Serial number: 2012-20
Scott Number: -
Values in set: 4
Denomination: 480 fen
Date of issue: August 23, 2012
Size of stamp:
30 * 40 mm for Value 1, 4;
40 * 30 mm for Value 2, 3;
Perforation:
13.5 for Value 1, 4;
13 for Value 2, 3
Sheet composition: 16
Size of sheet:
150 * 216 mm for Value 1, 4;
216 * 150 mm for Value 2, 3
Printing process: Photogravure
Designer of stamp: Wu Guanying
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

On August 23, 2012, the special stamp set "Folk Legend – Liu Sanjie" (catalog number 2012-20) was officially issued. It is part of China Post's "Folk Legend" series and is the first set in the series to feature an ethnic minority folk legend. It was issued to showcase the classic oral literature of the Zhuang people and to preserve the folk culture of the Guangxi region. 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 Wu Guanying and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

Following the narrative sequence of the story, the stamp set tells the classic legend of Liu Sanjie, the "Song Fairy" of the Zhuang people. The story traces her journey from gaining fame through her singing, outwitting scholars in a song duel, and pledging her love to Brother A Niu with an embroidered ball, to finally ascending to the heavens on a carp. It portrays a brave, intelligent, freedom-loving Zhuang woman who dares to resist oppression, while showcasing the rich mountain song culture and unique ethnic traditions of the Zhuang people.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

1. Song Fairy of the Zhuang Countryside

Image: Liu Sanjie, dressed in traditional Zhuang clothing, stands amidst the landscape singing, with the karst peaks of Guangxi, traditional houses, and banana trees in the background.

History: The legend of Liu Sanjie is widely spread among the Zhuang people of Guangxi. She was known for her exceptional talent and beautiful singing voice, and was affectionately called the "Song Fairy."

Significance: An iconic figure representing Zhuang mountain song culture.

2. Song Duel of Wits

Image: A scene by the river where Liu Sanjie calmly responds to scholars hired by a wealthy landlord who are unable to answer her, while villagers gather to watch and cheer.

History: A wealthy landlord attempted to ban singing and invited scholars to compete in a song duel with Liu Sanjie. With her wit and skill, she successfully refuted their arguments and won the contest.

Significance: One of the most iconic and rebellious episodes in the legend.

3. Pledging Love with an Embroidered Ball

Image: Under a banyan tree at sunset, Liu Sanjie offers an embroidered ball to her beloved Brother A Niu, with white doves circling around them.

History: Through years of singing duets at festive gatherings, Liu Sanjie and the hardworking Brother A Niu fell in love, and she gave him an embroidered ball as a token of their commitment.

Significance: A depiction of the folk tradition of young Zhuang people freely pursuing love.

4. Ascending to Heaven on a Carp

Image: Liu Sanjie riding a large red carp across the waves, surrounded by auspicious clouds.

History: Facing continued pressure from the wealthy landlord, Liu Sanjie refused to submit and leaped into a deep pool. According to legend, she ascended to heaven on a red carp, becoming an immortal.

Significance: A romantic conclusion to the story, embodying the people's wish for the eternal existence of the Song Fairy.

Artistic and Design Features:

Artistic Style: The stamps employ a decorative illustration style with bright colors and lively, charming figures, blending ethnic art with modern animation aesthetics.

Narrative Structure: The four stamps form a continuous narrative like a comic strip, presenting the complete story from beginning to end.

Ethnic Elements: The designs meticulously depict traditional Zhuang clothing, embroidered balls, and the distinctive landscape of Guangxi, highlighting the region's strong local character.

Varied Formats: The stamps alternate between horizontal and vertical formats, breaking away from a uniform size and adding visual richness.

This stamp set is a significant addition to the Folk Legend series, filling the gap for ethnic minority legends. The designer, Wu Guanying, is also known as the lead designer of the Olympic Fuwa mascots. The set is suitable for thematic collections on folk tales, Zhuang customs, and Guangxi regional culture. The accompanying stamp booklet is also the first of its kind for a Guangxi-themed issue, adding to its unique collectible value.