China Sheetlet: 2009-13

China Sheetlet II
Name: The 16th Asian Games
Number: 2009-13
Date of Issue: 30 June 2009
Value: 8 stamps/sheet

The 16th Asian Games is scheduled to be held from November 12th to 27th, 2010 in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province. Guangzhou will be the second city in China to host the game after Beijing in 1990.

Denominations:
1.20元 (2-1): Emblem
The design of the official emblem, inspired from the statue of the Five Goats in Guangzhou Yuexiu Park, features soft and uplifting lines to outline a contour of the Five Goats that resemble the shape of a torch. The design, a combination of grace and delicacy, represents the city symbol of Guangzhou, embodies the enthusiasm of Guangzhou citizens in hosting the event, manifests the ever-burning sacred flame of the Asian Games, and conveys the vigor and vitality to be staged at the 16th Asian Games.

1.20元 (2-2): Mascots
The Official Mascots of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games are Le Yangyang and his four friends, A Xiang, A He, A Ru and A Yi, each with their own character and style. Put together, their names make the China phrase, Xiang He Ru Yi Le Yangyang, which means Peace, Harmony and Great Happiness, with everything going as you wish. As an important symbol of Guangzhou, the Five Goats also represent the five colors of the Olympic rings, emblematizing the Olympic spirit of friendship, cooperation, equal participation and fair competition. Conveying the vision of the 16th Asian Games, "Thrilling Games, Harmonious Asia," the mascots express anticipation for the Asian Games of Chinese people, especially Guangzhou people, as well as their warm welcome to people from Asia and the rest of the world.

China Stamps: 2009-13

China Stamps
Name: The 16th Asian Games
Number: 2009-13
Date of Issue: 30 June 2009
Value: 2 stamps/set

The 16th Asian Games is scheduled to be held from November 12th to 27th, 2010 in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province. Guangzhou will be the second city in China to host the game after Beijing in 1990.

Denominations:
1.20元 (2-1): Emblem
The design of the official emblem, inspired from the statue of the Five Goats in Guangzhou Yuexiu Park, features soft and uplifting lines to outline a contour of the Five Goats that resemble the shape of a torch. The design, a combination of grace and delicacy, represents the city symbol of Guangzhou, embodies the enthusiasm of Guangzhou citizens in hosting the event, manifests the ever-burning sacred flame of the Asian Games, and conveys the vigor and vitality to be staged at the 16th Asian Games.

1.20元 (2-2): Mascots
The Official Mascots of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games are Le Yangyang and his four friends, A Xiang, A He, A Ru and A Yi, each with their own character and style. Put together, their names make the China phrase, Xiang He Ru Yi Le Yangyang, which means Peace, Harmony and Great Happiness, with everything going as you wish. As an important symbol of Guangzhou, the Five Goats also represent the five colors of the Olympic rings, emblematizing the Olympic spirit of friendship, cooperation, equal participation and fair competition. Conveying the vision of the 16th Asian Games, "Thrilling Games, Harmonious Asia," the mascots express anticipation for the Asian Games of Chinese people, especially Guangzhou people, as well as their warm welcome to people from Asia and the rest of the world.

Singapore SMRT FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Launch of SMRT Circle Line
Date of Issue: 28 May 2009

On 28 May 2009, the 33.3 km Circle Line will join SMRT's rail network with the opening of its first five stations - Marymount, Bishan Interchange, Lorong Chuan, Serangoon Interchange and Bartley. A fully underground orbital network, the Circle Line with 29 stations links the existing radial Mass Rapid Transit lines running into the city, enhancing connectivity and convenience for the nation.

This set of four commemorative circular stamps presents a miniature exhibition of the Circle Line system - the Circle Line system map against the Singapore map, a new Circle Line station in the underground system, the new three-car Circle Line train, and the new Circle Line Operation Control Centre situated in Kim Chuan Depot - the world's largest underground depot for trains.

Denominations:
1ST LOCAL: SMRT Circle Line
The SMRT Circle Line will transform Singapore's public transport landscape when fully launched in 2010. Costing $6.7 billion, the line will interchange with the North-South Line, East-West Line and North East Line. It is intelligently designed to shorten travelling times and distance, allowing commuters to bypass interchanges link City Hall and Raffles Place, improving the efficiency of connections.

80c: Stations & Network
There will be a total of 29 stations, of which nine interchange with existing and future lines. They will be operated by SMRT staff committed to providing safe, reliable and friendly travel, enhanced through convenient and innovative services.

$1.10: Trains
Each Circle Line train is a three-car configuration (2 motor cars and 1 trailer car), measuring 70 metres long with a carrying capacity of 931 passengers. Train operation is fully automatic and driverless, directed through an onboard bidirectional signaling system. Each train is also equipped with advanced passenger emergency and information systems.

$2: Operations
The nerve centre of SMRT Circle Line is Kim Chuan Depot - the largest underground depot in the world. Measuring 800 metres in length and 160 metres in width, it occupies 11 hectares or the equivalent size of 17 football fields. The $290 million depot will hold the Operation Control Centre and provide maintenance facilities for up to 77 trains. It also houses Singapore's tallest underground automated warehouse storage system at 23-metre high, capable of storing more than 24,000 spare parts.

Lithuania Synagogue FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: The Great Synagogue of Vilnius
Date of Issue: 23 May 2009

Denomination:
1,35 Lt: Building of The Great Synagogue of Vilnius
The Great Synagogue of Vilnius – the most important cultural and spiritual centre of Lithuanian Jews, which was widely known in the period from the end of XVI century until the middle of XX century.

This Jewish house of prayer surpassed in its size and splendour all the synagogues built in Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. It was built according to the all synagogue-building traditions, divided into separate sections for men and women, with special places for storing and reading Torah.

