Date of Issue : 31 Aug 2012
Postmark : China
Denomination : 1.20 yuan
Stamp Size : 40 mm x 35 mm
Printing Process : Lithography
China has a long and rich literary tradition, of which includes many forms of poetry and verse. Ci poetry came about during the Tang Dynasty, however, only came to its fullest array during the Song Dynasty, when the style was formatted and regularised. Ci 词 lyrics, perhaps one of the most beautiful, sorrowful and tangible, are arranged to the tune of traditional songs, known as cipai 词牌. The China National Philatelic Corporation has issued a set of six stamps, with corresponding cover for each stamp, featuring the Ci of the Song Dynasty.
Above stamp features Fairy of the Magpie Bridge 鹊桥仙 by Qin Guan 秦观. This poem tells the tale of Niu Lang 牛郎 and Zhi Nu 织女. The two lines beginning with "golden breeze" depict the joyful gathering of Niu Lang and Zhi Nu, while the three lines beginning with "tenderness" represent the touching affection when they stayed together and the sadness of parting. The last two lines display the author's attitude towards love.
For the remaining stamps and covers in this issue, click on respective links below.