Scott Number: -
Serial number: 2011-15
Values in set: 6
Denomination: 680 fen
Date of issue: June 20, 2011
Size of stamp: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 12 * 3 Sheets
(Value I, II for Sheet I; Value III, IV for Sheet II; Value V VI for Sheet III;)
Size of Sheet: 244 * 107 mm
Designer: Ma Gang, Yu Shan
Printing process: Offset
Printer: Henan Postage Stamp Printing House

On June 20, 2011, the special stamp "Ming and Qing Furniture – Seating Furniture" (catalog number 2011-15) was officially issued. This is the first set in the Ming and Qing furniture thematic series, later followed by the 2012-12 "Ming and Qing Furniture – Supporting Furniture" issue, forming a complete series. The set consists of six stamps with face values of 0.80 yuan, 1.20 yuan, 1.20 yuan, 1.20 yuan, 1.20 yuan, and 1.20 yuan respectively, for a total face value of 6.80 yuan. The stamps were designed by Ma Gang and Yu Shan, and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using offset printing. Artifact materials were provided by the Palace Museum.

The stamps feature six national treasures of Ming and Qing hardwood seating furniture, including imperial thrones, folding chairs, official's hat chairs, round-backed armchairs, armchairs, and drum stools. They distinguish between the simple, elegant style of the Ming Dynasty and the ornate, elaborate style of the Qing Dynasty, fully presenting the hierarchical ritual system, mortise-and-tenon joinery, and carving aesthetics of ancient seating furniture. Seating furniture is a core category of traditional furniture, and within these stamps, the pinnacle of Huanghuali and red sandalwood craftsmanship is captured, reflecting the refined aesthetics of Ming and Qing literati and the ritual culture of the imperial court.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Qing Dynasty – Red Sandalwood Throne with Carved Lacquer and Inlaid Copper Dragon Decoration

Image: A three-panel throne with red sandalwood frame, carved lacquer finish, and inlaid gold-plated copper dragon ornaments.
History: The throne was exclusively for the emperor, not for daily use. It served as a ceremonial object in the hall, symbolizing supreme imperial authority, and was a major piece of Qing Dynasty court furniture.
Significance: A representative of the highest grade of seating furniture and a classic example of the magnificent, elaborate style of Qing Dynasty furniture.

Ming Dynasty – Huanghuali Folding Chair

Image: A foldable Huanghuali chair with carved backrest and complete footrest.
History: Originating from ancient folding stools, the folding chair was convenient for travel, hunting, and receiving guests in halls. The ancient saying "sitting in the first folding chair" comes from this, symbolizing high status, and it is a classic Ming Dynasty form.
Significance: An iconic piece of Ming Dynasty furniture and the highest form of portable seating.

Ming Dynasty – Huanghuali Official's Hat Chair with Openwork "Fu" Character

Image: A four-headed official's hat chair with protruding ends at the top and armrests, with an openwork "Fu" (blessing) character on the back panel.
History: Its shape resembles a Ming Dynasty official's hat, making it a standard piece of literati hall furniture. Its lines are simple and elegant, fully embodying the Ming Dynasty furniture philosophy of "beautiful material, simple craftsmanship."
Significance: A standard model of the four-headed official's hat chair and a representative of Jiangnan literati furniture.

Ming Dynasty – Huanghuali Round-Backed Armchair with Chi-Dragon Carving

Image: A round-backed armchair with a continuous circular backrest connected to the armrests, with a chi-dragon motif carved on the back panel.
History: Also known as the "basket chair," the round backrest embraces the human body, conforming to ergonomics, making it the most classic chair form in Chinese furniture history.
Significance: A masterpiece of Ming Dynasty furniture art and the most internationally renowned Chinese chair design.

Qing Dynasty – Red Sandalwood Armchair "Elegant Scenery" with Inlaid Marble

Image: A red sandalwood armchair with a natural cloud-pattern marble inlay on the backrest, inscribed with the characters "Feng Guang He Ya" (Elegant Scenery).
History: A Qing Dynasty hall display chair, with natural marble patterns combined with hardwood, favored by literati in the mid-Qing period.
Significance: A representative of Qing Dynasty hall armchairs, integrating stone carving and woodworking.

Ming Dynasty – Red Sandalwood Drum Stool with Inlaid Marble

Image: A round drum-shaped stool with decorative drum nail patterns on the top and bottom, with a marble inlay in the center.
History: Without armrests or backrest, drum stools were flexible in placement and commonly used in halls and pavilions, suitable for both men and women, serving as classic auxiliary seating.
Significance: A representative of traditional stool forms, with a rounded, lively shape.

Artistic and Design Features:

Layout: Uniform vertical stamp format, with the six stamps arranged in three pairs printed together, featuring a seal engraving in the middle of the sheet, lending an antique elegance.
Visual Reproduction: Realistic still-life photography with a soft light beige background, faithfully reproducing the natural patina of red sandalwood and Huanghuali.
Stylistic Contrast: Ming Dynasty pieces feature simple, ethereal lines, while Qing Dynasty pieces are more ornate, creating a clear visual distinction.
Text Arrangement: Vertical text on the left side, with a clean composition that maximally highlights the form of the furniture.

This stamp set is the opening issue of the Ming and Qing furniture series, forming a complete collection together with the subsequent "Ming and Qing Furniture – Supporting Furniture." The subject matter covers hardwood furniture, mortise-and-tenon joinery, ancient interior decoration, and Palace Museum artifacts. All six pieces are first-class Palace Museum collections, with classic forms. Available in both stamp set and booklet formats, this is an indispensable core issue for classical furniture thematic collections.