T15 -- Chinese Mountaineering Expedition Reascending Zhumulangma Feng

Located on the border of China and Nepal, Mt. Everest, height 8,848 m, is famous for being the highest peak in the world.  To Nepalese Mt. Everest is known as Sagarmatha (goddess of the Universe).  To the Tibetans it's known as Mt. Quomolongma or Chomolungma ("The Third Goddess" in Tibetan).  To the Chinese, it is known as Zhumulangma Feng (pinyin translation from Tibetan).

Mt. Everest is named after the British after Sir George Everest, a Welshman and the Surveyor General of the Great Trigonometric Survey of India and the man in charge of mapping India between 1830 and 1843.   However, Everest himself most likely never saw the mountain named after him.

On May 25, 1960, three young Chinese mountaineers, Wang Fu-chou (王富州), Kombu (贡布) and Chu Yin-hua (屈银华) reached the summit of Mt. Everest, accomplishing the task of conquering the world's highest peak from its difficult northern slopes for the first time in mankind's history.

On May 27, 1975, a mixed team of nine climbers, eight Tibetan and one Chinese, reached the summit from the northern slopes again.  Tibetan woman, Phantog (潘多) and eight men (索南罗布、罗则、候生福、桑珠、大平措、贡嘎巴桑、次仁多吉、阿布钦) created the new world record then for the largest mixed team that conquered Everest's summit.   Phantog became the first woman to reach the summit from the Tibetan side; and the second woman to summit Everest, losing this honor to Junko Tabei by only a few days.                 

To commemorate this achievement, a set of three stamps was issued on September 26, 1975.

(3-1) 43 fen, The majestic Zhumulangma Feng  美丽的珠穆朗瑪峰

(3-2) 8 fen, With a strong revolutionary will and bravery to climb the world 's highest peak     胸怀革命壮志勇攀世界高峰

(3-3) 8 fen, The five-star red flag again flying over the summit of the earth
                    五星红旗再次飘扬在地球之巅

(3-1)【The majestic Zhumulangma Feng】Mt Everest, height 8,848 m, is the highest mountain in the world.  The stamp showed the snow covered summit of Mt Everest in bright sunlight.

(3-2)【With a strong revolutionary will and bravery to climb the world 's highest peak】 With Mt Everest in the background, the stamp depicted the nine members of the 1975 Climbing Team.  The women in front is Phantog, the first woman to reach the summit from the Tibetan side.

(3-3)【The five-star red flag again flying over the summit of the earth】The mountain climbing team raised the China national flag on the summit of Mt Everest.  The team stayed on the top for as long as 70 minutes to complete some scientific research.

T15 – Chinese Mountaineering Expedition Reascending Zhumulangma Feng            中国登山队再次登上珠穆朗瑪峰 Issue Date: 1975.9.26
Serial Number:	T15
Scott No.:	1239-1241
Michel No.:	1249-1251
Number of stamps in Set:	3
Denomination:	43 fen for stamp 1 8 fen for stamp 2, 3.
Quantity of Issue:	2,000,000 for stamp 1 10,000,000 for stamp 2, 3.
Perforation:	P11 X 11½ for stamp 1, 3 P11½ X 11 for stamp 2
Sheet Composition:	50 (5 X 10) for stamp 1, 3 50 (10 X 5) for stamp 2
Size of stamps:	40 X 30 mm for stamp 1, 3 30 X 40 mm for stamp 2
Designer:	Lu Tianjiao, Song Huimin  卢天骄, 宋惠民
Printing Process:	Photogravure
Printing House:	Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T7 Wushu

Wushu is a form of contemporary Chinese martial arts cum sports that blends elements of performance and martial application.  Wushu training emphasizes quickness, explosive power, natural and relaxed movement.  The wushu practitioner must combine flexibility with strength, speed with flawless technique, fierce intent with effortless execution.

Wushu has a long history in China.  In ancient pictographs on bones and tortoise shells, there are records about wushu, boxing and fighting with weapons.  Wushu has plenty of contents which consists of boxing, apparatus and two men sparring.

