 50
Printing process: offset

The commemorative stamp set The First East Asian Games, catalog number 1993-6, was issued on May 9, 1993. It consists of two stamps, produced using offset printing and indirect relief color printing. The stamps measure 30×40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12 degrees. Each sheet contains 50 stamps, printed as a horizontal continuous pair. The stamps were designed by Li Wei and Li Bin and printed by Shanghai Banknote Printing Factory.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This stamp set was issued to celebrate the First East Asian Games held in Shanghai. This was the first comprehensive multi-sport event in East Asia, bringing together athletes from multiple countries and regions in East Asia. The stamps take the image of striving athletes and the event mascot as their dual main threads, paired with the unified emblem and main venue background. They convey the sports spirit of unity, progress, and friendly exchange, showcasing the vigorous and upward character of East Asian sports advancing together.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Athletes

The main image features an abstracted overlapping silhouette of running athletes. The lines are smooth and flowing, and the colors are dynamic. Above is the emblem of the First East Asian Games, and the background is the Shanghai Stadium spanning both stamps. The emblem is composed of the letter E and the number 1, subtly incorporating the character "申" (Shen) to indicate the event's location in Shanghai. It symbolizes a burning torch and a dynamic athletic figure.

Mascot

The main subject is the event mascot, the little rooster "Dongdong." The rooster wears a gold medal around its neck, sports clothes, and holds a white magnolia, the city flower of Shanghai. The image is lively and friendly. The rooster corresponds to the Guiyou Year of the Rooster, symbolizing the rooster heralding the dawn and expressing beautiful wishes for East Asia's rising sun and peace and friendship. The event emblem is also featured above, echoing the previous stamp.

Artistic and Design Features

The two stamps are connected horizontally, with a continuous background. The stadium, green field, and morning glow form a complete picture, creating a unified and expansive competition atmosphere. One stamp leans toward abstract dynamism, expressing athletic power. The other leans toward cartoon-like concreteness, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The two complement each other in movement and stillness, with bright and vivid colors and a strong modern feel. It is a representative work of continuous-pair design in 1990s sports event stamps.