Portugal Senses FDC

Portugal FDC
Name: Stamps and Senses
Date of Issue: 02 October 2009

This issue – consisting of five stamps and a block with a sixth stamp – is a consequence of a proposal made by the Universal Postal Union to celebrate the birth bicentenary of Louis Braille (1809-1852), the inventor of a system that combines embossed dots and which is applied to reading, writing, calculation and music for the blind.

The stamps of this issue are dedicated to each of the five senses, allowing for experiencing real physical interaction: the touch feels the embossed ink coming out of the tube; the smell receives the aroma of the cup of coffee; the sight detects holographic images on the spectacle lenses that change according to the position of the stamp; the taste identifies the flavour of vanilla on the glue of the stamp that shows an ice-cream; the ear is sensitive to the noise made by the file when you rub its rough surface.

Made up of different nerve cells that capture variations and respond to stimuli, according to present science the sense organs comprise not only the classical five senses described by the ancient but other senses as well, such as cold and heat, balance and pain, contact and pressure. However, it is not the aim of this issue to underline theoretical statements, but rather to contribute to modernity in communication. Thus, thanks to improved technology in graphical arts, a set of elements, which is usually absent in common stamps, has been incorporated in this collection, becoming a differentiating fact in this emission and imparting an innovative character to stamps in the landscape of contemporaneous philately.

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 ".

Portugal Euro FDC

Portugal FDC
Name: 10th Anniversary of the Euro
Date of Issue: 28 January 2009

1 January 2009 will mark the 10th anniversary of the creation of the euro, one of the most significant landmarks of the European project and modern history.

In effect, the third stage of Economic and Monetary Union, set out by the Treaty on European Union, started on 1 January 1999 with the introduction of the euro and the conduct of a single monetary policy and exchange rate policy, under the Eurosystem (which is formed by the European Central Bank and the national central banks of euro area Member States, including Banco de Portugal).

On such date, Portugal and a further ten Member States – Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria and Finland – met the conditions for adopting the euro. The euro area currently consists of sixteen countries, following the entry of Greece (1 January 2001), Slovenia (1 January 2007), Cyprus and Malta (1 January 2008) and Slovakia (1 January 2009).

However, the euro only became visible to citizens from 1 January 2002, when euro banknotes and coins entered into circulation.

The euro has come to represent an important step in the long European integration process since the European Economic Community was established in 1957. The single currency has provided a backdrop for the stability and progress of citizens and the economies of participating countries. Around 320 million citizens of the euro area benefit daily from a currency that has also become an international reference.

On celebrating the 10th anniversary of the euro as a symbol of European identity and as a factor of integration and development, this set of stamps also celebrates the joint effort of European Union countries to ensure the peace and prosperity of the European continent.

Portugal Olympic Games M/S FDC

Portugal Minisheet FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 30 April 2008

Denominations:
€ 0,75: Equestrian
€ 0,75: Rowing
€ 0,75: Shooting
€ 0,75: Rhythmic Gymnastics

The official opening of the 29th Olympic Games will take place on 8th August 2008 in Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Peking - or Beijing - Chinese capital through five dynasties, has a population of around 14 million and boasts the world's most famous palace, The Forbidden City, located on its main thoroughfare.

Selected in 2001 to host this year's games, the city has been the scene of intensive preparations ever since. The venue for the opening and closing ceremonies will be the Beijing Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest due to its nest-like lattice of iron and steel, which has capacity for 91,000. Other facilities have also been specially built for the event, such as the Water Cube, enveloped in an opaque membrane with over three thousand pneumatic cushions made of recycled plastic, arranged to resemble the organic cells of living beings.

The emblem for this year's games, comprising 302 events in 28 sports and involving around 10,500 athletes, is a dancing figure with outspread arms against a red background, to symbolise the country's joy at hosting these games and the warm welcome it extends to the rest of the world and the athletes from all five continents.

Portugal first took part in the Stockholm Olympics in 1912, parading its recently adopted red and green flag at the opening ceremony; its four athletes competed in the marathon, athletics, wrestling and fencing.

This year, the Portuguese team numbers some 46 athletes, who will compete in Athletics, Cycling, Judo, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Taekwondo, Trampolining.

Comment: Portuguese Olympic Games' stamps have 2008 Beijing Olympic Games emblem, but the stamps on the minisheet haven't it. Who knows the reason?

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Portugal Olympic Games FDC

Portugal FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Issue date: 30 April 2008

Denominations:
€ 0,30: Cycling
€ 0,30: Running
€ 0,75: Triple Jump

The official opening of the 29th Olympic Games will take place on 8th August 2008 in Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Peking - or Beijing - Chinese capital through five dynasties, has a population of around 14 million and boasts the world's most famous palace, The Forbidden City, located on its main thoroughfare.

Selected in 2001 to host this year's games, the city has been the scene of intensive preparations ever since. The venue for the opening and closing ceremonies will be the Beijing Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest due to its nest-like lattice of iron and steel, which has capacity for 91,000. Other facilities have also been specially built for the event, such as the Water Cube, enveloped in an opaque membrane with over three thousand pneumatic cushions made of recycled plastic, arranged to resemble the organic cells of living beings.

