Scott Number: -
Serial number: 2011-7
Values in set: 1
Denomination: 120 fen
Date of issue: April 23, 2011
Size of stamp: 40 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 12
Size of Sheet:
170 * 160 mm
Designer: Hao Ou
Printing process: offset
Printer: Liaoning Postage Stamp Printing House

On April 23, 2011, the commemorative stamp "World Book and Copyright Day" (catalog number 2011-7) was officially issued, coinciding with the date of the World Book and Copyright Day itself. It was issued to promote nationwide reading and encourage the pursuit of knowledge through books. The set consists of one stamp with a face value of 1.20 yuan, designed by Hao Ou and printed by Shenyang Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory in Liaoning Province using offset printing.

The stamp uses three core symbols—books, the Earth, and keys—to convey the theme that reading connects the world and knowledge unlocks the door to wisdom. It echoes the purpose set by UNESCO in establishing World Book and Copyright Day, promoting a reading culture across society, and showcasing the important role of books as carriers of civilization and bridges for global thought exchange.

Stamp Design and Historical Background:

World Book and Copyright Day

Image: A horizontally opened book with a globe embedded in the center of the pages; the right page slightly curled, with three keys as a background motif; the stamp bears the inscription "World Book and Copyright Day 4·23."
History: World Book and Copyright Day was established by UNESCO in 1995, with April 23 chosen to commemorate literary giants such as Shakespeare and Cervantes, advocating reading and respecting copyright.
Significance: China Post's first dedicated philatelic item for World Book and Copyright Day, and a landmark miniature representation of the nationwide reading culture.

Artistic and Design Features:

Visual Composition: The design is clean and modern, with a flat graphic style. An open book is placed at the center, with elements arranged neatly and directly.
Color Palette: A gradient of blue tones symbolizes the vast ocean of knowledge, creating a fresh and serene atmosphere.
Symbolic Language: The book represents civilization, the globe symbolizes reading with a global perspective, and the keys signify knowledge unlocking the future.
Border Design: Blue and white wave-like lines mimic the binding patterns of books, reinforcing the book theme, with an overall minimalist and grand style.

This stamp is the only stamp specifically themed on World Book and Copyright Day. It can be paired with later issues such as the "Nationwide Reading" stamp to form a reading culture thematic collection. The subject covers education, publishing, reading culture, and nationwide reading, with strong cultural attributes. With its unique theme and rare catalog number, it is highly valued by collectors interested in literature and education, and holds lasting thematic collectible value.