Scott No: -
Serial number: 2020-12
Values in set: 6
Date of issue: June 1, 2020
Denomination: 640 fen
Designer: Song Jian
Size of stamps: 50 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 12
(Value 1,2 in Sheet I;
Value 3, 4 in Sheet II;
Value 5, 6 in Sheet III;)
Sheet Size: 180 * 230 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

China Post plans to issue a set of 6 special stamps themed "Animation – Calabash Brothers" on June 1, 2020. The designs of the stamps are titled respectively: Seven-Colored Calabashes, Mysterious Dream Cave, Survival from Despair, Miraculous Powers of Water and Fire, Cleverly Seizing the Ruyi Scepter, and Seven Siblings United as One. The total face value of the set is 6.40 yuan, with a planned circulation of 7.5 million sets.

Calabash Brothers is a 13-episode original paper-cut animation produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio in 1986. As one of the representative works of China's second golden age of animation, it has become a classic to this day. Since its release, the animation has been deeply loved by a wide audience, especially children and teenagers.

In terms of design:

Seven-Colored Calabashes depicts a kind old grandfather who plants calabash seeds, which quickly grow into seven calabashes of different colors. Overjoyed, the grandfather holds one in each hand and talks affectionately to the little calabashes.

Mysterious Dream Cave shows the second brother, endowed with the supernatural powers of clairvoyance and clairaudience, venturing into the monster's cave to rescue his eldest brother and grandfather. The Snake Demon uses a vicious scheme to lure him into the Illusion Palace, where he ultimately falls into her trap.

Survival from Despair portrays the third brother battling a horde of monsters, defeating them completely and sending them fleeing in terror. The scene captures the moment when the third brother uses his supernatural strength to break the Scorpion Demon's treasured sword, leaving the Scorpion Demon utterly shocked.

Miraculous Powers of Water and Fire tells the story of the Water Brother and Fire Brother, who strive to put out a mountain fire to save all living beings. One sprays water to extinguish the flames, while the other inhales the fire into his belly—unintentionally saving the Snake Demon and Scorpion Demon, who started the fire.

Cleverly Seizing the Ruyi Scepter features the sixth brother, who possesses the power of invisibility, bravely and resourcefully stealing the Snake Demon's precious "Ruyi Scepter" (a magical staff that grants wishes) to rescue his elder brothers.

Seven Siblings United as One shows all seven Calabash Brothers being imprisoned in an alchemical furnace by the monsters, who plan to refine them into the "Seven-Star Elixir". At this life-or-death moment, the old grandfather risks his own safety to retrieve the "Seven-Colored Lotus" bestowed by the Mountain God. With the lotus, the seven brothers unite as one and ultimately defeat all the monsters.

Layout 1 of the stamps adopts a calabash-shaped border composed of seven-colored lines, featuring distinctive design elements that perfectly complement the theme.

Designed by Song Jian, the set is printed by Beijing Stamp Factory using the photogravure process. Under ultraviolet light, each stamp displays a stunning visual effect. The gourd-shaped special perforations on both sides of the stamps add extra fun for collectors to appreciate and handle.