Designer Chen Shaohua say his dragon stamp this year was inspired by the motifs on the imperial Qing robes and Nine Dragon Wall in the Forbidden City. Zhang Chi / for China Daily
The Chinese zodiac's 12 animal signs are always popular symbols in both East and West. And when the Lunar New Year arrives, enthusiasts all over the world are eager to get their hands on the best collections. This year, the focus is on stamps.
As a zodiac mascot, the dragon soars above its peers as the symbol of the year. Compared to the rabbit (which just gave up its one-year reign), the ox, rat, snake, monkey, pig, goat, rooster, tiger, horse and dog, the dragon is a notch above.
Why? Because it is the only mystical beast in the zodiac barnyard and it also bears the aura of aristocracy. Its fire-breathing looks sometimes give rise to a misunderstanding. For example, the official dragon stamp released to commemorate the Spring Festival this year was criticized for its ferocious demeanor. Chinese netizens were quick to criticize the image on the stamp as "overbearing" and asked if it should not have been more benign.
The stamp's creator, designer Chen Shaohua defended his design online in his blog, carefully avoiding confrontation by refusing media interviews. The dragon's role in mythology was to ward off evil, he says. As a deified image passed down through generations, it deserves the respect and dignity of preserving its legendary reputation, and should not be subjected to arbitrary changes.
Chen is no greenhorn. He had previously designed four zodiac stamps over the last 20 years.
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