Scott No: -
Serial number: 2004-19
Values in set: 2
Denomination: 280 fen
Date of issue: August 23, 2004
Designer: Liu Jibiao
Size of stamp: 40*30mm
Perforation: 12
Perforation of S/S: 13
Sheet composition:
12 for Sheet I;
8 (4-sets) for Sheet II
Printing process: offset
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamps Printing House

This special stamp set, South China Tiger, was issued on August 23, 2004. It consists of two stamps with a total face value of 2.80 yuan, with a miniature sheet issued concurrently. The stamps were designed by Liu Jibiao, with border design by Hao Xudong, Tong Liying serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using offset printing. The stamps measure 40×30 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12. Sheet I contains 12 stamps. The miniature sheet contains 4 sets of stamps and measures 220×96 mm, with a print run of 850,000 sheets. The individual stamp print runs were 11.5 million and 10 million copies respectively. The first-day ceremony was held in Jiangxi.

The South China tiger, also known as the Xiamen tiger, southern tiger, or Chinese tiger, is a tiger subspecies endemic to China. It is the only surviving tiger subspecies native to China and is a first-class protected wild animal. It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES. The South China tiger has an orange-yellow coat with black stripes, and a distinctive "Wang" (king) pattern on its forehead. It once inhabited forests and shrublands in southern China, preying on wild boar, deer, and other ungulates. Due to habitat loss, human disturbance, and poaching, the wild population of the South China tiger declined sharply and was suspected to be functionally extinct in the wild by the end of the 20th century. The remaining individuals are only found in captive breeding centers, making it one of the most endangered large cat species in the world. In 2004, the 19th International Congress of Zoology was held in Beijing, and China Post issued this stamp set to raise awareness of this rare tiger subspecies, its endangered status, and the importance of biodiversity conservation.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Close-up of a Male Tiger's Head

The stamp features a close-up of a male South China tiger's head. The distinctive "王" pattern on its forehead is clearly visible, and its eyes are bright and alert. The orange-yellow coat with dense black stripes and erect ears convey a majestic and dignified presence. The background features lush forest vegetation, fully presenting the powerful and iconic appearance of the South China tiger as the king of the mountains.

Female Tiger Playing with Cubs

The stamp depicts a gentle scene of a female South China tiger playing with her cubs in a forest clearing. The mother tiger is relaxed, and the cubs are lively and playful, interacting affectionately with her. The surrounding lush vegetation and tranquil environment highlight the tiger's distinctive stripes and vibrant colors. The scene conveys the themes of species survival and the continuation of life, carrying a hopeful message for the recovery of the South China tiger population.

Artistic and Design Features

The horizontal format features a realistic gongbi (meticulous brushwork) animal painting style, with detailed fur textures, expressive eyes, and clear, lifelike stripes. The colors are rich and full, with a forest background creating a natural atmosphere. The two stamps contrast strength and gentleness, creating a rhythmic visual balance. The offset printing provides accurate color reproduction and soft transitions. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, and fluorescent spray codes. The miniature sheet border features a forest and water landscape, the natural habitat of the South China tiger, creating a dignified and ecologically significant design.

This stamp set is a special issue on the theme of endangered wildlife and conservation, including a miniature sheet, suitable for thematic collections on rare animals and ecological protection.