Scott No: 2259-62
Serial number: T147
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: February 10, 1990
Denomination: 218 fen
Designers: Wan Weisheng
Size of stamps: 30*40mm
Perforation: 11.5*11
Sheet composition: 50 (10*5)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

Narcissus, a perennial plant, belongs to the short-tube family. It has about forty species, mainly found in Europe. In China, it grows in the warm south, especially in Zhangzhou of Fujian Province. There are mainly two species, one is that of a single petal with flowers split as six petals, which is called "Golden plate with silver candle base". The other is that of double petals, also called "Jade ring". Narcissus grows in water. In the New Year time when it is in blossom, it gives out various gestures with some like golden rings and others like golden or silver plates. Its beauty lies in simplicity, purity and grace. It is of light fragrance, which makes people feel fresh and peaceful. It is a very popular and highly treasured entertaining flower.
The set has four stamps. The first one is "Golden Plate and Silver Candle Base", which emphasizes the shape of the flower. The second is "Pure Shadow of Bunches of Petals", which emphasizes the flower´s characters of being pure, pretty and attractive. The third "Water Fall in Early Spring" and the fourth "A Bunch of Jade Stamen" are both describing a whole plant of narcissus. By adopting techniques from carving and plastic arts, it well presents the flower´s image and spirit as "Angels in Limpid Waves", as the Chinese people call the flower.