Scott No: -
Serial number: 2011-4
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: March 8, 2011
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Xia Jingqiu
Size of stamps: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 12, 150 * 195 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On March 8, 2011, the special stamp "Liangzhu Jade Artifacts" (catalog number 2011-4) was officially issued, aiming to showcase the splendid prehistoric jade-working civilization of the Liangzhu culture and to provide tangible evidence of China's 5,000-year civilization history. 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 Xia Jingqiu and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The stamps feature four of the most representative types of Liangzhu jade ritual objects: the jade bi (disc) for heaven worship, the jade cong (tube) for earth worship, the jade yue (axe) for ceremonial authority, and the jade huang (arc-shaped pendant) for personal adornment. Liangzhu jade artifacts are core ritual objects from the Liangzhu ancient state, which flourished in the lower Yangtze River region approximately 5,300 to 4,300 years ago. Through the various forms and the iconic deity-animal motifs, the stamp set presents the mature ritual system, advanced jade-working techniques, and the combination of theocratic and royal power of this early state, providing evidence for the pluralistic and unified origin of Chinese civilization.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Jade Cong (Tube)

Image: A jade cong with deity-animal face motifs, square on the outside and circular on the inside, with multiple layers of deity-animal images carved on the surface.
History: The jade cong is a core ritual object of the Liangzhu culture, symbolizing communication between heaven, earth, and the divine. It was the most important carrier of theocratic beliefs.
Significance: An iconic artifact of the Liangzhu culture and a symbol of prehistoric ritual civilization.

Jade Bi (Disc)

Image: A plain jade bi, circular and regular in shape.
History: Liangzhu jade bi were primarily used for ceremonies worshipping heaven. They have been unearthed in large numbers from high-status aristocratic tombs, representing wealth and power.
Significance: One of the most important ritual objects of the Liangzhu culture, embodying the ancient ritual tradition of "using the dark green bi to worship heaven."

Jade Yue (Axe)

Image: A jade yue with its complete set of hafting components.
History: Evolved from stone axes, the jade yue was no longer used for combat but served as a ceremonial symbol of military authority. Only the highest-ranking leaders of Liangzhu could possess them.
Significance: A material symbol of royal and military power.

Jade Huang (Arc-shaped Pendant)

Image: A semi-arc-shaped jade huang with finely carved decorations.
History: Jade huang were typically worn on the chest as decorative ritual objects of the aristocracy. They are often found in pairs in tombs and served as symbols of high social status.
Significance: Ornaments of personal adornment for Liangzhu aristocrats, reflecting the aesthetic sense and social hierarchy of the ancient people.

Artistic and Design Features:

Visual Presentation: The stamps adopt a still-life photographic style, delicately reproducing the warm, lustrous texture of nephrite jade, with dark backgrounds highlighting the jade objects.
Layout: The vertical stamp format is consistent, with the first and second stamps printed together, and the third and fourth printed together, creating visual continuity.
Decorative Details: The stamps clearly present iconic motifs such as the deity-animal face pattern, highlighting the unique artistic symbols of Liangzhu jade.
Color and Atmosphere: The overall color palette is calm and simple, evoking the ancient and mysterious spirit of prehistoric civilization, with a clean, grand style that emphasizes the cultural relics.

This stamp set is the first special stamp issue to systematically present Liangzhu jade artifacts. Its value has further increased after the Liangzhu site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The subject matter covers prehistoric archaeology, ancient jade, and the ancient civilization of the Jiangnan region, making it suitable for thematic collections on jade, prehistoric culture, and archaeological relics. As a landmark philatelic item providing evidence of China's 5,000-year civilization, it carries significant cultural weight.