Scott No: -
Serial number: 2009-7
Values in set: 2 + 1
Date of issue: April 10, 2009
Denomination: 240 fen + 600 fen
Designer: Wang Huming
Size of stamps: 44 * 33 mm
Perforation of Stamps: 12.5 * 13
Size of S/S: 126 * 90 mm
Size of S/S stamps: 40 * 78 mm
Perforation of S/S: 13
Sheet composition: 12 for Sheet I; 4 for Sheet II
Size of sheet:
220 * 165 mm for Sheet I;
118 * 96 for Sheet II
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Henan Provincial Posts and Telecommunications Printing House

On April 10, 2009, the commemorative stamp "China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition" (catalog number 2009-7) was officially issued, coinciding with the World Stamp Exhibition held in Luoyang, Henan. This was the second time China hosted the World Stamp Exhibition, following Beijing in 1999. The set consists of two stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 2.40 yuan. A souvenir sheet with a face value of 6 yuan was issued concurrently, along with limited-edition silk souvenir sheets and dual souvenir sheets. The stamps were designed by Wang Huming and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using offset printing (with embossing). Artifact materials were provided by the Tianjin Museum, the Palace Museum, and the Nanjing Museum.

The World Stamp Exhibition is known as the "Olympics of Philately." This exhibition was held in Luoyang, the city of peonies, making the peony a core cultural symbol. The stamps feature two Qing Dynasty court treasures, while the souvenir sheet features a Qing Dynasty painting of peonies. By showcasing these ancient Chinese artistic treasures, the stamps present the charm of traditional Chinese craftsmanship to global collectors, promote international philatelic exchange, and highlight the values of peaceful engagement and mutual learning, while also promoting Luoyang's peony culture.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Qing Dynasty – Carmine-Red Glazed Vase with Dragon, Phoenix, and Peony Design

Image: The main subject is a carmine-red glazed vase from the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, featuring dragons, phoenixes, and peonies. It is housed in the Tianjin Museum. Carmine-red glaze is a famous and precious glaze of the Qing Dynasty. The design of phoenixes and peonies symbolizes wealth, good fortune, and national prosperity. The combination of dragons, phoenixes, and peonies is a classic auspicious pattern from the imperial court, representing the peak of Qing Dynasty porcelain craftsmanship.
Significance: A representative artifact of Qing Dynasty imperial porcelain art.

Qing Dynasty – Cloisonné Enamel Vase with Interlocking Peony Design

Image: The main subject is a Qing Dynasty cloisonné enamel vase with interlocking peony patterns, housed in the Palace Museum. Cloisonné, also known as Jingtailan, is an important imperial metalwork craft. The vase features interlocking peony motifs and animal-head handles on the sides. The vase form is derived from Tibetan Buddhist ritual objects, reflecting the cultural integration of diverse ethnic groups in the Qing Dynasty.
Significance: A precious artwork combining traditional enamel craftsmanship with ethnic cultural fusion.

Souvenir Sheet – "National Beauty and Heavenly Fragrance"

Image: The original painting is a meticulous gongbi peony painting by the Qing Dynasty artist Ma Yi, housed in the Nanjing Museum. The painting depicts peonies in full bloom, accompanied by rocks and orchids, exuding elegance and grace. The peony is the city flower of Luoyang, echoing the host city's regional culture. The souvenir sheet features distinctive oval-shaped perforations, making it highly recognizable.
Significance: The cultural core of the stamp set, echoing Luoyang's peony culture.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Uniform vertical artifact format with a light beige antique background, faithfully reproducing the texture of the ancient artifacts. The stamps use embossing to enhance the three-dimensionality of the objects.
Content Layout: The two stamps feature porcelain and cloisonné, two major imperial crafts, while the souvenir sheet features a peony painting, creating a clear distinction between craftsmanship and painting.
Regional Connection: The entire set revolves around peony culture, aligning with the host city of Luoyang.
Rich Derivative Formats: Includes regular souvenir sheets, limited-edition silk scented souvenir sheets, and dual souvenir sheets, making it a popular and distinctive feature of the modern stamp series.

This stamp set is a landmark commemorative issue for the Luoyang World Stamp Exhibition, covering themes of ancient imperial crafts, painting, and the international philatelic event. Available in multiple formats including the stamp set, miniature sheet, souvenir sheet, and silk souvenir sheet, the silk souvenir sheet is a distinctive item of the exposition. It is suitable for thematic collections on stamp exhibitions, ancient artifacts, and peony culture.