Scott No: 2822-26
Serial number: 1997-21
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: December 22,1997
Designers: Zhou Feng
Size: 54*40mm
Size of the S/S Stamp: 60*90mm
Size of the S/S: 120*135mm
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 28
Printing process: gravure

The special stamp set Masterpieces of Classical Chinese Literature – Water Margin (Part V), catalog number 1997-21, was issued on December 22, 1997. 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. The souvenir sheet measures 120×135 mm, and the stamp image measures 50×40 mm. The stamps were designed by Zhou Feng and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

This set is the concluding work of the Water Margin stamp series. It features classic stories from Chapters 64 to 80 of the original novel, covering the peak period of the Liangshan gathering, ending with "The Heroes of Liangshan Take Their Seats," capturing the glorious chapter of the Liangshan heroes carrying out justice on behalf of Heaven. The set continues the unified painting style of the previous four groups, completing the issuance of the entire Water Margin stamp series over ten years. Using classical gongbi (meticulous brushwork) narrative painting, it recreates the stories of the famous novel and showcases the character and spirit of the Water Margin heroes.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Huyan Zhuo Tricks Guan Sheng on a Moonlit Night

The image depicts the story of Huyan Zhuo feigning surrender and, under the moonlight, devising a plan to persuade Guan Sheng to surrender. Guan Sheng was well versed in military strategy and highly skilled in martial arts. Through this stratagem, he joined Liangshan and became one of the Five Tiger Generals. It is an important episode in Liangshan's expansion of its core fighting strength.

Lu Junyi Captures Shi Wengong Alive

The image shows Lu Junyi capturing Shi Wengong alive in a single battle. Shi Wengong had shot and killed Chao Gai. Lu Junyi, with his outstanding martial arts, captured the enemy at the Battle of Zengtou City, fulfilling Chao Gai's dying wish and setting the stage for the subsequent selection of Liangshan's leader.

Yan Qing Wisely Wrestles the Pillar of Heaven

The image depicts Yan Qing going to the Taian arena and defeating Ren Yuan, the "Pillar of Heaven," in bare-handed wrestling. Yan Qing, agile and clever, defeated his opponent through intelligence and wrestling skill. It is one of the most folk-flavored and exciting passages in the book.

The Thunderbolt Destroys the Government Troops

The image portrays Ling Zhen using cannons to help Liangshan defeat the government troops. Ling Zhen, known as the "Thunderbolt," was an expert in cannon manufacturing. After joining Liangshan, he assisted in battle with firearms, enriching Liangshan's combat methods.

Souvenir Sheet: The Heroes of Liangshan Take Their Seats

The souvenir sheet depicts the scene in the Liangshan assembly hall. The 108 heroes gather in the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, where their seats and duties are determined, establishing the complete ranking of the Liangshan heroes. It is the iconic scene marking the peak of Liangshan's cause.

Artistic and Design Features

The set continues the gongbi (meticulous brushwork) and rich-color comic strip style. The figures are vivid, and the scenes have a strong narrative quality, with rich and intense colors, in the same vein as the previous four groups. The four stamps connect four classic battles in sequence. The souvenir sheet serves as the finale, capturing the climax of the Liangshan gathering and bringing the entire Water Margin stamp series to a complete conclusion. It is a classic concluding work in the category of classical literature masterpieces stamps.