The edifice survived several attacks and fires, was heavily damaged during World War II. The Great Synagogue of Vilnius was demolished by soviet authority in 1955–1957. Part of the survived pieces of art and jewelleries are kept in Vilnius Gaon Jewish State Museum, including three authentic and priceless treasures of the Great Synagogue: a cartouche with precepts of the Lord from the aron kodesh of the Synagogue, a candlestick with a decorative vertical shield from the cantor's table, and a two-sided door from the aron kodesh.

Comment: It's a miracle, the address label lost during the way, but this FDC still reached to me.

Russia Catherine I FDC

Russia FDC
Name: History of Russian State: The 325th Anniversary of Birth of Catherine I, Russian Empress
Date of Issue: 21 May 2009

Catherine I (In Russian: Екатерина I Алексеевна) (born Martha Elena Scowronska, Latvian: Marta Elena Skavronska, later Marfa Samuilovna Skavronskaya) (15 April 1684 – 17 May 1727) (April 5, 1684–May 6, 1727 O.S.), the second wife of Peter the Great, functioned as co-ruler with her husband from 1724 until his death early in the next year, and reigned as sole Empress of Russia from 1725 until her death. More...

Taiwan Window Pattern FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: 3rd Print of Dragons Circling Two Carps (Definitive Stamp)
Date of Issue: 20 May 2009
Number: Def.130

The design, based on the window patterns at a very significant historical site - the Longsan Temple(龍山寺) in Lugang(鹿港), is a Chinese octagonal window with dragons circling two carps in the center.

To distinguish it from its counterpart in the 2nd print released on July 1, 1999, the color of the stamp has been changed from emerald green to cobalt blue.

Comment: The 2nd FDC was sent from the Lugang Longsan(鹿港龍山) Post Office, the nearest post office from the Longsan Temple(龍山寺).

Malaysia Palm Trees S/S FDC

Malaysia Souvenir Sheet FDC
Name: Palm Trees
Date of Issue: 19 May 2009

Palms are one of the most well-known and extensively cultivated plant families. Most palms are distinguished by their large, evergreen leaves arranged at the top of an unbranched stem. However, many palms are exceptions to this statement, and palms in fact exhibit an enormous diversity in physical characteristics. Palms also inhabit nearly every type of habitat from rainforests to deserts. However, the majority of the species are tropical or subtropical as few palms can tolerate cold weather.

Palms have been important to humans throughout much of history. Many common products and foods are derives from palms. Today, palms are a common feature in botanical gardens or as indoor plants and today, they are widely used in landscaping for their exotic appearance and also due to palms being easy to manage plants.

The types of palm trees featured in the stamps represent merely a small sampling of the vast number of over 400 species of palm trees in Malaysia.

RM3 Souvenir Sheet:
Right: Serdang Endau (Livistona endauensis)
This small to medium-sized solitary palm is only found in the forest of Endau-Rompin, Malaysia. The trunk is erect and slender about 20cm in diameter carries a dense crown of palmate with rather stiff segments of green leaves.

The endemic palm of Endau-Rompin is now planted in many public parks and gardens as a rare collection of palm.

Left: Joey Palm (Johannesteijsmannia altifrons)
This medium-sized stemless solitary palm is a hermaphrodite plant of up to 5-6 metre in height. The leaves are large, entire, diamond shape, 3 metre long and 1 metre wide. The petiol is almost the same length as the leaf and has sharp thorns. Its inflorescence is axillary, and the flowers are white in colour whereas the fruits are globose 3-3.5 cm diameter, corky, very knobbly and are almost black in colour.

Comment: This is the first time that I see a special shape stamp like this.

China Pre-stamped Postcard JP158

China Pre-stamped Postcard
Name: The 60th Anniversary of The First Issue of Guangming Daily
Number: JP158
Date of Issue: 16 June 2009

The Guangming Daily (Chinese: 光明日报; pinyin: Gūangmíng Rìbào) was launched on June 16, 1949 by the China Democratic League, and is a nationwide comprehensive newspaper based in Beijing. Its sponsorship was shifted to various democratic parties in China and the China Federation of Industry and Commerce in 1953. Four years later, the newspaper began to be operated under the direct leadership of the Propaganda Department and the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. Run by the CPC Central Committee, it is now a daily paper targeting intellectuals. More...

China Stamps: 2009-12

China Stamps
Name: Centenary of the Birth of Comrade Li Xiannian
Number: 2009-12
Date of Issue: 23 June 2009
Value: 3 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (3-1): Li Xiannian during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression
1.20元 (3-2): Li Xiannian during Socialist Construction
1.20元 (3-3): Li Xiannian as the President of PRC

Li Xiannian (1909-1992), a native of Huang'an (present day Hong'an), Hubei Province, was a great proletarian revolutionist, politician, and strategist. During the war period, acting as political commissar at regimental, divisional and corps levels for the Red Army, he commanded and participated in many important battles. After New China was founded in 1949, he served successively as vice premier of the State Council, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, vice president of the CPC Central Committee, president of the People's Republic of China, and president of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, making an outstanding contribution to the building of an integral national economic system. During his revolutionary career of six decades, Li devoted himself to the liberation cause of the Chinese people and the nation's socialist revolution and construction, enjoying great love and esteem of the Chinese people of all ethnic groups.

Malaysia Palm Trees FDC

Malaysia FDC
Name: Palm Trees
Date of Issue: 19 May 2009

Palms are one of the most well-known and extensively cultivated plant families. Most palms are distinguished by their large, evergreen leaves arranged at the top of an unbranched stem. However, many palms are exceptions to this statement, and palms in fact exhibit an enormous diversity in physical characteristics. Palms also inhabit nearly every type of habitat from rainforests to deserts. However, the majority of the species are tropical or subtropical as few palms can tolerate cold weather.

