Republic of China 2 Cents Postage Stamp (First Peking Issue)

This item is a 2 Cents postage stamp from the Republic of China, commonly known as part of the 'First Peking Issue' or 'Hall of Classics Issue,' printed in 1913. The stamp features a prominent central vignette depicting the Hall of Classics in Beijing, rendered in a reddish-brown ink. The architectural details, including the multi-tiered roof and archways, are visible, though somewhat obscured by heavy cancellation marks. The main frame of the stamp is printed in a dark blue ink, encompassing the central image and decorative elements. Swirling, cloud-like motifs adorn the sides of the vignette. The denomination '2' is visible in the bottom right corner, and the character for 'two' in Chinese is discernable in the top right. \"REPUBLIC OF CHINA POSTAGE\" is printed in English along the bottom curve of the central frame, though partially obscured and heavily cancelled. The stamp exhibits classic perforations along all four edges, indicating it was separated from a sheet. Physical condition shows significant evidence of use with heavy black ink cancellation marks covering large portions of the stamp, particularly across the central image and the English text. These cancellations appear as vertical bars, typical of postal markings of the era. The paper itself appears off-white or cream-colored, consistent with its age. The edges of the stamp, especially the perforations, show some wear and slight nicks, suggesting handling. This stamp represents an early period in the Republic of China's postal history, following the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty.