I am selling a set of two commemorative stamps from China, "The Statue of Jianzhen's Return to China Exhibition." Symbol: J.55 Issue Date: April 13, 1980 Issuing Authority: Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of the People's Republic of China Background to the Issue: Jianzhen (Ganjin in Japanese) stayed in Japan for 10 years and actively introduced the advanced culture of the Tang Dynasty. He not only propagated Buddhism but also greatly contributed to the development of various fields in Japan, including architecture, sculpture, medicine, painting, literature, and calligraphy. In 763 AD, due to years of hardship, Jianzhen passed away from a serious illness. Remembering his virtue, his disciples created a dry lacquer seated statue of Jianzhen and enshrined it in Toshodai-ji Temple. This statue has been revered for over a thousand years. On April 13, 1980, the 81st chief priest of Toshodai-ji Temple, Elder Koshun Morimoto, escorted the statue of Jianzhen back to China for a "homecoming," commemorating this cultural exchange between China and Japan. On the same day, to welcome the exhibition of the statue of Jianzhen's return to China, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of the People's Republic of China issued these commemorative stamps. The design of Stamp 1 (left) is "The Statue of Jianzhen." The design is based on the dry lacquer seated statue of Jianzhen, preserved in Toshodai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan. The image depicts Jianzhen in the lotus position, with his hands clasped and thumbs touching, a serene and solemn expression with a slight smile, representing his peaceful state of mind at the time of his passing. The azure background symbolizes the universe and life, accurately indicating Jianzhen's position in the history of human civilization. The design of Stamp 2 (right) is "Jianzhen Memorial Hall in Yangzhou." The design depicts the exterior of the Jianzhen Memorial Hall in Yangzhou. The designer placed the architecture of the memorial hall in the center of the image, with a sky filled with soft sunlight above and lush green land below. The colors are clear, and the overall atmosphere is harmonious, making the memorial hall stand like a monument in the long river of the history of cultural exchange between China and Japan. These stamps can be considered items with both historical and collectible value. They will be attractive items for collectors who collect items related to Jianzhen, Chinese commemorative stamps, and themes related to Japan. These are both used items from the time of issue. They appear to be in good condition for used items from that era. Please check the details in the images. No returns or exchanges. Shipping costs will be covered by me. P.S. As a general rule, I do not accept price negotiations, but this does not apply to bulk purchases.