Scott No: -
Serial number: 2017-21
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: August 28, 2017
Denomination: 120 fen
Designer: Feng Yuan
Size of stamps: 40 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition:
20 for Sheet I;
8 for Sheet II
Sheet Size:
240 * 150 mm for sheet I;
190 * 120 mm for Sheet II
Printing process: Offset + Engraving
Printing House: Henan Provincal Postage Stamp Works

Belonging to the Corvidae family of the Passeriformes order in the Aves class, male and female magpies are similar in morphology. Their plumage is mainly black and white, with a blue-green sheen. Distributed across the entire Eurasian continent, magpies are among the most common birds in China. In folk culture, they are regarded as omen birds of good news, believed to bring good fortune to people. According to legend, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month every year, thousands of magpies, moved by the faithful love between the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, fly to the Milky Way and form a magpie bridge, allowing the couple to meet on it. For this reason, magpies are also seen as messengers of love. The image of Magpies Perching on Plum Blossoms featured on the stamp is a traditional Chinese auspicious pattern. Since the Chinese character for "plum blossom" (méi) is homophonous with the character for "eyebrow" (méi), the pattern is also interpreted as Joy on the Eyebrows (a metaphor for joy showing on one’s face).

The Special Stamp "Magpie" was issued by China Post on August 28, 2017 (Qixi Festival), as the third set in the Love Birds series. Designed by Gong Wenzhen, a renowned fine-brushwork painter of flowers and birds, and engraved by engraver Niu Kai, the stamp set was printed using the offset and intaglio combined printing technique. The stamp design depicts two magpies perching and interacting on plum twigs. Drawing on the traditional motif of Magpies Perching on Plum Blossoms, it conveys the auspicious meaning of Joy on the Eyebrows. The background adopts an antique color palette, creating an elegant and refined atmosphere.

Following the love-themed tradition of the previous sets Mandarin Duck and Red-billed Leiothrix, this stamp set employs traditional Chinese fine-brushwork painting. It portrays an exquisite and delicate aesthetic with meticulous detail. In the image, the two magpies—one seemingly chirping, the other listening—exchange affectionate glances, symbolizing lifelong companionship and faithful love. Paired with plum blossoms blooming proudly in the cold, the design further reinforces the implication of joyful events bringing delight. With its simple yet warm antique color scheme, the overall composition exudes elegance without being gaudy, and festivity without being ostentatious.