Scott No: 3438, 3439
Serial number: 2005-13
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: June 28, 2005
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Cui Yanwei
Engraver: Li Qingfa(1) , Jiang Weijie (2, 3), Hu Zhenyuan(S/S)
Size of stamps: 30*50 mm
Size of S/S stamp: 70*50 mm
Size of S/S: 138*80 mm
Perforation of stamp: 13.5
Perforation of S/S: 13*13.5
Sheet composition: 9(3 sets)
Printing process: Engraving and offset
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

This commemorative stamp set, 600th Anniversary of Zheng He's Voyages, was issued on June 28, 2005. It consists of three stamps with a total face value of 2.40 yuan, along with a souvenir sheet with a face value of 6 yuan, designed by Cui Yanwei, with Chen Yisi serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using a combination of offset and intaglio (engraving) printing. The three stamps are in a horizontal continuous format.

From the third year of the Yongle reign to the eighth year of the Xuande reign of the Ming Dynasty, the navigator Zheng He led a massive fleet on seven voyages across the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, visiting over thirty countries and regions in Asia and Africa. This extraordinary maritime expedition not only demonstrated the pinnacle of Ming Dynasty shipbuilding and navigational technology but also fostered trade and cultural exchange through peaceful engagement, establishing a vital link along the ancient Maritime Silk Road. It stands as an unprecedented chapter in the history of world navigation. Six hundred years later, this stamp set commemorates this great maritime feat, conveying the values of peace, openness, and inclusive maritime civilization.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Portrait of Zheng He

The stamp depicts a classical portrait of Zheng He standing with a scroll in hand, his expression composed and dignified, with the backdrop of Ming Dynasty palace architecture. It recreates the historical image of this great navigator, honoring his enduring contributions to maritime exploration.

Good Neighborly Relations

The stamp features exotic overseas architecture, including pavilions and temples, overlaid with a map from the ancient Zheng He Navigation Map. It symbolizes the fleet's visits to various countries, exchanging gifts and fostering mutual understanding, reflecting the traditional Chinese diplomatic principle of friendly relations with neighbors.

Scientific Navigation

The main subject is a Ming Dynasty mariner's compass, with a background of ancient navigational diagrams. This illustrates the advanced maritime technology of the time, including compass orientation and celestial navigation, showcasing the wisdom and skill of ancient Chinese seafarers.

Souvenir Sheet – 600th Anniversary of Zheng He's Voyages

The souvenir sheet depicts the grand scene of the massive treasure fleet sailing across the blue seas. Dozens of towering ships are shown in formation, their sails billowing, recreating the magnificent spectacle of Zheng He's fleet embarking on its historic voyages to the Western Seas.

Artistic and Design Features

The vertical stamp format features a refined and antique line-drawing style, with delicate engraved lines. The combined offset and intaglio printing gives the figures, maps, and artifacts a three-dimensional and textured appearance. The souvenir sheet has a broad and majestic composition, with rich layers of waves and ships. The warm yellowish-brown tones create a sense of historical depth. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, shaped perforations, and fluorescent spray codes. The entire set combines historical documentary value with the artistry of engraving.

This stamp set is a commemorative issue on the theme of ancient maritime history, including a souvenir sheet, suitable for thematic collections on the Maritime Silk Road and ancient navigation.