Mythic battles come alive on classic postage stamps

Classic literature has long inspired many of China Post's stamp collections. Two years after releasing the first set based on Fengshen Yanyi (The Investiture of the Gods), China Post will issue a second collection in July celebrating the beloved mythological classic.

Written by Xu Zhonglin during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the novel is set against the transition from the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC) to the Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century-256 BC). Blending mythology, folklore and history, it introduced beloved characters such as Jiang Ziya and Nezha.

The novel's vast pantheon of gods, immortals and heroes has inspired countless adaptations, from traditional opera and storytelling to comic books, films and television dramas.

While the first stamp set depicted the tyranny of the Shang rulers that sparked rebellion and unrest, the new collection highlights pivotal battles in the campaign against King Zhou of Shang. It features dramatic duels between celestial beings, fierce clashes on the battlefield and turning points that shifted the course of the conflict.

One of the five stamps portrays Grand Preceptor Wen's Western Expedition, showing Wen Zhong leading his army westward. A loyal veteran statesman devoted to the Shang court, Wen launches an assault on Xiqi, the Zhou stronghold, setting the stage for the decisive showdown between the rival forces.

Another stamp, Gongming Battling Randeng, captures a magical duel between two immortals. Zhao Gongming, revered in Chinese folk belief as the God of Wealth, joins the Shang forces at Wen Zhong's request and engages in several supernatural battles, including a spectacular confrontation with Randeng.

Together, the five stamps capture the epic scale and rich cast of the Fengshen universe. They reflect enduring Chinese ideas of good and evil while celebrating the vivid imagination that has captivated generations of readers.