Empire of China Founding Commemoration Specimen Stamp

Empire of China · 1915 · 5 Yuan

The stamp features a portrait of Yuan Shikai, who declared himself emperor, within an ornate oval frame. The text '中華帝國郵票' (Empire of China Stamp) and '開國紀盛' (Founding Commemoration) are visible, along with the denomination '伍圓'.

This stamp commemorates the short-lived Empire of China (1915-1916), an attempt by Yuan Shikai to restore monarchy after the Xinhai Revolution established the Republic of China. It reflects a turbulent period in Chinese history marked by political instability and the struggle between republicanism and imperial ambitions.