China Minisheet: 2010-4

China Minisheet
Name: Liangping New Year Woodprints (梁平木版年画)
Number: 2010-4
Date of Issue: 06 February 2010

Denomination:
1.20元 (4-1): Gate God (门神)
1.20元 (4-2): Stealing the Immortal Grass (盗仙草)
1.20元 (4-3): Peace Leads to Happiness (和气致祥)
1.20元 (4-4): Exiting the Pass with a Stolen Token (盗令出关)

The Liangping New Year Woodprints, originated in Liangping County, Chongqing Municipality, and sold throughout the nation, was in full flourish during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). It features engraving printing techniques and a forceful, vigorous way of cutting. Distinguished from other genres, the Liangping Woodprints adopts manual color application and depiction on the faces of the figures. The pictures often impress the viewers with concise compositions, appropriate rhythms, pristine designs, vivid images, and bright yet elegant colors. The subjects range from auspicious blessings to theatrical dramas and mythological legends. Greatly influenced by the local culture, the Liangping Woodprints has developed a unique style among the different forms of Chinese New Year pictures. It was included on the first National Intangible Cultural Heritage List by China's State Council in 2006.

China Stamps: 2010-4

China Stamps
Name: Liangping New Year Woodprints (梁平木版年画)
Number: 2010-4
Date of Issue: 06 February 2010

Denomination:
1.20元 (4-1): Gate God (门神)
1.20元 (4-2): Stealing the Immortal Grass (盗仙草)
1.20元 (4-3): Peace Leads to Happiness (和气致祥)
1.20元 (4-4): Exiting the Pass with a Stolen Token (盗令出关)

The Liangping New Year Woodprints, originated in Liangping County, Chongqing Municipality, and sold throughout the nation, was in full flourish during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). It features engraving printing techniques and a forceful, vigorous way of cutting. Distinguished from other genres, the Liangping Woodprints adopts manual color application and depiction on the faces of the figures. The pictures often impress the viewers with concise compositions, appropriate rhythms, pristine designs, vivid images, and bright yet elegant colors. The subjects range from auspicious blessings to theatrical dramas and mythological legends. Greatly influenced by the local culture, the Liangping Woodprints has developed a unique style among the different forms of Chinese New Year pictures. It was included on the first National Intangible Cultural Heritage List by China's State Council in 2006.

Hong Kong EAG M/S FDC

Hong Kong Minisheet FDC
Name: Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games
Date of Issue: 05 December 2009

This set of stamps is issued to celebrate the 5th East Asian Games held in Hong Kong from 5 to 13 December 2009. The event marks an exciting milestone in our sports history, as it is the first time Hong Kong has had the honour to host a regional multi-sport contest of this scale.

The quadrennial event debuted in China (Shanghai) in 1993, followed by Korea (Pusan) in 1997, Japan (Osaka) in 2001 and China (Macao) in 2005. Athletes from nine East Asian countries or regions meet in Hong Kong this year to compete for 262 gold medals in 22 sports. With both the number of gold medals up for grabs and the number of sports staged in the arena hitting record highs, the Games this year is the biggest ever.

The set of six stamps contains two designs for each of the three denominations, featuring all the 22 sports in the 5th East Asian Games, namely, Judo, Rowing and Rugby Sevens ($1.40); Athletics, Badminton, Wushu and Shooting ($1.40); Basketball, Hockey, Squash and Aquatics ($2.40); Cycling, Weightlifting and Tennis ($2.40); Windsurfing, Football, Bowling and Taekwondo ($3); Table Tennis, Volleyball, DanceSport and Cue Sports ($3). The silhouettes in gold, silver and bronze foil represent the three levels of medals awarded, bringing out the spirit of competition that motivates athletes to go for their best.

"Be the Legend" - Get set for the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games!