Palms have been important to humans throughout much of history. Many common products and foods are derives from palms. Today, palms are a common feature in botanical gardens or as indoor plants and today, they are widely used in landscaping for their exotic appearance and also due to palms being easy to manage plants.

The types of palm trees featured in the stamps represent merely a small sampling of the vast number of over 400 species of palm trees in Malaysia.

Denominations: (From Left to Right)
50sen: Fan Palm (Licuala grandis)
This solitary fan palm is named after its fan-like leaves which are 50-60 cm in diameter with coarsely toothed edges. The petiol are 70-90 cm long and thorny. Its inflorescence arches 1-2 metre long. Flowers are yellowish whereas the fruits are globose 6-8 mm in diameter, green turning crimson when ripe.

50sen: Fish Tail Palm (Caryota mitis)
This palm is commonly known as Fish Tail Palm due to its fish-tail like leaves. A clump consists of a few stems of up to 3-5 metre high. Its inflorescence is a dense mass hanging downwards. The fruits are globose, 5mm diameter, green turning red when ripe.

50sen: Serdang Palm (Livistona saribus)
This solitary palm can still be found growing wild in the swampy forest. The trunk is straight up to 10-20 metre. The leaves are in fan shape, 1 metre in diameter, with leaflets deeply divided. Its inflorescence is large, up to 1.5 metre, with many branches. Flowers are yellowish whereas the fruits are globose 2cm in diameter, purplish turning black when ripe.

Hong Kong Museums Collection M/S FDC

Hong Kong Minisheet FDC
Name: Hong Kong Museums Collection
Date of Issue: 16 May 2009

Hong Kong maintains a favourable cultural environment where there exists a myriad of museums with gorgeous arrays of exhibits. Hongkong Post issues this series of "Hong Kong Museums Collection" special stamps on the theme of Chinese calligraphy and painting, presenting six selected exhibits from the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, and the University Museum and Art Gallery of The University of Hong Kong. With a glimpse of the calligraphic works and paintings of celebrated Chinese artists, we can admire the beauty of culture, thereby realising the importance of heritage and art conservation.

Denominations:
$1.40: Poem in Running Script (行書飲義樓作詩)
WANG Duo (1592 - 1652)/ Dated 1631/ Height 286.5 cm; Width 70.8 cm/ Xubaizhai Collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art;

$1.80: Landscape after the Style of Huang Gongwang (仿黃公望山水圖)
WANG Yuanqi (1642 - 1715)/ Dated 1703/ Height 100.2 cm; Width 46.5 cm/ Xubaizhai Collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art;

$2.40: Calligraphy of WANG Youjun (王右軍帖)
WANG Xizhi (303 - 361)/ A Page from Song Rubbing, Quanzhou version of Chunhua Ge Tie/ Ink rubbing on paper/ Album of 68 leaves, each leaf of 25 cm x 13.6 cm/ Donated by Bei Shan Tang/ Collection of Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong;

$2.50: Bird in Moonlight (月夜小鳥)
GAO Qifeng (1889 - 1933)/ Dated 1910/ Hanging scroll, ink and colour on paper/ Height 110 cm; Width 27.5 cm/ Collection of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum;

$3: Flower and Butterfly (花蝶)
JU Lian (1828 - 1904)/ Geng Zi Year (1900)/ Fan, ink and colour on paper/ Height 18 cm; Width 52 cm/ Collection of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum;

$5: Figures in Pure Line Drawing (detail) (白描人物)
GU Huai (Qing dynasty)/ Handscroll, ink on paper/ Width 31 cm; Length 200 cm/ Collection of the University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Museums Collection FDC

Hong Kong FDC
Name: Hong Kong Museums Collection
Date of Issue: 16 May 2009

Hong Kong maintains a favourable cultural environment where there exists a myriad of museums with gorgeous arrays of exhibits. Hongkong Post issues this series of "Hong Kong Museums Collection" special stamps on the theme of Chinese calligraphy and painting, presenting six selected exhibits from the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, and the University Museum and Art Gallery of The University of Hong Kong. With a glimpse of the calligraphic works and paintings of celebrated Chinese artists, we can admire the beauty of culture, thereby realising the importance of heritage and art conservation.

Denominations:
$1.40: Poem in Running Script (行書飲義樓作詩)
WANG Duo (1592 - 1652)/ Dated 1631/ Height 286.5 cm; Width 70.8 cm/ Xubaizhai Collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art;

$1.80: Landscape after the Style of Huang Gongwang (仿黃公望山水圖)
WANG Yuanqi (1642 - 1715)/ Dated 1703/ Height 100.2 cm; Width 46.5 cm/ Xubaizhai Collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art;

$2.40: Calligraphy of WANG Youjun (王右軍帖)
WANG Xizhi (303 - 361)/ A Page from Song Rubbing, Quanzhou version of Chunhua Ge Tie/ Ink rubbing on paper/ Album of 68 leaves, each leaf of 25 cm x 13.6 cm/ Donated by Bei Shan Tang/ Collection of Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong;

$2.50: Bird in Moonlight (月夜小鳥)
GAO Qifeng (1889 - 1933)/ Dated 1910/ Hanging scroll, ink and colour on paper/ Height 110 cm; Width 27.5 cm/ Collection of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum;

$3: Flower and Butterfly (花蝶)
JU Lian (1828 - 1904)/ Geng Zi Year (1900)/ Fan, ink and colour on paper/ Height 18 cm; Width 52 cm/ Collection of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum;

$5: Figures in Pure Line Drawing (detail) (白描人物)
GU Huai (Qing dynasty)/ Handscroll, ink on paper/ Width 31 cm; Length 200 cm/ Collection of the University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong.

Comment: My friend got the designer's autograph for me, you can see her autograph on 2nd FDC.

