China Empire 'Temple of Heaven' Issue

China · 1909 · 2 Cents

This stamp features a detailed depiction of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the central building of the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing. The design is notable for its intricate rendering of the triple-gabled circular building, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture. It was part of a definitive series intended to replace the earlier Coiling Dragon issues.

Issued during the final years of the Qing Dynasty under the Xuantong Emperor, this series represents the last major postage stamp issue of Imperial China before the establishment of the Republic in 1912.