Scott No: 3374
Serial number: 2004-15
Values in set: 1
Denomination: 600 fen
Date of issue: July 30, 2004
Designer: Wang Huming
Size of S/S stamp: 110*60mm
Size of S/S: 156*82mm
Perforation: 12
Printing process: gravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

This special stamp set, Myth – Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, was issued on July 30, 2004. It consists of one souvenir sheet with a face value of 6.00 yuan, with a print run of 9.3 million copies. The original painting was by Zhang Xiaoyou, designed by Wang Huming, with Yu Ping serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. The stamp image measures 110×60 mm (with shaped perforations), and the souvenir sheet measures 156×82 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12. The first-day ceremony was held in Penglai, Shandong. It is China Post's first special stamp with shaped perforations.

"The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" is a well-known Taoist myth. After attending a grand gathering in Penglai, the eight immortals agreed to cross the East Sea without using boats, each using their own magical powers. This gave rise to the ancient saying "The Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each revealing their divine power," symbolizing the freedom to act according to one's own unique abilities.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

Myth – Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea

On the surging waves, the eight immortals cross the sea on their treasures: Han Zhongli reclines on a banana leaf fan, Li Tieguai leans on a gourd, Zhang Guolao rides his paper donkey backwards, Lü Dongbin wields a sword, He Xiangu holds a lotus flower, Lan Caihe stands in a flower basket, Han Xiangzi plays a jade flute, and Cao Guojiu holds a jade tablet. Their robes flow gracefully in the wind. The souvenir sheet includes an inscription and a brief introduction to the story on the left, presenting the full fantastical scene of the immortals riding the waves.

Artistic and Design Features

The design uses a classical gongbi (meticulous brushwork) style with vibrant colors. The figures are depicted with ethereal and vivid expressions, and their robes and magical instruments are rendered with delicate precision. The shaped perforations on the left side follow the contours of the figures, breaking away from the traditional rectangular format. The photogravure printing provides warm and rich colors. The security features include security paper, security ink, shaped perforations, and fluorescent spray codes. Under ultraviolet light, the image reveals unique fluorescent effects, combining artistic appeal with advanced anti-counterfeiting technology.

This stamp set is a special souvenir sheet on the theme of ancient Chinese myths and legends, suitable for thematic collections on Taoist folk tales and shaped stamps.