Scott Number: -
Serial number: 2010-25
Values in set: 4
Denomination: 480 fen
Date of issue: October 18, 2010
Size of stamp: 30 * 50 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 16 for Value I; 8 for Value II
Size of Sheet:
150 * 240 mm for Value I;
232 * 141 mm for Value II
Designer: Wang Huming
Printing process: Offset
Printer: Henan Postage Stamp Printing House

On October 18, 2010, the special stamp "Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum" (catalog number 2010-25) was officially issued. The set consists of four stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 4.80 yuan. The stamps were designed by Wang Huming, with poem inscriptions written by Du Dakai, and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using offset printing. In conjunction with the 2010 Beijing International Stamp and Coin Exposition, a limited edition imperforate fan-shaped miniature sheet was also issued.

Plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum are collectively known as the "Four Gentlemen" among flowers. They are classic subjects in Chinese literati painting and poetry, symbolizing four noble qualities: the plum's resilience, the orchid's elegance, the bamboo's integrity, and the chrysanthemum's detachment. The stamps feature four classic ink paintings in the round fan (tuan shan) format, each paired with a corresponding classical poem. By integrating painting, poetry, and calligraphy, the stamp set preserves traditional literati aesthetics and expresses the Chinese ideal of finding virtue in nature and cultivating moral character.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Plum

Image: The stamp features a round fan painting from Jin Nong's Plum Album of the Qing Dynasty, with simple and vigorous brushwork, accompanied by Wang Anshi's poem "Plum Blossoms": "A few branches of plum by the wall, blooming alone in the cold. I know it is not snow, for a faint fragrance arrives."
History: Plum blossoms bloom in winter, symbolizing resilience and purity, making them a favorite subject of literati poets throughout history.

Orchid

Image: The image is taken from the Jieziyuan Painting Manual, depicting elegant and graceful orchid leaves, accompanied by Tao Yuanming's poem on orchids, describing the orchid's seclusion in the valley.
History: Orchids have long been known as the "king of fragrances," representing the noble character of detachment and refinement.

Bamboo

Image: The original painting is a small ink bamboo piece by Zheng Banqiao, with vigorous and free brushwork, accompanied by Liu Yuxi's poem on bamboo.
History: Bamboo's hollow stem symbolizes humility, while its joints represent integrity. Zheng Banqiao's bamboo paintings are a classic example of expressing the heart through art.

Chrysanthemum

Image: The stamp features Li Shan's painting of chrysanthemums and rocks, with the chrysanthemums in full bloom, accompanied by Mei Yaochen's poem "Remaining Chrysanthemums."
History: Chrysanthemums bloom in autumn, not competing with other flowers in spring, symbolizing perseverance and contentment with simplicity.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Uniform vertical stamp format with a central circular fan-shaped composition, restoring the traditional round fan painting format, creating an antique and coordinated appearance.
Visual Style: Faithfully reproduces the light yellow tone of aged rice paper, preserving the variations of ink wash, with the four elements of poetry, painting, calligraphy, and seals fully integrated.
Format Innovation: The fan-shaped perforated miniature sheet is a unique design, reflecting the aesthetics of Chinese fans; the imperforate fan-shaped miniature sheet is a limited edition item.
Cultural Structure: Each stamp features a flower, a poem, and a painting, corresponding to the four seasons, fully interpreting the cultural significance of the "Four Gentlemen."

This stamp set is a classic issue featuring traditional flower-and-bird painting and literati themes. The fan-shaped miniature sheet is highly recognizable. It covers traditional flower-and-bird painting, classical poetry, and the culture of the "Four Gentlemen." Available in multiple formats including stamp set, large sheet, fan-shaped perforated miniature sheet, and limited-edition imperforate fan-shaped miniature sheet, it is a popular and significant issue for thematic collections on traditional Chinese painting and culture.