Scott No: 3370-73
Serial number: 2004-14
Values in set: 4
Denomination: 440 fen
Date of issue: July 17, 2004
Designer: Xu Yongsheng
Size of stamps: 30*40 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 8
Printing process: gravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

This special stamp set, Folk Legend – Liu Yi Delivers a Letter, was issued on July 17, 2004. It consists of four stamps with a total face value of 4.40 yuan, with a stamp booklet issued concurrently. The stamps were designed by Xu Yongsheng, with border design by Hao Xudong, Tong Liying serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. The story is based on the Tang Dynasty legend "Liu Yi Delivers a Letter," a romantic and chivalrous folk tale that has been passed down for a thousand years. The first-day ceremony was held at Junshan Mountain in Yueyang, Hunan. The four stamps present the complete narrative of entrusting the letter, delivering it, reunion, and eternal love, celebrating the virtues of faithfulness, righteousness, and gratitude.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

The Dragon Princess Entrusts the Letter

By the shores of the Jing River, the Dragon Princess of Dongting weeps as she entrusts a letter to Liu Yi, a scholar who has failed the imperial examination. Moved by compassion, he agrees to deliver it. A horse and sheep in the background set the scene of a lonely wilderness, marking the beginning of this legendary tale.

Delivering the Letter to Dongting

Liu Yi enters the Dragon Palace and personally delivers the letter to the Dragon King of Dongting. Attended by celestial officials and maidens, the scene is set in a fantastical underwater realm of auspicious clouds and grand halls, highlighting the chivalrous spirit of keeping one's word.

Family Reunion

The Dragon King of Qiantang rescues the Dragon Princess, and the family reunites in the palace, embracing with mixed emotions of joy and sorrow. The magnificent hall captures the moving moment of reunion after hardship.

Deep Affection and Loyalty

After several twists and turns, the Dragon Princess transforms into a mortal woman and reunites with Liu Yi. The two are finally united as a couple. The scene is gentle and romantic, celebrating a love based on true affection rather than obligation.

Artistic and Design Features

The vertical format features a gongbi (meticulous brushwork) figure painting style, with ancient and detailed costume patterns and expressive character portrayals. The classical imagery of clouds and palaces evokes the romantic and ethereal spirit of Tang Dynasty legends. The photogravure printing provides warm and delicate colors with soft, transparent layers. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, and fluorescent spray codes. The four stamps form a continuous narrative, and the stamp booklet is particularly suitable for storytelling-themed collections.

This stamp set is a special issue on the theme of ancient Chinese folk tales, including a stamp booklet, suitable for thematic collections on classical legends and traditional love stories.