Scott No: -
Serial number: 1998-31
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: September 10, 1998
Size: 40*30mm+20*30mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 27
Printing process: gravure

The special relief surcharge stamp set Flood Relief and Disaster Relief, catalog number 1998-31, was issued on September 10, 1998. The set consists of one main stamp and one surcharge stamp, produced using the photogravure process. The main stamp measures 40×30 mm, and the surcharge stamp measures 20×30 mm. The perforation gauge is 13 degrees. Each sheet contains 27 stamps. The set was collectively created by the Design Department of the Stamp Printing Bureau and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works. This stamp set was an emergency supplementary relief surcharge issue, with all sales revenue used to support flood relief efforts in the disaster areas.

In the summer of 1998, catastrophic floods occurred in the Yangtze River, Songhua River, and Nen River basins. Millions of soldiers and civilians rushed to the front lines, united in their efforts to fight the floods. This relief surcharge stamp set was issued to commemorate this arduous flood-fighting struggle, promote the spirit of unity and tenacious struggle, pool the compassion of the people across the country, and support the disaster-stricken areas in rebuilding their homes.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Flood Relief and Disaster Relief

The upper part of the main stamp features surging blue waves, while the lower part features a stylized red character composed of the character for "person" to form the character "Zhong" (the masses), symbolizing people linking arms to build an indestructible human wall against the flood. The stamp bears the inscription "Love Together, United as One." The surcharge stamp uses a simplified version of the main stamp's graphic, without the flood wave elements, and is marked with the surcharge amount, with all surcharge funds donated to the disaster areas. Through the imagery of the Chinese character "Zhong" (the masses), the design interprets the great power of millions united as one, with soldiers and civilians working together to overcome the flood, recording the era's memory of people across the country helping one another and jointly overcoming the crisis.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp design is simple and concise, with a strong symbolic quality, using abstract graphics to express a grand theme. The contrast between red and blue is striking. Blue represents the raging flood, and red symbolizes the strength of the people united. The set features a connected layout of the main stamp and the surcharge stamp. It is a classic work among New China's disaster relief surcharge stamps. It took only 12 days from project approval to printing completion, setting a speed record in the history of stamp issuance. This stamp set won a Special Award at the 19th National Best Stamp Selection.