Russia Hydrometeorology FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 175th Anniversary of Installation Hydrometeorological Service in Russia
Date of Issue: 15 May 2009

Denominations:
8.00: Adolf Kupfer (1799-1865)
The Federal Agency on Hydrometeorology and Environmental of Russia (ROSGYDROMET) is enforcement authority of the Russian Federation. The Federal Agency on Hydrometeorology and Environmental renders the state services in field of environment monitoring, its pollution, gives the forecast of environmental conditions on all territory of the Russian Federation. In 1834, at the initiative of Adolf Jakovlevich Kupfer, Nikolay I put basis of constant geophysical network with law «About establishment of magnetic and meteorological supervision». Stamp represents portrait of A.J. Kupfer, the academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the first head of Hydrometeorological service of Russia, and also meteorological station МК-14

9.00: Satellite & Map
Meteorological polarly-orbital satellite Meteor-3M N1 is prepared by Russian aerospace agency together with Federal Hydrometereology and Environmental Monitoring Service under Federal Space Program of Russia. It is intended for such aims as reception of images of cloud cover, data about ocean temperature and height of the top border of cloud cover, supervision over moving of atmospheric whirlwinds, receiving data about ice conditions on water cover of planet, borders of snow cover, temperature-wind sounding of atmosphere, etc. Stamp represents satellite "Meteor-3М" and map of ground temperature forecast.

China Stamps: 2009-11

China Stamps
Name: Hangzhou Bay Cross-Sea Bridge
Number: 2009-11
Date of Issue: 18 June 2009
Value: 2 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (2-1): Magnificent Bridge
1.20元 (2-2): Marine Platform

The Hangzhou Bay Bridge, stretching 36 kilometers from Haiyan, Jiaxing City, southward to Cixi, Ningbo City, was completed and put into operation on May 1, 2008. A convinient two-way passage of the Tongjiang-Sanya National Highway, to span the Hangzhou Bay, it contains six lanes with a designed in technological innovation. It is presently the world's longest cross-sea bridge, and its operation rebuilt the greater transport platform linking the southern and northern edges of the Yangtze River Delta, and played an active role in promoting the coordinated development of the regional economy and driving the integration of the Yangtze River Delta city group.

Estonia Paper Mill FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: 275th Anniversary of Räpina Paper Mill
Date of Issue: 14 May 2009

The history of the Räpina Paper Mill, one of the oldest industrial enterprises in Estonia, goes back to the year 1728 when Count Karl Gustav von Löwenwolde, a courtier of Tsar Peter I of Russia, acquired lands in Räpina on the banks of Estonia’s longest river, and a dam with a brick works nearby was built on the river under building master Johan Georgi Kaiser’s supervision. The bricks were used to build a sawmill, a flourmill and a paper mill, all of which used water as a source of power. It was a rare case in Europe where one dam brought into motion three different mills. The paper mill based on renewable technology was launched in 1734. The factory building, which has seen several stages of rebuilding, is a rare example of industrial architecture and is today protected as a cultural monument. The first paper machine that made various kinds of writing and printing paper was brought to Räpina from Germany. Thanks to up-to-date technology it was possible to produce also finer types of paper, such as filter paper for pharmacies, blotting, cigarette and tissue paper. In the period of the Estonian national movement in the 1860s to 1880s Räpina paper contributed to the spread of the printed word in Estonian: over a longer period of time the leading Estonian newspapers, such as Postimees, Sakala and Olevik, and after the proclamation of independence in 1918 even some of the banknotes of the young republic were printed on it. After the restoration of Estonian independence thorough renewal of technology was undertaken and it is today possible to produce high quality paper meeting all modern requirements.

Hong Kong Stamp Exhibition FDC

Hong Kong FDC
Name: HONG KONG 2009 - 23rd Asian International Stamp Exhibition
Date of Issue: 14 May 2009

This stamp sheetlet is issued by Hongkong Post to mark the opening of "HONG KONG 2009 - 23rd Asian International Stamp Exhibition" (HONG KONG 2009). Held from 14 to 17 May 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, HONG KONG 2009 is hosted by the Hong Kong Philatelic Society under the patronage of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately, with Hongkong Post as the main sponsor. "Youth Philately" is the theme for the event, during which world-class competitive exhibits from around the globe will be on display.

At the same time, visitors can also see the entries from the 10th Inter-School Stamp Exhibits Competition. Hongkong Post has been organising this Competition since 2000. Co-organised by the Education Bureau, this inspirational and educational local competition aims to nurture an interest in philately among students, which closely complements the "Youth Philately" theme of HONG KONG 2009.

The stamp sheetlet uses the tangram to demonstrate different actions, such as diving, playing football and practising martial arts, hence showing the versatility and endless possibilities of the game. The design is developed from the logo of HONG KONG 2009 which takes the tangram, a puzzle game comprising seven pieces, as its subject. All it takes is a spark of wit and a touch of imagination to turn the colourful pieces into myriad figures and patterns. The logo depicts a boy and a girl walking briskly across a stylised postage stamp background, exuding a sense of youthful liveliness. Both the logo and the sheetlet convey a message that echoes the "Youth Philately" theme of HONG KONG 2009 - our energetic younger generation are ready to break new ground and fully develop their potential.

Thanks to a special printing effect, the stamp can be turned into an interactive game. Place the enclosed screener on the stamp and move it slightly. Voila! The hidden pattern and words will come out. The clever design, coupled with an innovative printing technique, offers a fresh and pleasant experience to stamp lovers.
Comment: Lucky! I have scaned the special effect, can you see it? Frankly speaking, it's very difficult to find out the special effect.

Portugal Porcelain FDC

Portugal FDC
Name: Porcelain (Portugal - Turkey Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 12 May 2009

This emission seeks to build a cultural bridge between Portugal and Turkey through pottery. This art, which is common to the Portuguese and to the Turkish peoples and which dates back to the dawn of our civilization, reveals through its evolution the various influences that the intercultural relations have suffered, as well as these peoples continuous assimilation and reinterpretation in search of their own ways of expression.

