Serial number: 2004-28
Values in set: 4
Denomination: 320 fen
Date of issue: December 5, 2004
Designer: Wang Huming
Size of stamp: 30*40mm
Perforation: 11.5*11
Sheet composition:
16 for Sheet I;
8 for Sheet II(2 sets)
Printing process: Photogravure-engraving
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

This special stamp set, Ancient Chinese Calligraphy – Clerical Script, was issued on December 5, 2004. It consists of four stamps with a total face value of 3.20 yuan, with large sheet, miniature sheet, and Xuan paper miniature sheet formats issued concurrently. The stamps were designed by Wang Huming, with Shi Yuan serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. This is the second set in the "Ancient Chinese Calligraphy" series, featuring four classic Han Dynasty stele inscriptions, presenting the evolution of clerical script from its bold and ancient origins to a more structured and elegant form.

Clerical script originated in the Warring States period and matured during the Han Dynasty. It evolved from seal script, transforming rounded turns into angular folds and adding decorative upward flick strokes. This made writing more efficient and comfortable, marking an important transitional stage in the development of Chinese characters. The Han Dynasty was the golden age of clerical script, with numerous stelae surviving to this day, each with its own style—some bold and vigorous, others graceful and delicate. These stelae are essential models for studying clerical script. This stamp set features representative Han stelae, presenting the rich and diverse artistic character of Han clerical script and promoting Chinese calligraphy through this miniature medium.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Yiying Stele

Carved in 153 AD during the Han Dynasty, this stele is located at the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, Shandong. The characters are dignified and well-proportioned, with elegant and refined brushwork. It is a classic example of official Han clerical script, known for its strict and balanced style.

Zhangqian Stele

A late Eastern Han stele unearthed in Dongping, Shandong. The style is simple and bold, with square, heavy characters and rough, archaic strokes. It represents the powerful and rugged style of Han clerical script.

Caoquan Stele

Erected in 185 AD and unearthed in Heyang, Shaanxi during the Ming Dynasty. The characters are elegant and graceful, with flowing, delicate lines and sweeping strokes. It is a classic example of the refined and beautiful style of Han clerical script.

Shimen Song

A cliff-side inscription carved on the Shimen rock face in Bao, Shaanxi. The characters are free and unrestrained, with expansive, flowing lines. It is often called the "cursive of clerical script," known for its open and bold character, with a primitive and rugged charm unique to cliff inscriptions.

Artistic and Design Features

The vertical format presents the original stele inscriptions, with a light yellow background simulating the texture of ancient rubbings, faithfully reproducing the characters and the mottled, antique quality of the stone. The four stelae display distinct styles, providing a comparative view of the diverse aesthetics of Han clerical script. The photogravure printing provides detailed, delicate layers, accurately capturing the variations in ink tone. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, and fluorescent spray codes. The Xuan paper miniature sheet, printed on special Xuan paper, has an antique texture and outstanding artistic and collectible value.

This stamp set is a special issue on the theme of ancient Chinese calligraphy, available in multiple formats, suitable for thematic collections on calligraphy and Chinese character culture.