Scott No: 3300-3
Serial number:2003-16
Values in set: 4 (miniature sheet: 1)
Denomination: 3.20 yuan (selling price of M/S : 5 yuan)
Date of issue: 5th September 2003
Designer: Yin Huili
Size of stamps: 40*30 mm
Perforation: 13*13.5
Sheet composition: 20 for Sheet I, 8 for Sheet II
Printing process: gravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

This is a set of four special stamps titled Traditional Sports of Ethnic Minorities, issued on September 5, 2003, with a total face value of 3.20 yuan, designed by Yin Huili and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

This stamp set was issued on the eve of the opening of the 7th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities, held in Yinchuan, Ningxia. Traditional ethnic sports are rooted in the production, daily life, and folk festivals of various ethnic groups. They are not only competitive activities for physical fitness that embody the spirit of courage and progress but also important carriers of ethnic cultural heritage. The stamps feature four representative traditional sports of the Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur, and Korean ethnic groups, showcasing the diverse and colorful character of ethnic sports and highlighting the era's theme of cultural exchange, unity, and harmony among all ethnic groups.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Wrestling (Mongolian)

Wrestling is the most classic traditional competitive event at the Mongolian Naadam festival. The stamp depicts a fierce moment of struggle between two Mongolian wrestlers wearing leather wrestling vests adorned with metal rivets, with intense colors. Mongolian wrestling is not divided by weight class; the winner is the one who throws the opponent to the ground. At the start of the match, the wrestlers perform an eagle dance, full of the bold and unrestrained character of the grassland people. It is a highly representative activity of grassland culture.

Whistling Arrow (Tibetan)

Whistling arrow is a distinctive traditional Tibetan sport, often held during the Ongkor Harvest Festival. The stamp depicts a Tibetan archer drawing a bow and aiming, dressed in colorful traditional Tibetan attire. The arrowhead of a whistling arrow has holes; when shot, the air passes through the holes and produces a whistling sound, which is how it got its name. This sport has a long history, combining hunting heritage with festive entertainment, and has been passed down for generations on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, carrying the Tibetan people's wishes for a bountiful harvest.

Horse Racing (Uyghur)

Horse racing is an important traditional folk sport of the Uyghur people, often held during festivals such as Corban and Eid al-Fitr. The stamp shows a dynamic scene of riders leaning forward and galloping on horseback, with the horses speeding ahead and the riders in colorful traditional costumes. Horse riding has been prevalent in the Western Regions since ancient times. Uyghur horse racing emphasizes riding skill and speed, fully reflecting the bold and agile character of the people of the Western Regions. It is a highly anticipated event during festivals on the grasslands and deserts of Xinjiang.

Swing (Korean)

Swinging is a traditional folk sport enjoyed by Korean women, often held during festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival. The stamp depicts a Korean woman swinging high into the air, her long skirt flowing in the wind, with a light and graceful posture. Korean swinging competitions judge the height reached and the beauty of the movements, making it highly visually appealing. This sport embodies the optimistic and lively character of the Korean people and is a landmark activity of Korean folk culture in Northeast China.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp set uses a gouache painting style. The figures are full of dynamic tension, and the colors are rich and bright, with a focus on highlighting the distinctive clothing patterns of each ethnic group. The photogravure printing provides high color saturation, accurately reproducing the rich color layers of the costumes and freezing the dynamic moments of the sports. The four stamps present the classic events of four ethnic groups, with light-colored regional scenery elements in the background to distinguish the living environments of different ethnic groups. The overall work is dynamic and vivid, vividly showcasing the unique charm of China's traditional ethnic minority sports culture.