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Def 017 London Print Junk, Reaper, and Hall of Classics Issue (1913)

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Stamp SN A017
Stamp Name Def 017 London Print Junk, Reaper, and Hall of Classics Issue (1913)
Stamp Cat Standard Definitive Stamps
Stamp Cat Navigation, Agriculture, Relics
Issue date 1913-05-05
Suspersion date
Dimension of stamps(mm.) 20x22
Size of souvenir Sheet (mm.)
Printer Waterlow & Sons Co., London
Drawer
Designer
Photographer
Engraver
Creative Director
Sheet composition D17.1-17.15 (5×5)×8
D17.16-17.19 10×5
Print color
Process Intaglio
Paper
Back
Perforation 14─15
The first stamp issue after the founding of the Republic of China comprises 19 denominations in three designs, details of which follow:(1) Junk stamp  1/2¢ -10¢ denominations. In the center of the junk stamp is a junk in full sail with a train crossing a large steel bridge in the background.(2) Reaper stamp  15¢ -50¢ denominations. The design of the stamp is of a farmer harvesting rice. In the background above the head of the farmer is the Temple of Agriculture, with a head of wheat on each side, symbolizing the importance of agriculture.(3) Hall of Classics  $1-$10 denominations. The design shows a full view of the arch of the Hall of Classics in Peking, a place where the Emperors used to deliver lectures on classics. It is said of this hall that the〝 Hall of Classics was for the Emperor to promote propriety and music, propagate virtue and civilization, and educate the masses to become gentlemen.〞This design is illustrative of the government’s promotion of general education.  Since the Hall of Classics is also known as the 〝Palace of Learning,〞the stamps therefore, are called〝Palace Gate Stamps.〞  Despite three different designs, this set is usually referred to as Junk stamps.