Oriental porcelain, especially Chinese porcelain, has always been highly valued, both in Portugal and in the rest of Europe. After the discovery of the ocean route to India, porcelain became much more accessible and found its way to religious services and to the best homes, replacing silverware which had been used until then.

Surrendering to the charm of this beautiful and exotically decorated porcelain from the Orient, Portuguese craftsmen soon began to reproduce it. At first they followed their models of inspiration closely, but from the 17th Century onward a specific grammar of ornaments emerged, as a result of the increasing stylization of the motifs.

Iznik earthenware, designated as such because of the location of its centre of production, shows that its artists sought inspiration from Chinese decorative techniques and vocabulary, also transforming it in the light of a new context.

One of the images (€0,32) that form part of this emission shows a graceful mosque lamp in Iznik earthenware from the 16th Century. On its neck we see some Arabic characters, most likely excerpts from a religious text. On the belly, decorated with cobalt blue, turquoise, green and red vegetalist motifs, we can see three suspension rings. Items such as this were commissioned by sultans and emirs for the decoration of mosques and mausoleums, where they hung above eye level.

Another image (€0,68) shows a beautiful cylindrical jar with handles, a Portuguese earthenware item produced in the early 17th Century. Painted in blue, the decoration is based on geometric and vegetalist stylized motifs, displaying on the neck the famous "baroque volutes ".

Indonesia WOC S/S FDC

Indonesia Souvenir Sheet FDC
Name: World Ocean Conference 2009
Date of Issue: 11 May 2009

Denominations:
5000: Green Sea Turtle

Covering almost 2/3 part of the earth's surface with ecological, social and economic functions which have a great effect on human living, oceans have to be saved from the negative effects of climate change. It becomes necessity to work together across national borders to manage and mitigate climate change-impacts and preserve the life-support functions of the ocean through strong commitment of all parties to the implementation of management measures on marine which are related to global climate change.

Commented from the above matter, Indonesia hosts the World Ocean Conference (WOC) on May 11th- 15th, 2009 in Manado, North Sulawesi Province, WOC 2009 is scheduled to be attended by ministers and high level government officials as well as multilateral organizations in order to develop a common understanding and firm commitment to face up to the impact of climate change on the state of the world's oceans and to increase our understanding of the role of the oceans in determining the rate of global climate change. Among key issues to be discussed in relation to the WOC2009 theme are climate change impacts, the role of the oceans in regulating climate change, adaptation and mitigation as well as opportunities for regional and international cooperation.

Along with this event, Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) is scheduled around high-level political commitments and proactive implementation by governments of the Coral Triangle area supported and carried forward by private sector, international agency and civil society (NGO) partners to provide major contribution toward safeguarding the region's marine and coastal biological resources for the sustainable growth and prosperity of current and future generations. The Coral Triangle is 5.7 million km2 area of home to highest diversity of marine life on earth stretched across 6 countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Timor Leste.

Indonesia WOC FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: World Ocean Conference 2009
Date of Issue: 11 May 2009

Denominations:
1/4 2500: Blueringed Anglefish
2/4 2500: Anemone Shrimp
3/4 2500: Goldback Anthias
4/4 2500: Coral Reef

Covering almost 2/3 part of the earth's surface with ecological, social and economic functions which have a great effect on human living, oceans have to be saved from the negative effects of climate change. It becomes necessity to work together across national borders to manage and mitigate climate change-impacts and preserve the life-support functions of the ocean through strong commitment of all parties to the implementation of management measures on marine which are related to global climate change.

Commented from the above matter, Indonesia hosts the World Ocean Conference (WOC) on May 11th- 15th, 2009 in Manado, North Sulawesi Province, WOC 2009 is scheduled to be attended by ministers and high level government officials as well as multilateral organizations in order to develop a common understanding and firm commitment to face up to the impact of climate change on the state of the world's oceans and to increase our understanding of the role of the oceans in determining the rate of global climate change. Among key issues to be discussed in relation to the WOC2009 theme are climate change impacts, the role of the oceans in regulating climate change, adaptation and mitigation as well as opportunities for regional and international cooperation.

Along with this event, Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) is scheduled around high-level political commitments and proactive implementation by governments of the Coral Triangle area supported and carried forward by private sector, international agency and civil society (NGO) partners to provide major contribution toward safeguarding the region's marine and coastal biological resources for the sustainable growth and prosperity of current and future generations. The Coral Triangle is 5.7 million km2 area of home to highest diversity of marine life on earth stretched across 6 countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Timor Leste.

Thailand Buddhist Day FDC

Thailand FDC
Name: Important Buddhist Religious Day (Visakhapuja Day)
Date of Issue: 08 May 2009
Number: 869

Purpose:
To pay homage to the Lord Buddha and to publicize the important Buddhist Religious Day (Visakhapuja Day).

Design:
Illustrating the ancient alms bowl-shaped stupa situated at Sarnath where the Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to the five ascetics. This stupa was constructed and made from sandstone.

2009 Thailand Visakhapuja Day FDC
2008 Thailand Visakhapuja Day FDC
2007 Thailand Visakhapuja Day FDC

USA Simpsons FDP

USA FDP
Name: The Simpsons
Date of Issue: 07 May 2009

Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson, The Simpsons stamps have been personally designed by series creator Matt Groening. Winner of 24 Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award and a multitude of other accolades, this historic series starring the five family members is the longest-running primetime comedy in television history.

Comment: The complete set has 5 stamps, my friend glued 2 on this postcard, left one is Lisa Simpson and the right one is Bart Simpson. He told me he sent 2 postcards to me, but I have only received 1 piece so far. Jesus!

