Scott No: -
Serial number: 2009-1
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: January 5, 2009
Denomination: 120 fen
Designer: Chen Shaohua
Size of stamps: 36 * 36 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition:
20 for Sheet I;
6 for Sheet II
Size of sheet:
180 * 210 mm for Sheet I;
128*180 mm for Sheet II
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On January 5, 2009, the special stamp "Ji Chou Year" (catalog number 2009-1) was officially issued, the sixth stamp in the third cycle of the zodiac series. The set consists of one stamp with a face value of 1.20 yuan, with a stamp booklet (catalog number (33)) issued concurrently. The stamp was designed by Chen Shaohua, with Shi Yuan serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The Ji Chou Year is the Year of the Ox. In traditional Chinese culture, the ox symbolizes diligence, perseverance, and progress. In folk culture, a "bull market" is often associated with prosperity and growth. In 2009, during the global financial crisis, the stamp's galloping ox image conveyed the public's hope for economic recovery and the spirit of overcoming challenges. Continuing the modern decorative style of the third zodiac cycle, the stamp depicts a powerful ox charging forward, symbolizing the spirit of self-improvement and progress, and continuing the tradition of China Post's zodiac New Year stamp series.

Stamp Design and Historical Background:

Ji Chou Year

Image: The main subject is a galloping reddish-brown ox, with golden spiral patterns on its head, determined eyes, a raised tail, and exaggerated hooves that suggest a cloud of dust from high-speed running.
Symbolism: The charging ox represents breaking through difficulties and moving forward. It carries the traditional agricultural values of hard work and dedication, while also expressing the hope of emerging from economic downturns and ushering in prosperity, resonating with the public's desire for stability and prosperity during that time.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Square stamp format, consistent with all stamps in the third zodiac cycle, ensuring strong series coordination.
Artistic Style: Combines folk decorative art with modern graphic design, with smooth lines and a dominant red and gold color scheme, conveying a festive and robust feel.
Creative Details: The exaggerated hooves emphasize motion, while the circular patterns on the ox's body add a sense of rhythm.
Series Planning: As part of the third zodiac cycle created by Chen Shaohua, the stamp's unified style allows for collection as a complete set of the twelve zodiac stamps.

This stamp is a landmark issue in the third zodiac cycle, designed by the renowned artist Chen Shaohua, with a special historical background and distinct cultural symbolism. Available in multiple formats, it is a core item for zodiac-themed collections, often collected together with the other eleven stamps of the third zodiac cycle.