Empress Dowager Cixi, 2nd Peking Print

China · 1897 · 1c

This stamp features a central portrait of Empress Dowager Cixi, the de facto ruler of China during the late Qing Dynasty. The design is framed by ornate patterns, with the denomination '1c' (one cent) and Chinese characters indicating the value and country. This issue is part of the second Peking print series, which was lithographed in Japan.

Issued during the Qing Dynasty, this stamp reflects a period of significant internal turmoil and increasing foreign influence in China. The Empress Dowager Cixi's reign was a pivotal era leading up to the end of imperial rule.