ManchukuoFirst Postage Stamp

Stone and sovereignty

Issued by the newly created state of Manchukuo, the first issue features two designs. The lower values depict the Pagoda of Liaoyang, a Buddhist monument in Liaoning Province, northeastern China. Originally built during the Liao dynasty, it had already stood for nearly a thousand years when these stamps were issued. The higher values portray Puyi, the last Emperor of China, who became Emperor of Manchukuo two years later. The original 1932 stamps bear five Chinese characters at the top reading "Manchu State Postal Administration." Following Puyi's enthronement in 1934, the inscription was changed to six Chinese characters reading "Manchu Empire Postal Administration," reflecting the state's new imperial status. Today, the complete first issue set remains affordable, making it a very accessible first issue with an interesting historical background.