China, Large Dragons, 3 Candarins, Red

China · 1878 · 3 Candarins

This stamp features a large, coiled dragon, a powerful symbol in Chinese culture, set against a background of clouds and waves. It is part of the 'Large Dragons' issue, the first postage stamps ever issued by China's Imperial Maritime Customs Post. The denomination is shown in both English ('3 CANDARINS') and Chinese characters.

Issued by the Qing Dynasty, the Large Dragons series marked China's entry into the global postal system, transitioning from a traditional courier service to a modern, standardized mail system.