Scott Number: -
Serial number: 2011-23
Values in set: 2
Denomination: 240 fen
Date of issue: September 12, 2011
Size of stamp: 38 * 50 mm
Perforation: 13 * 13.5
Sheet composition: 12 for Value I; 6 for Value II (3 sets)
Size of Sheet:
190 * 200 mm for Value I;
150 * 190 mm for Value II
Size of S/S: 90 * 130 mm
Size of S/S stamp: 50 * 82 mm
Perforation of S/S: 13
Designer: Chao Gu
Printing process: photogravure
Printer: Henan Postage Stamp Printing House

On September 12, 2011, the special stamp "Guan Gong" (catalog number 2011-23) 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, with a souvenir sheet (face value 6 yuan) issued on the same day. The stamps were designed by Chao Gu and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The stamps feature two classic artistic images of Guan Gong—one dynamic, one static, representing both his martial and civil aspects. Guan Yu, a general of the Shu Han kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period, was later venerated as the "Martial Sage," on par with Confucius, the "Civil Sage." His virtues of loyalty, righteousness, courage, and benevolence are deeply ingrained in Chinese culture. The stamps depict him on the battlefield and reading by lamplight, while the souvenir sheet presents a solemn and majestic standing image. The set conveys the spirit of Guan Gong, promoting the traditional Chinese virtues of loyalty, faithfulness, courage, and righteousness, reflecting Guan Gong's profound influence across regions and throughout history.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

A Thousand Miles Journey

Image: Guan Gong, clad in a red robe, riding the red-haired steed Chitu and wielding the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, galloping forward.
History: Based on the classic tale of "A Thousand Miles Journey Alone," Guan Yu leaves Cao Cao and escorts his two sisters-in-law on a thousand-mile journey to find Liu Bei, the most representative story of Guan Gong's loyalty and righteousness.
Significance: The "Martial Guan Gong" image, representing loyalty, bravery, and faithfulness to his word.

Reading the Spring and Autumn Annals at Night

Image: Guan Gong sits upright, reading the Spring and Autumn Annals by candlelight, with a calm and scholarly demeanor.
History: A classic folk depiction of Guan Gong studying at night, portraying him not merely as a warrior but as a man of both military prowess and moral integrity.
Significance: The "Civil Guan Gong" image, highlighting his erudition and adherence to righteous principles.

Souvenir Sheet: Guan Gong Statue

Image: A standing statue of Guan Gong, with a long beard, green robe and armor, with the plaque "Shen Yong" (Divine Courage) above, and architectural elements from the Xiezhou Guandi Temple, Guanlin, and Guanling in the background.
History: Guan Gong's veneration extends across the globe, with Guandi Temples established in many places. He is also revered as the God of Wealth.
Significance: Combining the images of saint, deity, and God of Wealth, this is the most classic representation of Guan Gong in popular perception.

Artistic and Design Features:

Painting Style: Traditional gongbi (meticulous brushwork) with rich colors, aligning with traditional folk depictions of Guan Gong.
Image Contrast: One stamp depicts dynamic action, the other a static reading scene, creating a clear contrast between martial and civil aspects, adding narrative depth.
Format: The vertical stamp format is simple and solemn, while the souvenir sheet has a grand composition, creating a dignified and sacred atmosphere.
Detail: The costumes, weapons, and horse follow traditional opera and folk painting conventions, providing high recognizability.

This is the first dedicated stamp set issued by China Post solely featuring Guan Gong, distinguishing it from the episodic appearances in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series. The subject matter covers Three Kingdoms history, traditional culture of sages, folk beliefs, and Guan Gong's folk culture. Available in multiple formats including the stamp set, miniature sheet, souvenir sheet, and silk four-in-one sheet, it is an important collectible for historical figure themes and is highly valued by collectors interested in the Three Kingdoms and classical literature.