Stamps on Nov. 29 UNPA souvenir sheet feature scenes from historical novel

By David Hartwig

The United Nations Postal Administration commemorates the 40th FIAP Asian International Stamp Exhibition in Shanghai, China, with a Nov. 29 souvenir sheet.

The souvenir sheet contains three stamps denominated in three different currencies. The illustrations on the stamps depict scenes from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a 14th-century Chinese historical novel set in third-century China when the Han dynasty ended and the Three Kingdoms period began.

The Nov. 29 issue date coincides with the first day of the 40th FIAP Asian International Stamp Exhibition. The exhibition runs through Dec. 3.

A $1.65 stamp for use from the post office at U.N. headquarters in New York City shows a character from “Poem of Short Song,” in which Cao Cao, a character from the novel, writes a poem emphasizing the value of talent and the concern for the nation’s development.

A 2.50-franc stamp for use from the post office at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, captures the “Battle Strategy at Longzhong” scene from the novel, which features the statesman and scholar Zhuge Liang showcasing his wisdom in discussing strategic plans.

Three characters from the “Loyalty Spirit of Spring and Autumn Annals” section can be seen on the €1.90 stamp for use from the Vienna International Center in Vienna, Austria. This chapter tells of the loyalty and bravery of the military general Guan Yu. The selvage of the sheet depicts the Yangtze River, which flows into the East China Sea in Shanghai. The souvenir sheets are consecutively numbered.

Popular Chinese artist Yunzhong Li illustrated the stamps. Li also illustrated the 2016 United Nations Monkey King from Chinese Novel Journey to the West souvenir sheet (Scott 1148) for the 33rd Asian International Stamp Exhibition in Nanning, China.

For ordering information, visit the UNPA website; email unpanyinquiries@un.org; telephone 212-963-7684, or 800-234-8672; or write to UNPA, Box 5900, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163-5900.

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