China Post 580th Anniversary of the Maritime Expeditions of Admiral Zheng He

CHINA POST in 1985 issued four commemorative stamps marking the 580th anniversary of the maritime expeditions of Admiral Zheng He (1377 - 1433) who was a Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat and fleet admiral.  

Zheng He was born Ma He to a Muslim family of Kunyang, Kunming, Yunnan, during the Ming dynasty of China. Whether Zheng He was a practicing Muslim in his adult years is suspect. Liujiagang and Changle inscriptions suggest a devotion to Tianfei, the patron goddess of sailors and seafarers, was the dominant faith to which he adhered, reflecting the goddess's central role to the treasure fleet. He also visited the tombs of revered Muslims on Lingshan Hill, above the city of Quanzhou to seek protection.

Being a Mongol, Zheng He was captured by the Ming armies at Yunnan in 1381.  After his capture soldiers castrated him while still a young boy. He was then forced to join the Ming army, where he excelled and earned his name “Zheng.”

After assisting Emperor Yongle, first ruler of the Ming dynasty, to establish his reign, Zheng He was commissioned a massive fleet to start his  voyage. On the first journey in 1405, Admiral He travelled to Mozambique, Persian Gulf, all around the Indian Ocean, and the Spice Islands of Southeast Asia. In 1431 Admiral He made his seventh and last expedition, establishing many diplomatic relations with more than twenty realms within the Indian Ocean.

 Zheng He reportedly died of a contagious disease in 1433 while on his last voyage. One story reports that he was tossed overboard near India for fear of the disease spreading. Another claims he lived until 1435 and died in China where he was buried. After his death, China became isolationist, banned overseas travel and burned all the ships and records of Zheng He. 

Shown first day cover stamps and maxi cards:

* Card / Stamp 1 - Zheng He is seen standing in front of the Indian Ocean, holding a scroll from the Emperor of China in his hand. In the margins are the ships in his fleet.

* Card / Stamp 2 -  Zheng He is seen in his first meeting with the Champa Empire (modern-day Vietnam). Local people sing and dance cheerfully to welcome his visit.

* Card / Stamp 3  - Zheng He's fleet arrives in Arabia, where envoys of the Ming Dynasty offer silk and porcelain in exchange for the local products. 

 * Card / Stamp 4 - Zheng He's fleet reaches Africa. The king welcomes Zheng-He in full dress. Zheng He embraces his fist and expresses thanks to the local people.