In 1975, China issued a set of stamps [T7 - Wushu] to cultivate and popularize the long sporting history of wushu.  This set of six stamps use Wushu as subject matters:

(6-1) 8 fen Broadsword exercise - position for an encounter  刀术
(6-2) 8 fen Sword exercise - lunge  剑术
(6-3) 8 fen Boxing - graceful foot and hand work  拳术
(6-4) 8 fen Spear exercise - leap  枪术
(6-5) 8 fen Cudgel exercise - holding cudgel in position  棍术
(6-6) 43 fen Three-segment cudgel vs. two spears  三节棍对双枪

(6-1)【Broadsword exercise】
The broadsword, or saber, is known as the “Marshal of all Weapons,” as it was the standard armament of foot soldiers in ancient China.   The broadsword is wielded in one hand, with the free hand forming a palm.  A silk flag is sometimes attached to the pommel of the sword.  Because the back edge of the broadsword is dull, the blade can be supported against the free hand or body in various movements.  The major broadsword techniques include hacking, coiling around the head, uppercutting, parrying, and stabbing.  Broadsword-play is characterized by swift, explosive movements and abandoned ferocity.  An apt wushu saying states that “Broadsword-play resembles an enraged tiger.”

(6-2)【Sword exercise】
The straight sword, or simply sword, is known as the “Gentleman of all Weapons.”   The sword has a thin, straight blade with two sharp edges and a centerline ridge that supports the blade.   A woven tassel is sometimes attached to the pommel of the sword for counterbalance.  Due to its light construction, the straight sword cannot be used to deliver raw power; sword players must instead rely on technique and finesse.  The major sword techniques include circular parrying, hacking, tilting, pointing, and stabbing.  A wushu saying states that “Sword-play resembles a flying phoenix,” meaning that the practitioner must be quick but controlled, choosing the time and place of every attack, like a phoenix which darts in to strike at openings and slips gracefully away when threatened.

(6-3)【Boxing】
In wushu, boxing also means barehanded martial art.  The common ones are Changquan (長拳), Nanquan (南拳) and Taijiquan (太極拳), etc.  Changquan refers to long-range extended wushu styles and is the most widely-seen of the wushu forms.  Changquan includes speed, power, accuracy and flexibility.  Changquan is difficult to perform, requiring great flexibility and athleticism.  Nanquan refers to wushu styles originating in southern China and are known for vigorous, athletic movements with very stable, low stances and intricate hand movements.  Nanquan typically requires less flexibility and has fewer acrobatics than Changquan, but it requires greater leg stability and power generation through leg and hip coordination.  Taijiquan is a wushu style famous for slow, relaxed movements, often seen as an exercise method for the elderly.

(6-4)【Spear exercise】
The spear is known as “the King of all Weapons,” because its length far outranges the other weapons while its sharp blade gives it killing power.  The spear head is a diamond shaped metal blade affixed to the narrow end of the shaft; a tassel of horsehair is usually attached just below the blade.  Because the shaft is flexible, the spear player can attack from odd angles by bending the spear in a whipping motion.  In addition, the spear can be smashed against the ground like a staff.  Major spear techniques include parrying inward, parrying outward, stabbing, downward striking, tilting, enveloping and figure-8 circling.   To complement the flexibility of the spear, spear-play makes use of supple body work and fluid motions.  Wushu saying goes that “Spear-play resembles an undulating dragon”.

(6-5)【Cudgel exercise】
In Chinese martial arts, the cudgel or staff is known as the “Father of all Weapons”.  Named so because many of the techniques employed in other weapons styles are derived from cudgel techniques.  The cudgel is constructed with a slight taper, the butt end being thicker than the point and stands as tall as the practitioner.  The wood of the cudgel is semi-flexible, which allows the cudgel to be smashed forcefully against the ground without breaking.  The flexibility of the wood also allows power to be clearly displayed in vibration at the cudgel’s tip.  Major cudgel techniques include chopping, uppercutting, figure-8 circling, pointing and enveloping.  Cudgel techniques also include sweeping or whirling, allowing the practitioner to cover a large area with a single strike.

(6-6)【Three-segment cudgel vs two spears】
Three-segment cudgel is a weapon that consists of three wooden or metal staffs connected by metal rings or rope.  In addition to individual events, some wushu competitions also feature dual and group events.  This last stamp features a group event, also known as "jiti" (集体).  Here, a person with a three-segment cudgel is pitted against 2 persons with spears.  This event requires a group of people to perform together and smooth synchronization of actions are crucial.
　