The emblem for this year's games, comprising 302 events in 28 sports and involving around 10,500 athletes, is a dancing figure with outspread arms against a red background, to symbolise the country's joy at hosting these games and the warm welcome it extends to the rest of the world and the athletes from all five continents.

Portugal first took part in the Stockholm Olympics in 1912, parading its recently adopted red and green flag at the opening ceremony; its four athletes competed in the marathon, athletics, wrestling and fencing.

This year, the Portuguese team numbers some 46 athletes, who will compete in Athletics, Cycling, Judo, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Taekwondo, Trampolining.

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Portugal Dakar Rally FDC

Portugal FDC
Name: Dakar, 30 Years of Adventure
Issue date: 2008 January 5th

After different exchanges with the French government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally, scheduled from the 5th to the 20th of January between Lisbon and Senegal's capital.

Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 24th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organisations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.

A.S.O.'s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.

A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world's biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.

The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports.

The official Euromilhões Lisboa Dakar 2008 Website

Portugal Cork FDC

Portugal FDC
Name: The Cork Sector
Issue date: 2007 November 28th

Cork. Gift of nature. National heritage. Ambassador of Portugal.

Cork, bark of the cork oak, is a renewable, recyclable and biodegradable product. The Quercus suber L., which Mother Nature planted essentially in southern Portugal, shapes the identity of the Alentejan landscape. Home to an infinite variety of animal and plant species, thanks to its multifunctionality, the cork oak stand prevents desertification of the south of the country - a dry region with thin top soil – by reducing soil erosion and contributing immeasurably to the local economy, not to mention its contribution to the fixation of carbon dioxide, the main cause of global warming.

Preserved by kings and governors, from the beginning of the nation to the present, the cork oak has always been protected by national legislation: the first references to cork oak and cork appeared as early as the 13th century in the charters of King Dinis, however cultivation of the cork oak stand as we know it today did not begin until the 19th century.

Rough in appearance but pleasant to the touch, cork has unique characteristics: it is light, impermeable to liquids and gases, compressible, elastic, an excellent thermal, acoustic and vibration insulator and resistant to friction. Used in a wide variety of areas, from construction to the automobile and aeronautics industries, it is best known as a wine stopper.

And if the Romans and Phoenicians used cork to seal their amphorae, it was Dom Pérignon in France who first used it systematically as a stopper for his precious nectar. But it was in Portugal that the knowledge and expertise needed to extract and transform it would be found. For historic reasons connected with port wine production, the industry established itself essentially in the north, in particular the Aveiro region, still the world centre for cork transformation and trade today.

A Portuguese ambassador, cork has carried the nation's name to the five continents and even into space. Today, Portugal is the world leader in cork production, transformation and export, placing it at the forefront of knowledge and research in the area and bestowing it with the responsibility of protecting and promoting this noble product of the Mediterranean forest.

Cork and the cork oak have inspired books, poems, songs, fashion, design and jewellery. They are part of Portuguese culture. A symbol that is now used as a base for a prestigious postage stamp, a stamp made of cork, the bark of the cork oak.

Portugal Nadir Afonso FDC

Portugal FDC
Name: Portuguese Artist (Nadir Afonso)
Issue date: 2007 September 5th

Born in 1920 in Codeçais, Chaves, he completed an Architecture Degree at esbap (Oporto School of Fine Arts), moving to Paris in 1946 to study art and painting at the École des Beaux Arts. His predilection for painting over architecture manifested itself at an early stage, along with his continuing search for essences and absolute.

His work under architects Le Corbusier (1948-1951) and Oscar Niemeyer (1952-1954) did nothing to alter his conviction that "architecture is not an art [...] it is a science, a team elaboration" and a "labyrinth of contingencies" in which art cannot assert itself.

He was a member of the artist collective the "Independentes" (Independents) alongside Resende, Lanhas, Pomar until 1946, and by 1943 was already fascinated by optics and geometry, although his paintings were expressionist, if not at times surrealistic. During the 40s, he progressively evolved from human figuration with supple contours, to geometric abstraction evoking landscapes, a drift that began above all while working alongside artists Fernand Léger (1948-1951) and Dewasne and Edgard Pillet. Geometric abstraction was further explored during the 50’s with a greater use of patterns in his so-called "baroque" period, and "Egyptian period" series marked by total geometric stylization (1950-1955) and his famous series of kinetic works, Espacillimité (1956-1963). He was part of the group of the Denise René gallery, exhibiting alongside Vasarely, Herbin and Bloc.

In the mid 60s he abandoned architecture, and during the 70s and 80s painted a prolific number of works for his "cities" series. At the end of the 80s, he made a number of studies of the human form using lines identical to those found in the backgrounds and compositional relations of geometry and gesture.

His books La Sensibilité plastique (1958), Les Mécanismes de la création artistique (1970), Aesthetic Synthesis (1974), Le Sens de l’Art (1983) are all products of the aesthetic reflection so characteristic of his work.