Scott No: -
Serial number: 2009-12
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: June 23, 2009
Denomination: 360 fen
Designer: Liu Xiangping
Size of stamps: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 13.5 * 13
Sheet composition: 16
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On June 23, 2009, the commemorative stamp "100th Anniversary of the Birth of Comrade Li Xiannian" (catalog number 2009-12) was officially issued. The year 2009 marked the 100th anniversary of Comrade Li Xiannian's birth, with the first-day ceremony held in Hong'an, Hubei. The set consists of three stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 3.60 yuan. The stamps were designed by Liu Xiangping and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

Li Xiannian was a great proletarian revolutionary, statesman, military strategist, steadfast Marxist, and outstanding leader of the Party and the state. Born in Hong'an, Hubei, he devoted his life to armed struggle, base area construction, national economic development, and reform and opening-up. The stamps follow the major stages of his life, tracing his journey from the War of Resistance, through national construction, to his tenure as President of the People's Republic of China. The set commemorates his lifelong dedication to national independence, people's liberation, and national development, honoring his unwavering commitment and pragmatic spirit.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Li Xiannian During the War of Resistance Against Japan

Image: A portrait of Li Xiannian in Eighth Route Army uniform, with a resolute and steady expression.
History: During the War of Resistance, Li Xiannian was ordered to advance into the Hubei-Henan border region, where he established the Hubei-Henan Anti-Japanese Base Area, formed the Fifth Division of the New Fourth Army, and independently led guerrilla warfare behind enemy lines. He opened up the Central Plains battlefield and made significant contributions to the victory in Central China.
Significance: Represents Li Xiannian's leadership in the anti-Japanese struggle behind enemy lines in Central China.

Li Xiannian During the Socialist Construction Period

Image: A portrait of Li Xiannian during his work after the founding of New China.
History: After the founding of New China, Li Xiannian led national financial and economic work for an extended period, participating in the recovery of the national economy, water conservancy projects, and economic adjustments. He made significant contributions to stabilizing prices, developing production, and managing rivers.
Significance: Represents Li Xiannian's dedication to national economic development and public welfare.

President Li Xiannian

Image: A portrait of Li Xiannian during his tenure as President of the People's Republic of China, with a wise and composed expression.
History: In 1983, Li Xiannian was elected President of the People's Republic of China. During his term, he actively promoted reform and opening-up, worked to maintain national stability, and fostered friendly exchanges with other countries.
Significance: Represents Li Xiannian's leadership in promoting reform and development.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Uniform vertical portrait format, simple and dignified, fitting the style of commemorative stamps for revolutionary leaders.
Narrative Structure: The stamps follow the three historical periods of the War of Resistance, national construction, and reform and opening-up, presenting a complete overview of his revolutionary journey.
Painting Style: Realistic portraiture with strong lines and restrained colors, emphasizing a sense of historical weight.
Red Cultural Value: The stamp's first-day ceremony was held in Hong'an, known as "China's First County of Generals," creating a strong connection with regional red history.

This stamp set belongs to the thematic category of red revolutionary figures, commemorating the 100th anniversary of a significant leader. Available in both stamp set and large sheet formats, it is often collected together with stamps of other revolutionary leaders from the same period, such as Dong Biwu and Bo Yibo, making it an important item for thematic collections on Party history figures.