Serial number: 2009-16
Scott Number: -
Values in set: 2
Denomination: 240 fen
Date of issue: August 2, 2009
Size of stamp: 40 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 14
Size of sheet: 254 * 150 mm
Printing process: offset
Designer of stamp: Jiang Weijie
Printer: Liaoning Post and Telecommunication Printing Works

On August 2, 2009, the special stamp "Labrang Monastery" (catalog number 2009-16) was officially issued, coinciding with the 300th anniversary of the founding of the monastery in 2009. The set consists of two stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 2.40 yuan. The stamps were designed by Jiang Weijie and printed by Shenyang Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory in Liaoning Province using offset printing.

Located in Xiahe County, Gannan, Gansu, Labrang Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and is known as the "world's largest Tibetan Buddhist academic institution." It is a key national cultural heritage site. In 2009, marking the 300th anniversary of its founding, the stamps feature two iconic structures of the monastery, presenting the distinctive Tibetan architectural style of the Amdo Tibetan region. Through these stamps, Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditional architecture are showcased, promoting the preservation of ethnic culture and enriching the series of stamps featuring Tibetan ancient architecture.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Grand Sutra Hall

Image: The main subject is the exterior of the Grand Sutra Hall, with white walls, red eaves, and a green double-eaved roof, adorned with intricate traditional Tibetan patterns, with a silhouette of the monastery complex in the background.
History: The Grand Sutra Hall is the central hall of Labrang Monastery, the largest venue for chanting scriptures, accommodating thousands of monks for worship. Major religious ceremonies and Buddhist activities are held here, making it the religious center of the monastery.
Significance: Represents the core religious hall of Labrang Monastery.

Gongtang Stupa

Image: A full view of the Gongtang Stupa, with a multi-tiered base and a golden finial, displaying distinct layers and brilliant golden light.
History: Located near the outer edge of the monastery, the Gongtang Stupa houses numerous Buddhist statues and scriptures. It is a well-known landmark stupa in Gannan, serving both religious and scenic purposes, and offering a panoramic view of Labrang Monastery.
Significance: A highly recognizable iconic stupa of Labrang Monastery.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Uniform horizontal stamp format, designed to be viewed together as a continuous pair, with coordinated compositions.
Painting Style: Detailed architectural painting with warm, rich colors, faithfully reproducing the typical features of Tibetan architecture, including white walls, red eaves, and golden roofs.
Content: The combination of the main sutra hall and the iconic stupa provides a comprehensive view of the monastery's layout.
Historical Significance: Issued specifically to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the monastery, making it a representative stamp for the regional culture of Gannan, Gansu.

This stamp set is an important modern issue featuring a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, focusing on the cultural landmark of the Amdo region and carrying the significance of the 300th anniversary commemoration. Available in stamp set and large sheet formats, it is often collected together with stamps of other Tibetan monasteries such as the Potala Palace, Ta'er Monastery, and Tashilhunpo Monastery.