Scott No: -
Serial number: 2019-3
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: February 8, 2019
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Elizabeth Fonseca
Size of stamps: 40 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 16
Sheet Size: 190 * 155 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

China Post scheduled the issuance of a set of 2 commemorative stamps themed the 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Portugal on February 8, 2019, which was jointly issued with Portugal. The two stamps are respectively themed on Yixing Zisha Tea Sets and Silver Tea Sets, with the total face value of the whole set being 2.40 yuan.

China and Portugal established diplomatic relations on February 8, 1979. Since then, the bilateral relations have developed steadily. There have been frequent mutual visits among senior officials of the two countries, and exchanges at all levels have become increasingly close. Their economic and trade ties have been continuously strengthened, and the cooperation in various fields such as culture and education has yielded fruitful results. In December 2005, the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership. In December 2018, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Portugal at the invitation, which achieved complete success and pushed the traditional friendly cooperation between China and Portugal into a new stage of development.

The year 2019 marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Portugal. The postal services of the two countries decided to jointly issue this set of 2 commemorative stamps. It was the second time that China and Portugal co - issued stamps, following the joint issuance of the special stamps themed Ancient Sailing Ships in 2001.

This jointly issued set of stamps showcases tea sets with the distinctive features of the two countries. The first stamp features Chinese Yixing Zisha tea sets, with a Zisha teapot as the main subject and a Zisha teacup placed beside it. Yixing Zisha tea sets, represented by Zisha teapots, are unique earthenware crafts produced in Yixing, Jiangsu Province. The Zisha teapot on the stamp boasts an elegant shape. Its pumpkin - shaped body and vine - styled beam endow it with a natural charm. This teapot is currently collected by the Yangxian Zisha Pottery Museum in Yixing, and it was crafted by Wang Yinxian, one of the first - batch representative inheritors of the "Yixing Zisha Pottery Making Craft", a national intangible cultural heritage. The second stamp presents Portuguese silver tea sets, with a silver teapot as the centerpiece and a silver sugar bowl beside it. The silver teapot on the stamp is exquisitely designed. It is adorned with decorative patterns on the body, furnished with four round feet at the bottom and equipped with a wooden handle. Produced in Porto, a port city in Portugal, in the early 19th century, this teapot is now housed in the Lamego Museum of Portugal.

The jointly issued stamps were designed by Elizabeth Fonseca, a Portuguese stamp designer, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing House using the photogravure technique.