T7 – Wushu  武术 Issue Date: 1975.6.10
Serial Number:	T7
Scott No.:	1222-1227
Michel No.:	1232-1237
Number of stamps in Set:	6
Denomination:	8 fen for stamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 43 fen for stamp 6
Quantity of Issue:	6,000,000 for stamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2,000,000 for stamp 6
Perforation:	P11 X 11½
Sheet Composition:	50 (5 X 10) for stamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 30 (3 X 10) for stamp 6
Size of stamps:	40 X 30 mm for stamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 60 X 30 mm for stamp 6
Designer:	Lu Tianjiao  卢天骄
Printing Process:	Photogravure, tete-bêche printed. Silver dust is used for printing on the weapons, the stamp denomination and the "flowery" patterns besides "Chinese Peoples Post"
Printing House:	Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T2 -- Acrobatics

Acrobatics is the art of performance of extraordinary feats of balance, agility and motor coordination.

China's Acrobatics has a long history of more than 3000 years.  Acrobatics began in the Spring & Autumn Period (771 - 476 BC) and the era of Warring States Period (475 - 221 BC).

During Han Dynasty, Acrobatics served as a main entertainment for the rulers in the palace.  Later, as the popularity of drama rose, acrobatics was relegated to performance at streets and villages.  In the past, acrobatics faced with the danger of extinction and most acrobats lived in poverty.

Now, China consider acrobatics as an art, foster and care for it.  China's acrobatics has become a comprehensive art form and won high praise home and abroad.

The set of six stamps use traditional programs of China's acrobatics as the design endows acrobatics new time feature.

(6-1) 8 fen The Lion-dance 舞狮
(6-2) 8 fen Handstand on Chairs 叠椅
(6-3) 8 fen Twirling Bamboo Diabolos 抖空竹
(6-4) 8 fen Balancing a Jar 顶坛
(6-5) 8 fen Plate Spinning 转碟
(6-6) 8 fen Stepping the Umbrella 蹬伞

(6-1)【The Lion-dance】Acrobatics Lion Dance has evolved from old folk lion dance in China.  Through the adaptation of the acrobats, it has become a very popular show with audiences.  There are two types of lions- big lion (played by two acrobats) and small lion (played by one acrobat).  They not only perform the various movements of the lion, rolling and jumping, but also portray the lion's strength and agility, and the quiet and playful side of the lion's character as well.

The stamp shows an acrobat stands on the body of a golden lion which itself is balancing on a big red ball.  This is a classic lion dance performance in Acrobatics shows.

(6-2)【Handstand on Chairs】Chair stacking is an example of common household items becoming props in the hands of talented acrobats.  A stack of chairs can reach over two stories high with acrobats balancing precariously on top.

The stamp shows a female acrobat shows off the exciting and dangerous moves of handstanding on top of a stack of chairs.

(6-3)【Twirling Bamboo Diabolos】Diabolo originated during the Han Dynasty era and is a traditional Chinese sport.  During festivals, people vie with one another in playing diabolo to express their jubilation and happiness. 

 

On the stamp, the acrobats spin the diabolo rapidly, twirling it round their bodies, throwing it up or passing it to one another with grace and dexterity.

 

(6-4)【Balancing a Jar】Jar, originally a grain container, was used by peasants to perform various feats during harvest celebration.  Later, it was adapted by acrobats into acrobatics performance to demonstrate simplicity and steadiness.  Balancing a single jar on the head is just the beginning of this unusual performance.  The acrobats proceed to balance and toss multiple jars and finally a big 25 pound jar.

 

The stamp shows two male acrobats balancing a spinning jar with their heads.

(6-5)【Plate Spinning】This performance keeps the acrobats continually moving while they balance numerous bamboo sticks that have plates spinning on top.  They are perfect in movement and beautiful in balance.

The stamp shows a female acrobat in a graceful ballet of balance, balancing a number of bamboo sticks with spinning plates on top.

(6-6)【Stepping the Umbrella】This involves a female acrobat, laying on a chair and spinning and juggling an umbrella with both her foot.  Through precise spinning motions with her toes, the umbrella seems to have life of its own, spinning, spiralling and floating in the air and not falling to the floor.

The stamp shows a female acrobat balancing and juggling an umbrella with her foot.

T2 – Acrobatics  杂技 Issue Date: 1974.1.21
Serial Number:	T2
Scott No.:	1149-1154
Michel No.:	1168-1173
Number of stamps in Set:	6
Denomination:	8 fen for stamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Quantity of Issue:	10,000,000 for stamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Perforation:	11
Sheet Composition:	Stamp 1, 2, 5, 6 -- 35 (7 X 5) Stamp 3, 4 -- 35 (5 X 7)
Size of stamps:	Stamp 1, 2, 5, 6 -- 27 X 60 mm Stamp 3, 4 -- 60 X 27 mm
Designer:	Wan Weisheng  万维生
Printing Process:	Photogravure
Printing House:	Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T1 -- Gymnastics

Modern gymnastics was introduced into China in the middle of 19th century.  In 1908, a gymnastics school was established in Shanghai.  After the founding of the People's Republic of China, gymnastics developed rapidly.
 
