Scott No: -
Serial number: 2010-22
Values in set: 3
Denomination: 540 fen
Date of issue: September 28, 2010
Designer: Hao Xudong, Chen Jingyi
Size of stamp: 33 * 44 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 12 (4 sets)
Size of sheet: 150 * 210 mm
Size of M/S: 160 * 80 mm
Printing process: offset
Printer: Liaoning Postage Stamp Printing House

On September 28, 2010, the special stamp "Temple of Confucius, Mansion of Confucius, and Cemetery of Confucius" (catalog number 2010-22) was officially issued, coinciding with the 2560th anniversary of Confucius' birth. The set consists of three stamps with face values of 1.20 yuan, 1.20 yuan, and 3.00 yuan respectively, for a total face value of 5.40 yuan, with a souvenir sheet (priced at 8.10 yuan) issued concurrently.

The Temple of Confucius, the Mansion of Confucius, and the Cemetery of Confucius (collectively known as the "Three Confucian Sites") in Qufu, Shandong, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. They are the core cultural heritage sites commemorating Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, and preserving the legacy of Chinese Confucian culture. The Temple is a ritual site for worshipping Confucius, the Mansion is the residence of his direct descendants (the Duke of Yansheng), and the Cemetery is the family burial ground for Confucius and his descendants. The stamps feature landmark buildings from these three sites, with subtle patterns of texts from the Analects in the background. From the perspectives of ritual tradition, scholarly family heritage, and the sage's cemetery, the stamps present the profound history of the "Three Confucian Sites." Within their limited space, they promote the fine traditional culture of Confucianism, becoming part of China Post's World Heritage stamp series.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Temple of Confucius

Image: The main subject is the Dacheng Hall of the Qufu Temple of Confucius, with the background featuring an image of Confucius teaching and classic texts from the Analects.
History: The Dacheng Hall is the main hall of the Temple of Confucius, and is recognized as one of the three great ancient halls of the East, alongside the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City and the Tiankuang Hall of the Dai Temple. It has been the most important site for official state ceremonies honoring Confucius for over two thousand years.
Significance: A representative architectural relic of Confucian ritual culture.

Mansion of Confucius

Image: The main subject is the Chongguang Gate of the Mansion of Confucius, with ancient books and texts from the Analects in the background.
History: The Mansion of Confucius, also known as the Mansion of the Duke of Yansheng, is the largest and best-preserved aristocratic residence in China. The Chongguang Gate symbolizes the family tradition of "poetry and propriety passed down through generations," bearing witness to the enduring legacy of Confucius's descendants over the centuries.
Significance: A representation of the Confucian family lineage and traditional aristocratic residences.

Cemetery of Confucius

Image: The main subject is the Wangu Changchun Archway at the entrance of the Cemetery of Confucius, with faint images of tombstone inscriptions in the background.
History: The Cemetery of Confucius, also known as the Forest of the Supreme Sage, is a family cemetery that has been maintained for over two thousand years. The Wangu Changchun Archway is a symbolic stone archway at the entrance, representing the enduring influence of Confucianism.
Significance: The longest continuously maintained family cemetery in the world.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Vertical stamp format, with the large sheet printed as three continuous stamps, each with distinct tones but unified composition.
Design: Realistic depictions of the ancient architecture, with subtle background patterns of texts from the Analects that complement the architectural subjects.
Souvenir Sheet Innovation: The three stamps are arranged horizontally with traditional Chinese ornamental borders, enhancing overall cohesion and collectibility.
Narrative Logic: The arrangement follows the sequence of the ritual temple, the family mansion, and the sage's cemetery, presenting a complete cultural overview of the "Three Confucian Sites."

This stamp set is a landmark issue in the World Heritage series and a representative of Confucian culture. Issued on the 2560th anniversary of Confucius' birth, it carries deep cultural significance. Available in large sheet, individual stamp, and souvenir sheet formats, it can be collected together with other Chinese architecture and World Heritage series stamps, making it an important item for thematic collections on Confucian culture and World Heritage sites.