China Sheetlet: 2010-3

China Sheetlet II
Name: Site of Shanghai Expo (上海世博园)
Number: 2010-3
Date of Issue: 21 January 2010
Value: 8 stamps/sheet

Denominations:
80分 (4-1): Expo Center (世博中心)
Covering a floor space of some 140,000 square meters on the southern bank of the Huangpu River to the west of the Expo Boulevard, the Expo Center will serve as the operational command center, celebration and convention center, media center, and forum venue of the Shanghai Expo. Taking advantage of its riverside location and innovatively adopting polygonal glass pieces on the exterior wall, the simply-designed building features a transparent inner space and a crystal look, and largely provides an optimal vision while saving energy consumption and being friendly to the environment. It embraces conference halls, banquet halls, and multi-functional halls of varying dimensions, where forums and other important activities will take place during the Expo 2010.

1.20元 (4-2): China Pavilion (中国馆)
Towering 63 meters to the east of the Expo Boulevard and covering a total floor space of 160,000 square meters, the China Pavilion is the tallest and largest national pavilion in the Expo Site. Designed as a "Crown of the East", the National Hall adopts traditional, heavy "Chinese red" as the main hue and features a square roof fashioned from dougong - a type of bracket as a typical traditional Chinese architectural element. The magnificent and imposing structure embodies the soul and essence of the Chinese culture. The exhibition halls for municipalities, provinces and regions form a foundation platform, supporting and echoing the National Hall in the harmonious manner. The halls exhibit the splendid Chinese civilization through their distinctive representations of the theme of World Expo 2010.

1.20元 (4-3): Performance Center (演艺中心)
Covering a floor space of 80,00 square meters on the southern bank of the Huangpu River to the east of the Expo Boulevard, the Performance Center will be the main venue for grand performing activities during the Shanghai Expo. Designed in the shape of a UFO craft, the building looks particularly dynamic and novel against the backdrop of the Huangpu River. Featuring a giant central stage, which varies in dimensions and shape according to the performance content, the Center is capable of accommodating an audience of 18,000 and adapting to different demands in stage design for various performing arts, being the first of its kind in China. After the World Expo, the Performance Center will be developed into a cultural district integrating art performance, art exhibition, athletic competition, and fashionable recreation.

3元 (4-4): Theme Pavilion (主题馆)
Facing China Pavilion in the east across the Expo Boulevard and covering a floor space of 143,000 square meters, the Theme Pavilion is the largest of its kind in the history of the World Expo. It comprises three exhibition halls, namely Urbanian Pavilion, Pavilion of City Being and Pavilion of Urban Planet, which, alongside the Urban Civilization Pavilion and Urban Future Pavilion situated in Puxi section of the Expo Site, present the Expo theme, "Better City, Better Life", from varying angles. Inspired by linong (cramped old-style alleys) and "tiger windows", the design of the Theme Pavilion is reminiscent of the city characteristics of old Shanghai, while the combined application of environmentally-friendly, energy-saving, and green technologies represent another face of Shanghai as a modern cosmopolitan city.

China Souvenir Sheet: 2010-3

China Souvenir Sheet
Name: Site of Shanghai Expo (上海世博园)
Number: 2010-3
Date of Issue: 21 January 2010

Denomination:
6元: Expo Boulevard (世博轴)
Stretching one kilometer in the central part of the Expo Site, the Expo Boulevard is a two-story, semi-opening structure, which serves as the transportation hub of the Expo Site, topped by white films. Covering a floor space of 250,000 square meters, it it the largest single-unit building in the Expo Site. The distinctively-designed six cone-shaped "Sunshine Valleys" scattered along the boulevard highlight the structure with such functions as underground space lighting and rainwater collection. The Expo Boulevard links together China Pavilion, Theme Pavilion, Expo Center, and Performance Center, all contributing to an architectural spectacle. After the Shanghai Expo, the "one boulevard and four pavilions" will be permanently preserved on the site as the most significant exhibit and the major landscape zone in the Expo Site.

