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 Ode to the Plum Blossom 卜算子 . 咏梅 by Lu You 陆游. This poem describes various victimisations, giving one foil after another to the moral courage of wintersweets. The first stanza describes miserable and desolate environment where wintersweets grow, and the loneliness and distress they suffer. The second stanza depicts the character of wintersweets : high-hearted, scorning to compete with other flowers during Spring. Despite being delicate, wintersweets display their unchangeable sublime spirit, filling people with strength.
For the remaining stamps and covers in this issue, click on respective links below.