Scott No: 2505-08
Serial number: 1994-8
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: July 16 , 1994
Designers: Wu Jiankun; Ren yu
Size: 54*40mm
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 28
Printing process: gravure

The special stamp set Dunhuang Murals (Part V), catalog number 1994-8, was issued on July 16, 1994. It consists of four stamps, produced using the photogravure process. The stamps measure 54×40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11 degrees. Each sheet contains 28 stamps. The stamps were designed by Wu Jiankun and Ren Yu, with photography by Qi Duo, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This is the fifth set in the Dunhuang Murals stamp series. It features masterpieces of Tang Dynasty murals from the Mogao Caves, covering Buddhist figures, sutra transformation stories, and historical figure scenes. It continues the series' creative thread of systematically presenting the artistic treasures of Dunhuang, showcasing the mature and splendid painting level of Dunhuang murals from the High Tang to the Mid-to-Late Tang periods, and allowing the public to appreciate the achievements of Buddhist art that integrated Chinese and foreign cultures along the Silk Road.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Tang – Flying Apsaras

The original painting is from Cave 321 at the Mogao Caves. The flying apsara is light and graceful, with colorful ribbons flying in the air and lively, flowing lines. It has shed the heavy forms of earlier flying apsaras and is a typical Tang Dynasty flying apsara style of freedom and romance, reflecting the Tang people's lively and unrestrained aesthetic.

Tang – Vimalakirti

The image is taken from the Vimalakirti Sutra transformation. It depicts Vimalakirti leaning on a armrest discussing the Way and debating Buddhist principles. The figure's expression is wise and composed. It is a classic scene in Dunhuang murals depicting the Vimalakirti subject, reflecting the speculative fashion admired by literati and officials of the time.

Tang – Zhang Yichao's Procession

The design selects a section of the mural in Cave 156 at the Mogao Caves. It depicts the grand scene of Zhang Yichao leading a procession after recovering the Hexi region. The figures, horses, and ceremonial guards stretch in a continuous line with magnificent momentum. It is a documentary historical mural, recording the important northwestern frontier history of the Hexi region's return to Tang.

Tang – Demon Women

The image comes from the transformation of the contest between Sariputra and Raudraksa. It depicts the demon women figures in the contest of magical powers. The mural uses the fantastical plot of the contest to express the power of the Dharma. The figures are full of tension and are a highly dramatic and representative passage in Dunhuang transformation paintings.

Artistic and Design Features

The set faithfully reproduces the original appearance of the murals, preserving the mottled texture formed by the ancient murals over the years. The colors are simple and substantial, and the lines are expansive and flowing. The four stamps correspond respectively to romantic celestial beings, philosophical monks, documentary historical scrolls, and fantastical contest stories, with rich and diverse subjects. They are consistent in style with the previous sets of Dunhuang mural stamps, fully presenting the rich subject types and superb painting expressiveness of Tang Dynasty Dunhuang murals.