In August 2003, the State Postal Bureau of China issued a set of four special stamps dedicated to the painted sculptures of Jin Ci Temple in celebration of the 2500th anniversary of Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi.

Standing on Xuanweng Mountain, the fountainhead of Jinshui River, the Jin Ci Temple is a monument to Tang Shuyu, founder of the State of Jin in the early Western Zhou Dynasty (1100-771BC). The Goddess Mother Hall, the Yuzhao Feiliang ( Flying Bridge Over the Fish Pond) and the Xian Hall were built in the Northern Song Dynasty between 1023 and 1032, known as the three national treasure architectures of Jin Ci Temple. The Goddess Mother Hall takes prominence. It contains 43 painted sculptures. The main figure is the Goddess Mother and the other 42 are attendants that stand on either side of the niche. All were made between 1078 and 1086. The special stamps feature four of the Goddess Mother Hall's sculpted maidens.

Maiden Holding a Ruyi: A little older than the other maidens, holding a ruyi (an s-shaped ornament, symbol of good luck), her colorful costume contrasts sharply with her resentful, oppressed expression. Her inward bitterness at losing her freedom is portrayed skillfully by the ancient folk artisan that made her.

Maiden Holding Scarves: With her slender figure, grace and loneliness, she is a representative image of maidens of the period. Scarves in her hand, she appears weighed down with care.

Maiden Holding Royal Seal: This is the maiden most trusted by the Goddess Mother. Aware of the gravity of her responsibility, she focuses on the royal seal in her hand. Her higher rank brings a better life, and she appears more relaxed and at ease than her subordinates.

Singing and Dancing Maiden: Her sylphlike figure and flamboyant dress give the impression that this maiden is younger than the others. She has a shy but radiant mien, lit up with gratitude and satisfaction, yet when viewed in profile tears seeping from the corner of her eye give the impression she is about to sob her heart out over a life tragedy.

Each of the maidens is set against a background of Goddess Mother Hall frescoes that enhance their aesthetic effect.