Issued on 1 October 1897 as part of the celebrated "Dragon, Jumping Carp, and Flying Goose" series, this 4 cent stamp from the Qing Dynasty's Chinese Imperial Post depicts a vigorous dragon (龍) coiled at the center, symbolizing imperial authority and spiritual power. Printed in brown using lithography by the Tsukiji Type Foundry Co. in Japan, this issue measures 21 x 25 mm and bears the inscription "IMPERIAL CHINESE POST" in English along the bottom arc of the circular design. The intricate lattice background highlights the mythical beast with stylistic vigor, emphasizing both symmetry and symbolic resonance. The stamp lacks a watermark and was perforated using varying methods, typical for the issues of the era. It is cancelled with a partial black postmark, most likely from Foochow (福州), a key treaty port on the southeastern coast of China. The color remains strong despite the expected wear, and the stamp exhibits a standard hinge remnant on the reverse. Listed as Michel CN-IM 38, Scott CN-IM 89, Yvert et Tellier CN-IM 37, Stanley Gibbons CN-IM 99, and China Stamp Society CN-IM 104. Estimate "$12 – 18"