Scott No: 3049
Serial nmuber: 2000-15
Perforation: 12
Sheets: 25
Value: 4.00 Yuan
Date of issue: August 8, 2000
Designer of FDC and stamp: Gong Lin and Luan Weili
Standard of stamp: 30*40 mm
Standard of booklet: 137*64 mm
Value of booklet: 4 RMB
Designer of booklet: Wang Huming
Factory: Beijing Stamp Printing Factory

The special stamp set Little Carp Jumps Over the Dragon Gate was issued on August 8, 2000. It consists of five stamps with a total face value of 4.00 yuan. It was designed by Gong Lin and Luan Weili and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. The stamps are based on the well-known classic fairy tale Little Carp Jumps Over the Dragon Gate. They use a five-stamp continuous format, telling the fairy tale through connected images. It is a representative work in the category of fairy tale-themed stamps in New China.

Little Carp Jumps Over the Dragon Gate is a widely circulated classic Chinese fairy tale. It tells the story of a group of little carp who, fearing no hardships, travel far together, work as one to leap over the Dragon Gate, and finally realize their dream. The stamp set follows the chronological development of the story, selecting five key episodes to convey the spirit of bravery, perseverance, unity, mutual assistance, fearlessness of difficulties, and the courage to pursue ideals. It is suitable for children to read and carries positive enlightenment significance.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Grandma Carp Tells a Story

The stamp depicts Grandma Carp among the water plants, telling a group of little carp the legend of the Dragon Gate. Grandma tells the story of the Dragon Gate, arousing the little carp's curiosity and longing. This is the beginning of the entire story, planting the wish to travel far and challenge the Dragon Gate.

Little Carp Look for the Dragon Gate

The stamp shows the little carp leaving their home together and swimming forward along the river, passing through water plants and searching for traces of the Dragon Gate. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, and the little carp encourage each other, firm in their goal of finding the Dragon Gate.

Uncle Crab's Help

The stamp depicts the little carp meeting Uncle Crab on their journey. Hearing of their ambition, Uncle Crab voluntarily guides them in the right direction. Uncle Crab's enthusiastic help reflects the kindness encountered on the journey and helps the little carp continue forward.

Little Carp Jump Over the Dragon Gate

The stamp shows the little carp working together, leaping into the air, and jumping over the Dragon Gate, with waves splashing on the water. Through perseverance and cooperation, the little carp achieve their dream, symbolizing that as long as one fears no difficulties and works together, goals can ultimately be achieved.

Aunt Swallow Delivers the Message

The stamp depicts a swallow flying in. The little carp ask the swallow to bring the good news of successfully leaping over the Dragon Gate back to their hometown. The story comes to a complete conclusion, sharing the joy of victory with their family and sharing the happiness of success through hard work.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp set uses a folk New Year print style. The forms are lively and full, and the colors are bright and vivid. The water plants, bubbles, and fish images are lively and childlike. The photogravure printing provides bright colors and soft layers. The five stamps are printed in a horizontal continuous format, with continuous images narrating the story. The plot is linked one episode after another, presenting the complete classic fairy tale on stamps. It combines visual appeal and educational value and is a classic work in the category of fairy tale-themed stamps.