A masterwork of Chinese shengxiao philately

Philatelic Foreword by Jay Bigalke

It is not often you see a book that covers a specific type of collecting with both cultural background and solid research. The recently released China Shengxiao Philately is just such a treasure.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dingguo Dai, who generously sent Linn’s Stamp News a copy of this monumental work. His involvement as a contributing editor to the book adds a personal connection to a volume that already includes both expertise and passion.

Published as the first entry in the Philately Academic Achievement Series by the All-China Philatelic Federation, this tome is a groundbreaking exploration of shengxiao philately, the study and collection of Chinese zodiac stamps. Much of the work is in Chinese with numerous illustrations throughout.

Covering 10 chapters, 51 sections, and nearly 600,000 words over 936 pages, it is a comprehensive survey of the field. For those unfamiliar, shengxiao refers to the Chinese zodiac, a traditional cultural system based on a 12-year cycle, each represented by a different animal sign.

The quality of this publication is exceptional. The cover — designed by renowned stamp designer Wang Huming — features a striking use of modern laser hollowing technology, which reveals a golden monkey image as a nod to the vibrancy of Chinese zodiac culture. The visual impact of the design is matched by the depth of content inside, which includes full English introductions for each chapter and even selected United States Lunar New Year stamp images for broader relevance.

This book is more than a reference — it is a celebration of the shared human tradition of marking time, celebrating identity, and cherishing cultural heritage through postage stamps. Dai’s participation in this project, especially as the only editor residing outside of China, underscores the global reach and universal appeal of shengxiao philately.

For our readers, especially those with a keen interest in Lunar New Year stamps, China Shengxiao Philately is an essential addition to the philatelic library. It invites readers to explore not just the artistry of stamps, but also the rich cultural tapestry they represent.

We thank Dingguo for sharing this extraordinary book with us, and we extend our congratulations to the entire editorial team for creating such an impressive and enduring contribution to the world of philately. If readers are interested in the work, please email Dingguo Dai at dgdai@yahoo.com for additional information.

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