China Stamps: 2010-3

China Stamps
Name: Site of Shanghai Expo (上海世博园)
Number: 2010-3
Date of Issue: 21 January 2010
Value: 4 stamps/set

Denominations:
80分 (4-1): Expo Center (世博中心)
Covering a floor space of some 140,000 square meters on the southern bank of the Huangpu River to the west of the Expo Boulevard, the Expo Center will serve as the operational command center, celebration and convention center, media center, and forum venue of the Shanghai Expo. Taking advantage of its riverside location and innovatively adopting polygonal glass pieces on the exterior wall, the simply-designed building features a transparent inner space and a crystal look, and largely provides an optimal vision while saving energy consumption and being friendly to the environment. It embraces conference halls, banquet halls, and multi-functional halls of varying dimensions, where forums and other important activities will take place during the Expo 2010.

1.20元 (4-2): China Pavilion (中国馆)
Towering 63 meters to the east of the Expo Boulevard and covering a total floor space of 160,000 square meters, the China Pavilion is the tallest and largest national pavilion in the Expo Site. Designed as a "Crown of the East", the National Hall adopts traditional, heavy "Chinese red" as the main hue and features a square roof fashioned from dougong - a type of bracket as a typical traditional Chinese architectural element. The magnificent and imposing structure embodies the soul and essence of the Chinese culture. The exhibition halls for municipalities, provinces and regions form a foundation platform, supporting and echoing the National Hall in the harmonious manner. The halls exhibit the splendid Chinese civilization through their distinctive representations of the theme of World Expo 2010.

1.20元 (4-3): Performance Center (演艺中心)
Covering a floor space of 80,00 square meters on the southern bank of the Huangpu River to the east of the Expo Boulevard, the Performance Center will be the main venue for grand performing activities during the Shanghai Expo. Designed in the shape of a UFO craft, the building looks particularly dynamic and novel against the backdrop of the Huangpu River. Featuring a giant central stage, which varies in dimensions and shape according to the performance content, the Center is capable of accommodating an audience of 18,000 and adapting to different demands in stage design for various performing arts, being the first of its kind in China. After the World Expo, the Performance Center will be developed into a cultural district integrating art performance, art exhibition, athletic competition, and fashionable recreation.

3元 (4-4): Theme Pavilion (主题馆)
Facing China Pavilion in the east across the Expo Boulevard and covering a floor space of 143,000 square meters, the Theme Pavilion is the largest of its kind in the history of the World Expo. It comprises three exhibition halls, namely Urbanian Pavilion, Pavilion of City Being and Pavilion of Urban Planet, which, alongside the Urban Civilization Pavilion and Urban Future Pavilion situated in Puxi section of the Expo Site, present the Expo theme, "Better City, Better Life", from varying angles. Inspired by linong (cramped old-style alleys) and "tiger windows", the design of the Theme Pavilion is reminiscent of the city characteristics of old Shanghai, while the combined application of environmentally-friendly, energy-saving, and green technologies represent another face of Shanghai as a modern cosmopolitan city.

Hong Kong EAG FDCs

Hong Kong FDCs
Name: Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games
Date of Issue: 05 December 2009

This set of stamps is issued to celebrate the 5th East Asian Games held in Hong Kong from 5 to 13 December 2009. The event marks an exciting milestone in our sports history, as it is the first time Hong Kong has had the honour to host a regional multi-sport contest of this scale.

The quadrennial event debuted in China (Shanghai) in 1993, followed by Korea (Pusan) in 1997, Japan (Osaka) in 2001 and China (Macao) in 2005. Athletes from nine East Asian countries or regions meet in Hong Kong this year to compete for 262 gold medals in 22 sports. With both the number of gold medals up for grabs and the number of sports staged in the arena hitting record highs, the Games this year is the biggest ever.

The set of six stamps contains two designs for each of the three denominations, featuring all the 22 sports in the 5th East Asian Games, namely, Judo, Rowing and Rugby Sevens ($1.40); Athletics, Badminton, Wushu and Shooting ($1.40); Basketball, Hockey, Squash and Aquatics ($2.40); Cycling, Weightlifting and Tennis ($2.40); Windsurfing, Football, Bowling and Taekwondo ($3); Table Tennis, Volleyball, DanceSport and Cue Sports ($3). The silhouettes in gold, silver and bronze foil represent the three levels of medals awarded, bringing out the spirit of competition that motivates athletes to go for their best.

