Scott No: -
Serial number: 2007-5
Values in set: 6
Date of issue: March 10, 2007
Denomination: 680 fen
Designer: Gao Yun
Size of stamps: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 13.5 * 13
Sheet composition: 20
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

This stamp set was officially issued on March 10, 2007. It consists of six stamps with a total face value of 6.80 yuan, designed by Gao Yun, with Zhao Lei serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

Peking opera is a national treasure of China, and the Sheng (male) role is one of its four major role categories, generally referring to male characters in the opera. It is further divided into subcategories such as Laosheng (elder male), Xiaosheng (young male), and Wusheng (martial male). As an important part of the Peking opera stamp series, this set features highly representative Sheng role figures from six classic operas, covering different performance categories including Laosheng, Xiaosheng, and Wusheng. The stamps present the distinctive costumes, makeup, and charm of each role type, preserving the classic images of this traditional art form and completing the stamp series of the four major role categories: Sheng, Dan (female), Jing (painted face), and Chou (clown).

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Lin Xiangru

Opera: General and the Minister

Role Category: Laosheng

Description: With a composed and dignified demeanor, Lin Xiangru embodies the broad-minded and state-serving virtue of a wise minister, representing a classic Laosheng stage image.

Song Shijie

Opera: Four Scholars

Role Category: Shuai Pai Laosheng (aged Laosheng)

Description: With white hair and a long beard, his sharp and witty expression portrays a righteous advocate who helps the common people seek justice, representing the tradition of performance-focused Laosheng.

Zhou Yu

Opera: The Gathering of Heroes

Role Category: Zhiwei Xiaosheng (young male with pheasant feathers)

Description: Dressed in ornate and heroic headgear, his handsome and spirited appearance captures the youthful brilliance of the historical figure Zhou Yu, a classic young general.

Xu Xian

Opera: Legend of the White Snake

Role Category: Shanzi Xiaosheng (young male with fan)

Description: With a refined and gentle appearance, he portrays a simple and kind scholar, representing a classic Wen Xiaosheng (civil young male) role.

Gao Chong

Opera: The Chariot Battle

Role Category: Changkao Wusheng (martial male in full armor)

Description: Armored and majestic, he embodies the heroic spirit of a fearless warrior in battle, showcasing the martial prowess of the role.

Ren Tanghui

Opera: At the Crossroads

Role Category: Duanda Wusheng (martial male in light costume)

Description: With agile and swift movements, he represents the classic martial arts character in a nighttime combat scene, highlighting the quick and dynamic style of Duanda Wusheng performances.

Artistic and Design Features

The six stamps share a unified vertical composition, with a light gray background that enhances the vibrant costumes and makeup of the opera figures. The delicate gongbi (meticulous brushwork) style accurately reproduces the headgear, flags, embroidery patterns, and facial makeup details. The photogravure printing delivers rich color layers, perfectly presenting the luxurious texture of Peking opera costumes. The six characters cover distinct role types, with a balanced mix of civil and martial scenes, providing a comprehensive view of the Sheng role category.

This stamp set is a special issue in the Peking opera series, available in stamp set and large sheet formats. Collectors often pair it with the Dan, Jing, and Chou role stamps to complete the full collection of the four major Peking opera role categories, making it a classic addition to Chinese opera-themed collections.