Scott No: 2787-91
Serial number: 1997-13
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: August 17,1997
Designers: Ren Guoen; Ke Yongsheng
Size:
30*40mm for Value 1 and 2
40*30mm for Value 3 and 4
Size of the S/S stamp: 60*60mm
Size of S/S: 97*97mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 50
Printing process: offset

The special stamp set Shoushan Stone Carvings, catalog number 1997-13, was issued on August 17, 1997. It consists of four stamps and one souvenir sheet, produced using offset printing. The first two stamps measure 30×40 mm, and the latter two measure 40×30 mm. The perforation gauge is 12 degrees. Each sheet contains 50 stamps. The souvenir sheet stamp measures 60×60 mm, and the souvenir sheet measures 97×97 mm. The stamps were designed by Ren Guoen and Ke Yongsheng and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory.

Shoushan stone is produced in Shoushan Township, Fuzhou, Fujian. Along with Qingtian stone and Changhua stone, it is known as one of China's three famous stones. The stone is warm, smooth, and translucent, with rich colors. Shoushan stone carving techniques have continued for more than 1,500 years, with distinctive techniques such as thin-relief (boyi), round carving, and openwork carving. The stamp set features four contemporary Shoushan stone carving masterpieces. The souvenir sheet features a national treasure from the Palace Museum collection: a Tianhuang stone three-linked seal. The set comprehensively showcases the artistic charm of Shoushan stone's clever use of natural colors in carving and promotes the traditional crafts of Fujian.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Autumn Rhyme in Tianhuang

This work was created by Jiang Yilin. The stone is the precious "silver-wrapped gold" Tianhuang. It uses the classic thin-relief (boyi) technique of the Ximen school of Shoushan stone carving. The white outer layer of the stone is carved with a scene from Romance of the Western Chamber, while the core is golden-yellow Tianhuang. The composition cleverly relies on the natural skin color of the stone, with shallow carvings of landscapes, pavilions, and figures. It is a representative work of Tianhuang thin-relief carving.

Rhinoceros Bathing in the Sun

The original work is a seal knob carving by Zhou Baoting, made from Shoushan Gaoshan stone. On the seal platform, a rhinoceros is carved looking back, and a red sun is carved from the naturally red part of the stone above. The natural colors of the stone blend with the carved forms. The ancient beast has a simple and vivid form, making it a classic example of Shoushan stone seal knob carving.

Fragrance and Jade

The work was carved by Feng Jiuhe, also known as "Abundant Flowers and Fruits." Using the rich colors of the stone, the artist carved grapes, pomegranates, peaches, and other fruits with intertwined branches and plump fruit. The natural colors are cleverly used to distinguish fruits, flowers, and leaves. The multi-layered openwork carving is intricate and exquisite, symbolizing a bountiful and auspicious harvest.

Drunk with Childlike Innocence

Originally titled Three Immortals Drunk on Stone, created by Lin Fashu from Qijiang stone. It depicts the three immortals Li Tieguai, Han Zhongli, and Lü Dongbin resting drunk. The figures are free and easy, with humorous and vivid forms. It is a fine example of Shoushan stone round-carved figures.

Souvenir Sheet: Qianlong Linked Seals

The souvenir sheet features a Qing Dynasty Qianlong Tianhuang stone three-linked seal, now housed in the Palace Museum. The three seals are carved from a single piece of Tianhuang stone, connected by movable chain links. The chain links are interlocking with no adhesive, demonstrating astonishing craftsmanship. It is a national treasure of Shoushan stone carving passed down through the ages.

Artistic and Design Features

The set uses a light, plain, monochrome background to set off the original stone carvings, faithfully reproducing the warm, translucent texture and natural colors of Shoushan stone. Two vertical and two horizontal stamps alternate, presenting four typical techniques in sequence: thin-relief, seal knob carving, flower-and-fruit openwork carving, and figure round carving. The souvenir sheet independently presents the national treasure linked seals, with a dignified composition and delicate offset printing, fully presenting the carving aesthetics of Shoushan stone—"reading the stone to apply the art."