On October 29, 2025, the unveiling ceremony of the artwork for China Post’s special stamps “Bingwu Year” was grandly held in Beijing. Concurrently released were the Chinese New Year special stamps Leaping Horse for Blessings and Fortune Galloping into Spring, designed by Professor He Jie and Professor Zhou Yue from the Department of Visual Communication Design at the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, along with supporting souvenir sheets, greeting card envelopes, and blessing cards.
The artwork design upholds the academic tradition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, which focuses on the creative transformation and innovative development of China’s fine traditional culture. Aimed at drawing essence from ethnic and folk art, promoting the spirit of Chinese art, and creating artistic masterpieces of the era, the artwork’s sense of form, decorativeness, and ethnic charm radiate the power of “ornamentation” within the square-inch space of stamps.
Adhering to the creative principle of “profound ideology, exquisite artistry, and meticulous production,” the design intends to convey national spirit and cultural confidence, pursue innovation in conceptual methods and formal styles, and resonate with public aspirations and economic benefits. It also actively explores the symbiotic path, integration beauty, and innovative approaches between traditional art and modern design.
The Leaping Horse for Blessings and Fortune Galloping into Spring stamps depict a vigorous and forward-charging steed, with its body adorned with traditional folk auspicious patterns, symbolizing rolling fortune and great luck for the Bingwu Year. The two stamps feature mirror symmetry and a harmonious contrast of red and blue, exuding a joyous atmosphere. The greeting card envelopes, souvenir sheets, and other items all adopt symmetrical compositions, with auspicious patterns appropriately integrated into the horse’s form to enhance the Chinese New Year and festive mood, adding a vibrant touch to the cultural ambiance of the Bingwu Year zodiac.
Stamps embody unique cultural and economic value through their popular form and role in enriching aesthetic education. The design process of this artwork is not only a modern interpretation of traditional artistic decorative language but also an attempt to spread cultural confidence and a practice to advocate public aesthetic awareness.