United Nations World Heritage FDCs

United Nations FDCs
Name: World Heritage - Germany
Date of Issue: 07 May 2009

Denominations:
44c: Town Hall and Roland on the Marketplace of Bremen
The town hall and the statue of Roland on the marketplace of Bremen in north-west Germany are outstanding representations of civic autonomy and sovereignty, as these developed in the Holy Roman Empire in Europe. The old town hall was built in the Gothic style in the early fifteenth century, after Bremen joined the Hanseatic League. The building was renovated in the so-called Weser Renaissance style in the early seventeenth century. A new town hall was built next to the old one in the early twentieth century as part of an ensemble that survived bombardment during the Second World War. The statue stands 5.5 m tall and dates back to 1404. This site was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2004.

98c: Aachen Cathedral
The Aachen Cathedral was the first German cultural monument to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. The cathedral, which was built between 790 and 800 under the Emperor Charlemagne, is of universal significance to the history of art and architecture. It is also one of the great icons of religious architecture. Contemporaries declared the Palatine Chapel of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne to be a miracle of the art of construction — of half divine, half human conception. The Palatine Chapel, with its octagonal basilica and cupola, is the first vaulted building north of the Alps. It is heavily influenced by the building traditions of classical antiquity and by Byzantine architecture.

Comment: The quality of real posted FDCs from U.N. are too bad, My friend did his best, but the US Postal's clerk never add a UN local postmark on the additional stamps, and both new stamps on these FDCs were damaged during the process. It's too bad :(

Singapore Flora FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Flora & Fauna (Definitive Issue)
Date of Issue: 06 May 2009

In 2007, the new series of Definitive stamps featured a range of Flora and Fauna of which the Frangipanni and Torch Ginger were beautifully illustreated and featured. To make the Definitive series more varied, this year, another two flowering plants are added to the collection.

1ST LOCAL: The Blue Pea Vine (Clitoria ternatea)
The Blue Pea Vine (Clitoria ternatea), also commonly known as the Butterfly Pea, is a vine native to tropical and equatorial Asia. A perennial climber with a woody base, it can climb tall grasses and crops, grows well in moist neutral soil and requires little care. It has been used as a leguminous mulch within elephant grass to improve the grass protein levels. Now it is widely grown as an ornamental plant. The flowers are harvested and are a traditional source of a blue food colour.

1ST LOCAL: The Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum)
The Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum) is a member of the family Orchidaceae. This orchid produces white, fragrant flowers with a yellow tinted throat. From the side, the orchid resembles a flying pigeon, and hence, it is also commonly known as the Pigeon Orchid. This epiphytic plant, is common in Singapore and Malaysia, growing naturally on trees. It is a widely cultivated ornamental and landscape plant.

$5 Collectors' Sheet: The Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum)
The Collectors' Sheet uses the offset lithography with embroidery technique.

Russia EUROPA FDC

Russia FDC
Name: EUROPA 2009 - Astronomy
Date of Issue: 05 May 2009

In 2009 "astronomy" became a theme of traditional annual issue, organized by Association of the state post operators of Europe (PostEurope). The principal reason was that this year has been declared as the International year of astronomy (IYA2009) by the Association for the United Nations. In 1609 Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei for the first time looked in telescope, having begun modern astronomy. Nowadays the primary goals of astronomy are studying and explanation of apparent motions of heavenly bodies, finding of laws and reasons of these movements, studying of heavenly bodies structure, their physical and chemical properties, construction of models of their internal structure, solving problems of origin and development of heavenly bodies and their systems, studying of the most general properties of the Universe, construction of theory of observable part of the Universe Metagalaxies. Stamp represents Terskolsk observatory of the Institute of astronomy of Russian academy of science and on armillary sphere against the background with Big Dipper cancellation.

EUROPA Series FDCs:
2009 Astronomy:
Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia.

2008 Letter:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Vatican.

Poland EUROPA FDC

Poland FDC
Name: EUROPA 2009 - Astronomy
Date of Issue: 05 May 2009

EUROPE 2009. The International Year of Astronomy

It is fairly common to regard astronomy as a pre-science, since the contemplations of the nature and behaviour of celestial bodies gave rise to some of the oldest theories on the structure of our world. In this cosmologic shape, astronomy was the father of philosophy (in particular the Greek one), which, in turn, allowed more specific branches of knowledge to develop.
The year 2009 was proclaimed the International Year of Astronomy by the United Nations, an idea that came from the International Astronomy Union (IAU) which this way wanted to commemorate certain important anniversaries. To begin with, it was 400 years ago that Galileo first used a telescope to gaze at the sky. The invention was a breakthrough and the discoveries it allowed are now the foundations of astronomy. Also in 2009, 40 years will have passed since the first man set foot on the Moon, and 90 years since the IAU was established.
"Discover your Universe", the motto of the International Year of Astronomy, makes us realise that a passion for astronomy is not restricted to scientists, but is shared by many ordinary people who watch the sky for pleasure. The infinite Universe is now within reach of any curious eye, and its mysteries stand ready to by explored using only a telescope and a computer. For the convenience of the hobbyists, this year's celebrations will include various committees for the organisation of educational schemes, shows, exhibitions and the like.

Astronomy in Poland

It's probably not common knowledge that the star of Nicolas Copernicus was not the first one to shine in the history of Polish astronomy. In 15th century the Jagiellonian University of Krakow, despite its relatively short tradition, earned itself the title of the best centre of studies in astronomy throughout Europe owing to the research of such scholars as Marcin Bylica and Wojciech z Brudzewa. Even though the academic level of the university deteriorated in the years to come, it became known all over Europe again thanks to the achievements of two researchers born in the city of Gdańsk - Jan Heweliusz and Stanisław Lubienicki, especially with the results of their observations of the Moon and the comets. Although the loss of independence marked a significant break in the development of sciences in Poland, the community of astronomers revived shortly after World War I ended with a new tool - the outstandingly effective and widely used theory of the cracovians, developed by another Polish scholar, Tadeusz Banachiewicz. More recently, that is in the second half of 20th century, the work of Bohdan Paczyński, who discovered the gamma radiation and worked out its theory, gained worldwide renown. That was only matched by the recent discovery made by Aleksander Wolszczan, a Polish astronomer who spotted the first planet outside our Solar System, revolving around a dying neutron star.

