Scott Number: -
Serial number: 2010-26
Values in set: 2
Denomination: 240 fen
Date of issue: October 22, 2010
Size of stamp: 30 * 50 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 16
Size of Sheet: 150 * 240 mm
Designer: Fan Zeng
Printing process: Offset and engraving
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

On October 22, 2010, the commemorative stamp "880th Anniversary of the Birth of Zhu Xi" (catalog number 2010-26) was officially issued. 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 Fan Zeng and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using a combination of offset and intaglio (engraving) printing.

Zhu Xi was a renowned thinker and educator of the Southern Song Dynasty, the leading figure of the School of Principle (Neo-Confucianism), and a representative of the Min School. The year 2010 marked the 880th anniversary of his birth. The stamps feature two iconic scenes from Zhu Xi's life, presenting his dedication to teaching and scholarly work. Zhu Xi developed a comprehensive system of Neo-Confucianism, compiled the Collected Commentaries on the Four Books, and established academies to spread his teachings. His ideas profoundly influenced later Chinese education and traditional culture. The stamp set commemorates this great sage, preserving the legacy of Neo-Confucianism and the tradition of classical education.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Portrait of Zhu Xi

Image: A half-length standard portrait of Zhu Xi, dressed in Song Dynasty scholar's attire, with a composed and refined expression, and faint book patterns in the background.
History: Zhu Xi devoted his life to scholarship, integrating Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist thought to perfect the Cheng-Zhu school of Neo-Confucianism. His academic ideas were established as orthodox thought during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, profoundly influencing ancient education and ritual culture.
Significance: Directly presents the image of this great Neo-Confucian master.

Lecturing

Image: Depicts Zhu Xi lecturing at the White Deer Grotto Academy, with students listening and seeking knowledge.
History: Zhu Xi revived the White Deer Grotto Academy and formulated the White Deer Grotto Academy Regulations, which became a model for later academies. He also lectured at the Yuelu Academy, greatly promoting the development of private academies.
Significance: Represents Zhu Xi's educational achievements and the tradition of Confucian academy teaching.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Uniform vertical stamp format, designed by the master painter Fan Zeng, with traditional freehand figure painting using simple and expressive lines.
Layout: One stamp features a portrait, the other a narrative scene, together forming a comprehensive depiction of Zhu Xi's achievements.
Technical Features: The combined offset and intaglio printing enhances the contours of the figures with rich layering.
Cultural Context: Can be collected together with stamps of Confucius, Mencius, Wang Yangming, and other Confucian thinkers to form a thematic series on Chinese philosophy.

This stamp set is an important modern issue in the Confucian thinker thematic collection, commemorating the 880th anniversary of Zhu Xi's birth, with significant historical and cultural value. Available in multiple formats, it is suitable for thematic collections on Chinese philosophy, ancient educators, and Neo-Confucianism.