Since 1950s, Chinese gymnastic team began to attend all kinds of contests such as World Gymnastics Championships and gained better achievements.

Gymnastics was first contested at the 1974 7th Asian Games, held in Tehran, Iran, from September 1, 1974, to September 16, 1974.   It was the first time that gymnastics was included as the medal sport in the Asian Games.

The Chinese gymnastics men team and women team won the first team titles and won six gold medals, eight silver medals and two bronze medals.

Gold:- Men's Team, Men's Pommel horse, Men's Horizontal bar, Women's Team, Women's Individual all-around, Women's Floor exercise, Women's Uneven bars, Women's Beam.

Silver:- Men's Individual all-around, Men's Pommel horse, Men's Rings, Men's Vault, Men's Parallel bars, Women's Individual all-around, Women's Floor exercise, Women's Beam.

Bronze:- Men's Horizontal bar, Women's Individual all-around

(6-1) 8 fen Floor exercise 自由体操
(6-2) 8 fen Flying rings 吊环
(6-3) 8 fen Balance beam 平衡木
(6-4) 8 fen Parallel bars 双杠
(6-5) 8 fen Uneven bars 高低杠
(6-6) 8 fen Pommel horse 鞍马

(6-1)【Floor exercise】 Men's and Women's event.  Floor exercise has its root in ancient Egypt.  It first became a sporting event in 19th century Germany.  At the 9th World Artistic Gymnastics Championship, held in Luxembourg in 1930, floor exercise became one of the Men's events.  Then, at the 11th World Artistic Gymnastics Championship, held in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1938, floor exercise became one of the Women's events.  The stamp shows the classic routine for floor exercise from a female gymnaste.

 

(6-2)【Flying rings】Men's event.  In this event the gymnast grips a pair of rings, approximately shoulder width apart, swinging and executing a series of stunts.  Flying rings has its root in France, and later got into Germany and Italy.  Flying rings is one of the Men's event since the very first Olympic Games at Athens, Greece in 1896.   The stamp shows a male gymnast on the flying rings.

(6-3)【Balance beam】Women's event.  Balance beam routines consist of a mixture of acrobatic skills, dance elements, leaps and poses.  Balance beam originated in Germany.  At the 11th World Artistic Gymnastics Championship, held in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1938, balance beam became one of the Women's events.  The stamp shows a female gymnaste on the balance beam.

(6-4)【Parallel bars】Men's event.  A typical performance will involve swinging skills in a support position (on the hands), a hanging position, and an upper arm position.  Each routine ends with a dismount from either the ends of the bars or the side of the apparatus.  The parallel bars were invented by German Friedrich Ludwig Jahn in 1810's.  Parallel bars is one of the Men's event since the very first Olympic Games at Athens, Greece in 1896.   The stamp shows a male gymnast on the Parallel bars.

(6-5)【Uneven bars】Women's event. The bars are placed at different heights allowing the gymnaste to jump from bar to bar. It was developed from men's parallel bars, originated in the late 19th century Europe.   At the 12th World Artistic Gymnastics Championship, held in Basel, Switzerland in 1950, uneven bars became one of the Women's events.   The stamp shows a female gymnaste on the uneven bars.

 

(6-6)【Pommel horse】Men's event.  A typical pommel horse exercise involves both single leg and double leg work.  Single leg skills are generally in the form of scissors.  For double leg work, the gymnast swings both legs in a circular motion (either clockwise or counterclockwise) and performs such skills on all parts of the apparatus.  The pommel horse was developed in ancient Roman's era as an artificial horse used by soldiers to practice mounting and dismounting skills.  Pommel horse is one of the Men's event since the very first Olympic Games at Athens, Greece in 1896.  The stamp shows a male gymnast with double leg work on the pommel horse.

T1 – Gymnastics  体操运动 Issue Date: 1974.1.1
Serial Number:	T1
Scott No.:	1143-1148
Michel No.:	1162-1167
Number of stamps in Set:	6
Denomination:	8 fen for stamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Quantity of Issue:	10,000,000 for stamp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Perforation:	11½ X 11
Sheet Composition:	50 (10 X 5)
Size of stamps:	30 X 40 mm
Designer:	Zou Jianjun  邹建军
Printing Process:	Photogravure
Printing House:	Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works