"Be the Legend" - Get set for the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games!

Taiwan Year of the Tiger FDCs

Taiwan FDCs
Name: Year of the Tiger
Date of Issue: 01 December 2009

To welcome the year of the tiger, Chunghwa Post issues a set of two New Year’s Greeting Postage Stamps (Issue of 2009) and a miniature sheet. Employing ink wash techniques from Chinese painting, the stamps portray the composed and awe-inspiring air of a tiger. The miniature sheet features a stately tiger on an open scroll.

Denominations:
NT$3.50 Stamp:
An image of a tiger gazing ahead, which symbolizes farsightedness, optimism, enterprise and luck.

NT$13.00 Stamp:
A portrait of a tiger leisurely lying on the ground, which suggests talent, ambition, and new sources of revenue.

NT$12.00 Miniature Sheet:
The sheet features a stately tiger on an open scroll, suggesting “good fortune is at hand” (the Chinese character for tiger sounds close to the character for good fortune). The design of the marginal inscription blends Chinese calligraphy, auspicious cloud patterns and colorful flowers to create a festive atmosphere.

China Stamps: 2010-2

China Stamps
Name: Centenary of the Birth of Comrade Song Renqiong (宋任穷同志诞生一百周年)
Number: 2010-2
Date of Issue: 08 January 2010
Value: 2 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (2-1): Song Renqiong during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression
1.20元 (2-2): Song Renqiong in Reform and Opening-Up

Song Renqiong (1909 - 2005), born in Liuyang, Hunan Province, was an excellent member of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a great communist, and outstanding proletarian revolutionist, and a prominent leader in political work of the CPC and Chinese army. A member of CPC since 1926, Song participated in the Autumn Harvest Uprising in 1927, and together with Mao Zedong, formed the Jinggangshan Base of the Red Army. During the war period, Song devoted himself in many battles throughout the country, showing great fearlessness and selflessness. Since the founding of New China, he ever acted as secretary of the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, deputy director of the Advisory Commission of the CPC Central Committee, and vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). In 1955, he was conferred the rank of general. In the nearly 80 years of his revolutionary career, Song devoted his lifetime to the liberation of the Chinese people and the cause of Chinese socialist modernization. His lofty morality and brilliant achievements have been deeply imprinted in people's mind.

Russia New Year FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Happy New Year!
Date of Issue: 01 December 2009

Traditionally, towards the New Year, Publishing and Trading Centre "Marka" issues thematic postage stamp. One of the recognized symbols of this holiday in Russia is the Spasskaya tower of the Moscow Kremlin. During the striking of its chimes citizens of the Russian Federation welcome in the New Year.

The stamp presents the Spasskaya and the Senate towers of the Kremlin and the dome of the Senate at the background of stylized snowflake.

Comment: The snow-shaped stamp is very cute for kids.

Russia Antarctic FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 50th Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty
Date of Issue: 30 November 2009

In 2009 the Antarctic Treaty celebrates its 50th anniversary. The document came into force on December 1st, 1959 after its ratification by 12 countries - first members. The main purpose of the Treaty - to ensure the peaceful exploration of Antarctica to the benefit of the whole mankind; it provides the freedom of scientific researches and promotes international cooperation.

The stamp presents the attributes of Russian Antarctic investigations – cross-country vehicle "Kharkovchanka-2", weather balloon, solar battery, automatic weather station - on the background of the contours of the Antarctic Region and the flag of the Russian Federation.

China Booklet: SB39

China Booklet
Name: Year of the Tiger - Geng Yin Year (虎年-庚寅年)
Number: SB39
Date of Issue: 05 January 2010
Value: 10 stamps/booklet

According to Chinese lunar calendar, 2010 is Geng-Yin Year, or the Year of the Tiger. Traditionally in China the tiger is crowned with the titles "King of All Beasts" and "Mountain Monarch", and the mysterious tiger totem represents people's worship for the animal in primitive society. The tiger is also a symbol of power and might, and its image was widely used as the design of military commander's tally in ancient times. In traditional Chinese culture, the tiger is often mentioned alongside the dragon to imply strength and prosperity. The Chinese people view the tiger as a holy animal, and use its image on various occasions to drive away evil spirits and bring peace. Today, the traditional custom of having children wear tiger-design hat and clothes still prevails in many places of the country. Symbolizing vigor and vitality, the tiger is expected to bring life and hope to a new year.