New stamp and First Day Cover

On account of the International Astronomy Year 2009, Poczta Polska prepared a stamp featuring a symbolic representation of the way celestial observations are reflected in human language. Both the stamp and the FDC present drawings of constellations and a star which emits rays of light presented as very long sequences of digits. The issue is accompanied by an occasional date stamp, in use in Warsaw 1 Post Office.

Philately

As every year, the EUROPE stamps join in the competition. Anyone can view them on the PosEurop website and vote for their favourite one up to 8 August 2009. Last year, when the theme of the competition was "letter", Hungary won the first prize. Wishing the best of luck to our stamp this year, we would like to encourage everybody to cast their vote.

EUROPA Series FDCs:
2009 Astronomy:
Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia.

2008 Letter:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Vatican.

China Pre-stamped Postcard JP157

China Pre-stamped Postcard
Name: 100th Anniversary of Dalian Maritime University
Number: JP157
Date of Issue: 06 June 2009

Dalian Maritime University (大连海事大学) is a university located in Dalian (大连), Liaoning (辽宁), China. It is a key maritime institution under the Ministry of Communications, People's Republic of China.

The long history of the University can be traced back to 1909, when the Nanyang Institute in Shanghai established a Shipping Management Section. DMU was founded in 1953 through the merger of three merchant marine institutions: Shanghai Nautical College, the Northeast Navigation College and Fujian Navigation School. At that time its name was Dalian Marine College, and it was the only maritime college in China. In 1960, DMU was designated a national key institution of higher education. Later in 1983, the Asia-Pacific Region Maritime Training Center was established at DMU by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the IMO, and in 1985, a branch of the World Maritime University (WMU) was established.

In 1994 the University's name was changed to the present one. In 1998 it was the first maritime university in China to receive the ISO 9001 Certificate. Former President Jiang Zemin once wrote a few words of encouragement for DMU:"Be steadfast, rigorous, industrious, and pioneering in order to build the University into one of the preeminent maritime universities in the world". More...

Estonia EUROPA FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: EUROPA 2009 - Astronomy
Date of Issue: 05 May 2009

The history of astronomy embraces the cultural history of humanity, going back to antiquity and having started from prehistoric cults. If originally astronomy represented knowledge about the starry sky and its cycles and in early astronomy the movement of visible heavenly bodies was observed and forecast, then in the modern sense astronomy is a science that studies above all the physical nature of cosmic objects and the Universe as a whole. Significant achievements of Estonian astronomers include the discovery of the cell structure of the universe based on the location of galaxies and their systems in space. The theory was presented by Jaan Einasto and his colleagues at an international symposium on astronomy in Tallinn in 1977. A different structure of the universe than had been presumed until that time was established, whereas the diameter of a cell is nearly 200 million light years. The dimensions of a cell are immense and even light don’t have enough time to exchange information between different edges of the cell network during the lifetime of the Universe. The regular structure of the cell could be compared with a honeycomb, where the cells are also placed in a regular pattern.

EUROPA Series FDCs:
2009 Astronomy:
Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia.

2008 Letter:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Vatican.

Indonesia Astronomy M/S FDC

Indonesia Minisheet FDC
Name: International Year of Astronomy 2009
Date of Issue: 02 May 2009

Denominations:
1/3 5000: Galileo Telescope
2/3 5000: IYA Logo
3/3 5000: Galileo Galilei

The United Nations officially declared the International Year of Astronomy 2009 non December 20, 2007. Initiated by International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO, this resolution was aimed at commemorating the 400th years of telescope usage in the field of astronomy pioneered by Galileo Galilei. Not less than 137 countries celebrate this event with the theme of "the Universe, yours to discover".

The major goals of International Year of Astronomy 2009 are to increase scientific awareness; promote widespread access to new knowledge and observing experiences; empower astronomical communities in developing countries; support and improve formal and informal science education; provide a modern image of science and scientist; facilitate new networks and strengthen existing ones; improve the gender-balanced representation of scientist at all levels and promote greater involvement by underrepresented minorities in scientific and engineering careers; facilitate the preservation and protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage of dark skies in places such as urban oases, national parks and astronomical sites.

One of the main agendas of the event in Indonesia is stamp series "The Year of International Astronomy 2009" issuance on May 2, 2009. The stamp design depicts the image of Galileo Galilei, Galilean telescope as well as the official event logo. As a background, the sheet shows Omega Centauri galaxy portrayed by Denny Mandey using telescope of Observatorium-Boscha ITB Lembang.

Galileo Galilei (February 15, 1564 - January 8, 1642) is Italian physician, mathematician as well as philosopher known as "father of modern science". His observation has brought fundamental discoveries in the field of astronomy that revolutionary shifted paradigm of viewing the universe. The Jupiter moons discovery has challenged previously accepted concept of geometric. Then, the planet movement theory became crucial milestone for Isaac Newton's mechanical theory.

The original telescope designed by Galileo in 1609 was commonly called as Galilean telescope. It used a convex objective lens and a concave eyepiece lens. This telescope produced upright images and could magnified objects about 30 times. Instead of its flaw as such as shape of the lens, Galilean telescope could view the phases of Venus, craters on the moon and the moons orbiting Jupiter.

