Scott No: 2932-33
Serial number: 1999-1
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: January 5, 1999
Designers: Wang Huming; Hu Zhenyuan;
Yang Wenqing
Size: 26*31mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 32
Printing process: gravure-engraving combined

The special stamp set Jimao Year was issued on January 5, 1999. It consists of two stamps with a total face value of 2.00 yuan. It was designed by Wang Huming, Hu Zhenyuan, and Yang Wenqing, engraved by Hu Zhenyuan, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using a combination of offset and intaglio printing. This is the eighth set in the second cycle of zodiac stamps, the Jimao Year of the Rabbit. It continues the design paradigm of the second zodiac cycle of one image and one character, combining folk clay sculpture with calligraphy and paper-cutting to welcome the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit.

In Chinese folk culture, the rabbit symbolizes gentleness and peace, and the jade rabbit gazing at the moon symbolizes good fortune and safety. The stamp set uses the classic second zodiac cycle structure of one image and one calligraphy work. One stamp features a painted clay jade rabbit by Tianjin Clay Figure Zhang, and the other features calligraphy paired with traditional paper-cut patterns. It integrates multiple traditional folk arts—folk painted sculpture, calligraphy, and paper-cutting—expressing New Year wishes for blessings and good fortune and showcasing the unique charm of zodiac folk culture.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Jade Rabbit as the Moon

The main image is a painted clay jade rabbit created by Zhang Chang, the fourth-generation inheritor of Clay Figure Zhang. The white rabbit lies prone with its ears folded back, its body decorated with colorful patterns, with a charming and gentle form. The jade rabbit originates from the ancient legend of Chang'e flying to the moon. The jade rabbit as the moon is the most classic image in rabbit culture, representing purity and peace. It condenses the simple and vivid characteristics of northern folk clay sculpture into stamps.

Auspicious and Wishing

The stamp uses a red background, set off by a yellow paper-cut circular moon pattern, with a vigorous and free cursive character "rabbit" in the center. The red background enhances the festive Spring Festival atmosphere. Paper-cutting and calligraphy are both traditional Chinese folk arts, symbolizing New Year auspiciousness and good fortune. The text echoes the clay sculpture image of the previous stamp.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp set uses a combination of offset and intaglio printing. The engraved lines are solid and powerful, and the offset background is warm and full. One sculpture and one character, one dynamic and one static, combine folk painted sculpture art with calligraphy and paper-cutting, with a rich folk flavor. The two stamps share a unified style with bright and festive colors. It is a representative work in the second cycle of zodiac stamps.