Serial number: 2012-21
Scott Number: -
Values in set: 4
Denomination: 480 fen
Date of issue: August 28, 2012
Size of stamp:
30 * 40 mm for Value 2, 4;
40 * 30 mm for Value 1, 3;
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 12
Size of sheet:
190 * 152 mm for Value 2, 4;
152 * 190 mm for Value 1, 3
Size of M/S: 125 * 100 mm
Printing process: Offset
Designer of stamp: Cao Guowei
Printer: Henan Provincal Postage Stamp Printing House

On August 28, 2012, the special stamp set "Hetian Jade" (catalog number 2012-21) was officially issued. Hetian jade is known as the "national jade" of China, carrying the profound tradition of Chinese jade culture. The issuance of this stamp set was intended to showcase the artistic achievements of Hetian jade carving across dynasties and to promote traditional Chinese jade culture. The set consists of four stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 4.80 yuan. A souvenir sheet was also issued concurrently, priced at 7.20 yuan. The stamps were designed by Cao Guowei and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using offset printing. The stamps feature staggered sizes and incorporate anti-counterfeiting paper, anti-counterfeiting ink, and fluorescent spray codes, with a hidden "H" fluorescent mark embedded in the design. The craftsmanship is meticulous, making this a classic special stamp set in the cultural relics and jade artifacts genre.

The stamp set features four top-grade Hetian jade treasures from four historical periods: the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Han Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty, and the Qing Dynasty. These pieces trace the development of jade carving over more than a millennium. Through these jade artifacts, the stamps convey traditional auspicious meanings such as peace, happiness, prosperity, and tranquility, while showcasing the distinctive styles and carving techniques of each era, interpreting the spirit of Chinese jade culture, as expressed in the saying, "The gentleman compares his virtue to jade."

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

1. Jade Pixiu (Evil-Warding Beast)

Image: A Northern and Southern Dynasties white jade pixiu in the round sculptural form.

History: Currently housed in the Xianyang Museum, the pixiu is a mythical auspicious beast, depicted here with its head raised, wings spread, and a majestic bearing.

Significance: A representative work of Northern and Southern Dynasties round jade carving, used by the ancients to ward off evil and attract good fortune, reflecting the bold and simple jade style of the Wei and Jin period.

2. Jade "Chang Le" (Eternal Joy) Bi Disc with Grain Pattern

Image: A Han Dynasty bi disc with a protruding rim, decorated with raised grain patterns and openwork carving spelling "Chang Le" (Eternal Joy) above.

History: This ceremonial jade disc was once in the Qing Dynasty imperial collection, with Emperor Qianlong personally inscribing a poem on it.

Significance: A representative piece of Han Dynasty jade bi discs. The inscription "Chang Le" symbolizes long-lasting happiness, embodying both ceremonial and auspicious culture.

3. Gilt-Silver Tray with Two-Handled Jade Cup

Image: A Ming Dynasty Hetian jade double-handled cup, paired with a gilt-silver and gemstone-encrusted tray.

History: Excavated from the Dingling Mausoleum (Ming Dynasty imperial tomb), this was an imperial jade artifact of the Ming court.

Significance: A representative work of Ming Dynasty imperial gold-jade craftsmanship, reflecting the aesthetic tastes of the imperial family and the exquisite inlay techniques of the time.

4. Jade Double Boys Washing an Elephant

Image: A Qing Dynasty white jade elephant, with two boys scrubbing the elephant's back.

History: Currently housed in the Palace Museum, this piece is also known as "The Peaceful Elephant," a symbol of universal peace.

Significance: A typical Qing Dynasty auspicious decorative jade carving, symbolizing a peaceful and prosperous era, and serving as a classic example of Qing Dynasty round jade appreciation art.

Artistic and Design Features:

Compositional Layout: The stamps alternate between horizontal and vertical formats, breaking away from a uniform design and creating a visually rich presentation.

Visual Presentation: Realistic photographic styles are used to faithfully reproduce the jade artifacts, capturing the warm, lustrous texture of Hetian jade. The background colors are understated and elegant, complementing the white jade objects.

Souvenir Sheet Design: The four stamps are arranged in a grid pattern, with the border depicting ancient jade-carving scenes, accompanied by textual introductions and seal-engraved motifs, creating a strong antique atmosphere.

Conceptual Design: The four pieces span the Han, Northern and Southern Dynasties, Ming, and Qing periods, demonstrating the evolution of jade carving over a thousand years.

This is the first special stamp set in New China specifically dedicated to Hetian jade. The artifacts chosen are from prestigious museums, ensuring historical authenticity. The subject matter encompasses ancient jade artifacts, jade culture, and ancient craftsmanship, making it suitable for thematic collections on cultural relics and jade. The varied formats and the inclusion of a souvenir sheet add to its collectible value, establishing its landmark status among jade-themed philatelic items.