Omega Centauri is a ball shaped cluster of stars located at Centaurus constellation. Edmond Halley considered it as a nebula in 1677. Yet in 1830, John William Herschel, a British astronomic, regarded it as a ball shaped cluster of stars. Omega Centauri is one of ball shaped clusters that can be seen through naked eyes. This brightest and biggest cluster of stars in our Galaxy consists of approximately 10 million stars with 17.000 light year (1 light year = ~ 9,5 x 1012 km) length distance from earth.

Indonesia Astronomy FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: International Year of Astronomy 2009
Date of Issue: 02 May 2009

Denominations:
1/3 2500: Galileo Telescope
2/3 2500: IYA Logo
3/3 2500: Galileo Galilei

The United Nations officially declared the International Year of Astronomy 2009 non December 20, 2007. Initiated by International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO, this resolution was aimed at commemorating the 400th years of telescope usage in the field of astronomy pioneered by Galileo Galilei. Not less than 137 countries celebrate this event with the theme of "the Universe, yours to discover".

The major goals of International Year of Astronomy 2009 are to increase scientific awareness; promote widespread access to new knowledge and observing experiences; empower astronomical communities in developing countries; support and improve formal and informal science education; provide a modern image of science and scientist; facilitate new networks and strengthen existing ones; improve the gender-balanced representation of scientist at all levels and promote greater involvement by underrepresented minorities in scientific and engineering careers; facilitate the preservation and protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage of dark skies in places such as urban oases, national parks and astronomical sites.

One of the main agendas of the event in Indonesia is stamp series "The Year of International Astronomy 2009" issuance on May 2, 2009. The stamp design depicts the image of Galileo Galilei, Galilean telescope as well as the official event logo. As a background, the sheet shows Omega Centauri galaxy portrayed by Denny Mandey using telescope of Observatorium-Boscha ITB Lembang.

Galileo Galilei (February 15, 1564 - January 8, 1642) is Italian physician, mathematician as well as philosopher known as "father of modern science". His observation has brought fundamental discoveries in the field of astronomy that revolutionary shifted paradigm of viewing the universe. The Jupiter moons discovery has challenged previously accepted concept of geometric. Then, the planet movement theory became crucial milestone for Isaac Newton's mechanical theory.

The original telescope designed by Galileo in 1609 was commonly called as Galilean telescope. It used a convex objective lens and a concave eyepiece lens. This telescope produced upright images and could magnified objects about 30 times. Instead of its flaw as such as shape of the lens, Galilean telescope could view the phases of Venus, craters on the moon and the moons orbiting Jupiter.

Omega Centauri is a ball shaped cluster of stars located at Centaurus constellation. Edmond Halley considered it as a nebula in 1677. Yet in 1830, John William Herschel, a British astronomic, regarded it as a ball shaped cluster of stars. Omega Centauri is one of ball shaped clusters that can be seen through naked eyes. This brightest and biggest cluster of stars in our Galaxy consists of approximately 10 million stars with 17.000 light year (1 light year = ~ 9,5 x 1012 km) length distance from earth.

India R.Sankar FDC

India FDC
Name: R.Sankar
Date of Issue: 30 April 2009

R.Sankar was a Freedom fighter, educationalist, lawyer, journalist, administrator, social reformer and political leader.

Sankar was born on April 30, 1909 to Raman and Kunchali Amma at Puthoor village near Kottarakara in Kollam District. Although he grew up in a lower middle class environment fraught with financial and social constraints, he was fortunate enough to obtain good education in his formative years. His formal education began in Puthoor primary school and later continued in an English School in Kottarakara.

Sankar's most outstanding contribution has been in the field of education in a state where the vast majority of lower caste hindus could not enter schools and colleges on account of the obnoxious caste system that prevailed in the princely states before independence.

If today Kerala is the most literate State in India with literacy rate of around 95 per cent, it is because of Sankar's farisighted initiatives. When he became Minister for Education in Kerala, Sankar carried forward the inclusive education movement by facilitating the setting up of several junior colleges in different parts of the State almost all of which were in the private sector, a revelutionary and innovative policy which made higher education accessible to ecnomically poor sections who could not afford to go to major cities where most colleges were located.

R.Sankar breathed his last on 6-11-1972.

China Booklet: SB37

China Booklet
Name: Blessing Our Motherland
Number: SB37
Date of Issue: 01 June 2009
Value: 8 stamps/booklet

Denominations:
80分 (4-1): Love for Motherland
1.20元 (4-2): Happy Life
1.20元 (4-3): Peace Lovers
1.20元 (4-4): Enthusiasm for Science

Children are the future and hope of a country. With the care and support of the Party, the government and society, Chinese children are growing into qualified future builders of the country's socialist cause by setting up long-range ideals, upholding patriotism, studying science, cultivating moral integrity, and building healthy and strong physiques. This set of stamps was issued to mark the "June 1" International Children's Day. Featuring pictures drawn by Chinese children depicting their beautiful lives and lovely homes, these stamps reflect the brilliant achievements of the country since New China was founded 60 years ago, and extend Chinese children's wish and blessing for an even more splendid future of their motherland.

China Stamp: 2009-10

China Stamps
Name: Blessing Our Motherland
Number: 2009-10
Date of Issue: 01 June 2009
Value: 4 stamps/set

Denominations:
80分 (4-1): Love for Motherland
1.20元 (4-2): Happy Life
1.20元 (4-3): Peace Lovers
1.20元 (4-4): Enthusiasm for Science

Children are the future and hope of a country. With the care and support of the Party, the government and society, Chinese children are growing into qualified future builders of the country's socialist cause by setting up long-range ideals, upholding patriotism, studying science, cultivating moral integrity, and building healthy and strong physiques. This set of stamps was issued to mark the "June 1" International Children's Day. Featuring pictures drawn by Chinese children depicting their beautiful lives and lovely homes, these stamps reflect the brilliant achievements of the country since New China was founded 60 years ago, and extend Chinese children's wish and blessing for an even more splendid future of their motherland.