Scott No: 3191-92
Serial number: 2002-7
Values in set: 4
Denomination: 5.00 yuan
Date of issue: 21st April 2002
Designer: Chen Quansheng
Size of stamp: 38*50 mm
Perforation: 11.5
Sheet composition: 22
Printing process: photogravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

The stamp set is cataloged as 2002-7, titled Masterpieces of Classical Chinese Literature – Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (Part II). It was issued on April 21, 2002. The set consists of four stamps in a photogravure edition printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works. The designer is Chen Quansheng. The total face value is 5 yuan. Each stamp measures 38×50 mm, with a perforation gauge of 11.5 degrees. Each sheet contains 22 stamps. Stamps (4-1) and (4-2) are printed in a continuous pair, and (4-3) and (4-4) are also printed in a continuous pair.

Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio is a collection of classical Chinese short stories written by Pu Songling during the Qing Dynasty. Through tales of foxes, ghosts, and flower spirits, it satirizes the ways of the world. The language is concise, and the stories are moving. It is the pinnacle of classical Chinese short fiction. This set is the second group in the Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio stamp series. It features four classic stories from the book, using traditional gongbi (meticulous brushwork) and rich-color painting to recreate the fantastical scenes from the novel.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Xi Fangping

The story tells of Xi Fangping, whose father was falsely accused by a villain and died unjustly. Xi Fangping's soul goes to the underworld to appeal for his father. Unexpectedly, the underworld officials accept bribes and pervert justice. They subject Xi Fangping to cruel tortures, including the fire bed and sawing, and tempt him with wealth and honor. Xi Fangping remains unyielding, refusing to give up his appeal, and eventually, with the help of Erlang Shen, the wrongful case is redressed. The stamp depicts the scene in the underworld court where Xi Fangping endures torture, faces the King of Hell, and refuses to submit. It exposes the corruption of the feudal underworld bureaucracy and praises the spirit of ordinary people who defy authority and persist in seeking justice.

Pianpian

Luo Zifu, stranded in a foreign land and suffering from a strange illness, encounters the fairy Pianpian, who takes him to a mountain cave to recuperate. Pianpian turns leaves into clothing and cuts flowers to cook meals, curing Luo Zifu. At a feast, Luo Zifu harbors improper thoughts toward Huacheng Niangzi, and his fine clothing instantly turns into withered leaves, causing him shame and self-reflection. The stamp depicts the scene inside the cave where Pianpian, Luo Zifu, and Huacheng Niangzi gather for a feast. The story is full of fantastical color, admonishing people to cultivate self-restraint, and depicting a secluded, utopian life.

Tian Qilang

Tian Qilang is a simple hunter from Liaoyang who is treated kindly by Wu Chengxiu, and the two become close friends. Local bullies and the county magistrate collude to oppress the good and plot to harm Wu Chengxiu. To repay the kindness of understanding, Tian Qilang enters the county office alone, kills the villains and the corrupt official, and finally takes his own life. The stamp depicts the tense moment when Tian Qilang rushes into the county office and draws his blade to punish the wicked. It shapes a chivalrous image of loyalty and fierce hatred of evil, praising the unyielding character of the common people.

Bai Qiulian

Bai Qiulian is a young woman transformed from a white dolphin in Dongting Lake. She admires the scholar Mu Sheng, and the two bond through poetry and fall in love. Mu Sheng's father opposes their relationship. Bai Qiulian's life is tied to the lake water. After many twists and turns, Mu Sheng protects her in every way, and the two finally stay together. The stamp depicts a moonlit night by the lake, where Bai Qiulian and Mu Sheng meet under the moon, one holding a scroll and the other listening quietly. The scene is serene and romantic. The story uses a romance between a human and a spirit to express sincere, pure love that transcends worldly status.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamps use the photogravure process, with rich and soft color layers, reproducing the lines and coloring of gongbi figure painting. The stamps use a vertical format, fitting the viewing experience of classical illustrations. Each image focuses on the core plot of the story. The figures are classical and expressive, and the scenes are simple, enhancing the story's atmosphere. The stamps are printed in pairs, creating a dialogue between the images. The style is unified and antique, condensing the supernatural stories and human joys and sorrows of Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio into a small format, combining literary mood with traditional painting beauty.