I am selling a set of three vintage Chinese special stamps featuring "Flower Lanterns." Symbol: T.104 Issue Date: February 28, 1985 Issuing Authority: Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of the People's Republic of China Flower lanterns (also known as "Cai Deng") originated in the Han Dynasty and flourished during the Tang and Song Dynasties, boasting a history of over two thousand years. They symbolize joy and good fortune and are deeply connected to festivals and holidays. Flower lanterns are broadly categorized into four types: hanging lanterns, standing lanterns, wall-mounted lanterns, and hand-held lanterns. They are a comprehensive art form that integrates techniques such as bamboo and paper crafting, papier-mâché, knotting, embroidery, carving, paper-cutting, and calligraphy. The materials used are diverse, including bamboo, wood, metal, silk, pearls, jade, paper, and glass. Having evolved for over two millennia, they are a vibrant presence in Chinese folk art. On February 28, 1985, the China Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications issued these special stamps on the eve of the Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar). Stamp 1 (left) is titled "Nine Lotus Offering Auspiciousness." The design features the "Nine Lotus Lantern," a representative flower lantern from the Hangzhou region of Zhejiang Province. In the lower right of the design, a rectangular seal is stamped with the characters "九蓮獻瑞" (Nine Lotus Offering Ausiciousness) in seal script. Stamp 2 (center) is titled "Dragon and Phoenix Presenting Auspiciousness." The design features the "Dragon and Phoenix Lantern," a traditional flower lantern from Foshan, Guangdong Province, which depicts a dragon and phoenix. The lantern bears the poem "欲窮千里目，更上一層楼" (If you want to see a thousand miles, climb one more story). In the lower right, there is a seal with the characters "龍鳳呈祥" (Dragon and Phoenix Presenting Auspiciousness) in seal script. Stamp 3 (right) is titled "Hundred Flowers Competing for Beauty." The design features the "Flower Basket Lantern," a flower lantern from the Guangzhou region. In the lower right of the design, a rectangular seal is stamped with the characters "百花爭" (Hundred Flowers Competing) in seal script. These stamps are actually used and are from the original period. They are in generally good condition for used stamps of that time. Please check the images for details. No returns or exchanges (NCNR). Shipping costs will be covered by the seller.