China 1980 People's Republic China 2 yuan Block 22 Paintings of Qi Baishi miniature sheet, SGMS2955.
A superb Post Office fresh unmounted mint example issued to commemorate one of China’s most revered painters and calligraphers.
Depicts a painting of a red flower and leaves by Qi Baishi (1863 – 1957), accompanied by a portrait and biographical text panel at left. Printed in delicate multicolour offset on cream-tinted paper within a grey-brown frame.
SG Catalogue Value: £225. Michel 2025 catalogue value: €350 – €400.
Background
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Qi Baishi (齐白石, 1863 – 1957) is one of the greatest Chinese painters of the 20th century. Originally a carpenter from Hunan province, he rose to national fame for his freehand ink-brush style, celebrated for subjects drawn from everyday rural life such as shrimp, insects, flowers, and small animals infused with humour and vitality.
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In 1955, Qi Baishi was awarded the International Peace Prize by the World Peace Council, the first Chinese artist ever to receive this honour.
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This 1980 issue forms part of China’s late-Cultural-Revolution resurgence of cultural commemorative issues, marking renewed pride in traditional Chinese art after years of suppression.
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The 2 yuan denomination was unusually high at the time, reflecting both prestige and limited print quantity.
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Genuine unmounted mint examples are prized by both thematic art collectors and investors in modern Chinese philately.
