Serial number: 2009-19
Scott Number: -
Values in set: 2
Denomination: 240 fen
Date of issue: September 9, 2009
Size of stamp: 30 * 50 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 16
Size of sheet: 152 * 240 mm
Printing process: photogravure
Designer of stamp: Li Qun
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

On September 9, 2009, the special stamp "National Library of China" (catalog number 2009-19) was officially issued, coinciding with the centenary of the library's founding. 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 Li Qun and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The National Library of China traces its origins to the Capital Library established in 1909. It is one of the largest comprehensive libraries in Asia, housing a vast collection of ancient rare books and precious documents, and carrying the mission of preserving the cultural heritage of China. The stamps feature two iconic library buildings, combined with elements of the library's treasured ancient books, presenting a contrast between the historic rare book library and the modern new library. They commemorate the centenary of the National Library, showcase its role in preserving texts, passing on culture, and providing public access, and highlight the value of China's documentary heritage, promoting reading and cultural preservation.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Rare Book Library

Image: The main subject is the Wenjin Building, the rare book library of the National Library, a traditional Chinese-style palace building, with the background featuring the Yongle Encyclopedia.
Significance: The Wenjin Building has long been responsible for the preservation of precious ancient texts. The Yongle Encyclopedia is one of the four major special collections of the National Library, a monumental encyclopedia. The stamp symbolizes the library's century-long efforts in rescuing, preserving, and researching ancient Chinese texts, representing the enduring heritage of Chinese literature.

North Area of the Main Library

Image: The main subject is the modern building of the North Area of the National Library, with a simple and elegant design, and the background featuring the Siku Quanshu from Wenjin Pavilion.
Significance: The North Area is a modern complex for reading and collection, built in the new century. The Siku Quanshu is a monumental collection of Chinese literature. The stamp represents the modernization of the library, its openness to the public, and the sharing of documentary resources and cultural dissemination.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Uniform vertical composition with a warm beige antique background, designed to be viewed as a continuous pair.
Visual Contrast: A clear contrast between the traditional building with ancient texts and the modern building with the Siku Quanshu, representing the library's centenary development.
Design Language: Simple and elegant, with realistic architectural depictions and detailed reproductions of ancient texts, evoking a scholarly atmosphere.
Symbolic Date: The issue date of September 9 (the library's founding anniversary) reinforces the centenary theme.

This stamp set is one of the few special issues in China focused on a national library and the preservation of ancient texts, carrying the significance of the centenary commemoration. Available in stamp set and large sheet formats, it is suitable for thematic collections on cultural institutions, ancient documents, and reading culture, and can be collected together with stamps of other libraries and academies.