China Sheetlet: 2010-1

China Sheetlet II
Name: Year of the Tiger - Geng Yin Year (虎年-庚寅年)
Number: 2010-1
Date of Issue: 05 January 2010
Value: 6 stamps/sheet

According to Chinese lunar calendar, 2010 is Geng-Yin Year, or the Year of the Tiger. Traditionally in China the tiger is crowned with the titles "King of All Beasts" and "Mountain Monarch", and the mysterious tiger totem represents people's worship for the animal in primitive society. The tiger is also a symbol of power and might, and its image was widely used as the design of military commander's tally in ancient times. In traditional Chinese culture, the tiger is often mentioned alongside the dragon to imply strength and prosperity. The Chinese people view the tiger as a holy animal, and use its image on various occasions to drive away evil spirits and bring peace. Today, the traditional custom of having children wear tiger-design hat and clothes still prevails in many places of the country. Symbolizing vigor and vitality, the tiger is expected to bring life and hope to a new year.

China Stamp: 2010-1

China Stamp
Name: Year of the Tiger - Geng Yin Year (虎年-庚寅年)
Number: 2010-1
Date of Issue: 05 January 2010
Value: 1 stamp/set

According to Chinese lunar calendar, 2010 is Geng-Yin Year, or the Year of the Tiger. Traditionally in China the tiger is crowned with the titles "King of All Beasts" and "Mountain Monarch", and the mysterious tiger totem represents people's worship for the animal in primitive society. The tiger is also a symbol of power and might, and its image was widely used as the design of military commander's tally in ancient times. In traditional Chinese culture, the tiger is often mentioned alongside the dragon to imply strength and prosperity. The Chinese people view the tiger as a holy animal, and use its image on various occasions to drive away evil spirits and bring peace. Today, the traditional custom of having children wear tiger-design hat and clothes still prevails in many places of the country. Symbolizing vigor and vitality, the tiger is expected to bring life and hope to a new year.

Taiwan Ferns FDCs

Taiwan FDCs
Name: Ferns
Date of Issue: 26 November 2009
Number: Sp. 536

Taiwan has among the highest density of ferns in the world and has been touted as the Kingdom of Ferns. To introduce the beauty of ferns, Chunghwa Post is issuing a set of four stamps and a souvenir sheet featuring Asplenium nidus, Cyathea spinulosa, Cyathea lepifera, and Cibotium taiwanense.

Denominations:
NT$5.00: Asplenium nidus (臺灣巢蕨)
Commonly known as the bird's-nest fern in English, its long slender fronds are layered and form a nest-like clump at its short fat rhizome. It is a large epiphytic fern and can usually be found growing on tree trunks. It is a common ornamental garden plant.

NT$9.00: Cyathea spinulosa (臺灣桫欏)
The plant is commonly known as the Taiwan tree fern in English. Its trunk is about five meters high, and its fronds are oval-shaped. New green fronds are upright and radiate from the crown, while the old fronds bend downward to form a leave skirt. This shade tolerant tree is common in mid- and low-elevation regions of the island.

NT$12.00: Cyathea lepifera (筆筒樹)
This fern is known as the common tree fern in English. It usually produces a single straight trunk up to a height of eight meters. Its fronds are large and form a clump at the crown. When an old frond falls, it will leave an obvious mark on the trunk where it once attached. It is a representative tree species in the subtropical areas of Taiwan.

NT$25.00: Cibotium taiwanense (臺灣金狗毛蕨)
This fern’s short, thick rhizome is densely covered with golden hairs and bears a crown of fronds. The base of its pinna is asymmetrical, and there are two to three pinnules less on the side closer to the ground. This terrestrial plant can only be found in Taiwan.

This set of stamps is printed in intaglio in combination with offset, and the effect is simply exquisite.