by catpaw | 9 Apr, 2022 | country Stamps, Stamps
Ready for more wonderful designs from the South Korea 2022 stamp program? It’s one of the countries I wander off too (via the internet) weekly, waiting for the first stamps to appear. So, why haven’t I posted them sooner? Korea is one of those countries that sends me down endless fascinating research paths. It’s high on my “I’d love to visit in real life” list, which in turn means I get hopelessly sidetracked with articles about Korean history, literature etc. And don’t get me started on Korean ghost stories! Mind you, it’s fun, it just doesn’t get the work done.
This year I’ve included more original Korean writing in the listings. I’m never sure if the translations are accurate, so I prefer to offer original information. If you find an error in translation, let me know. I have a number of readers who often drop notes to either untangle what I’ve written, or to offer a bit of clarity to a theme or topic.
Oh yeah, we have more cancels
Korea issues a combination of cancels to accompany their stamps as well as one-off commemoratives. Last year was a year of delights when it came to cancels. Top of the heap on any list, has to be this dragon for the Mysterious Animals in the Palace stamps.
You can’t go wrong with a classic dragon.
Returning themes
Fans of classic Korean art and architecture will be thrilled to see returns of the Precious Cultural Heritage Rediscovered, Folding Screens, and Old Architecture. As well, the ever popular Protected Marine Animals returns for a 5th year.
Lots of great collectable material to hunt down. Forgive me if I post too much information, I can’t help myself. I get so excited about the stories behind Korea’s stamps, that I can’t imagine anyone else not sharing my unfettered delight.
Cheers
Catpaw
February
Joseon Royal Court / 조선 왕실 어진
2 stamps, sheet of 12, 2 cancels
The painting of royal figures during the Joseon dynasty was fraught with problems:
The Joseon royal family considered it blasphemous to portray the king’s image indiscriminately and forbade it, and strictly controlled the production and management of portraits. According to the king’s command, the royal portrait was made with strict procedures and formalities. Since the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty, the Joseon Dynasty has been making royal dishes steadily, and the tradition has been maintained until the end of the Joseon Dynasty. However, most of the royal portraits of the early Joseon Dynasty were lost during the war, and most of the royal portraits of the late Joseon Dynasty were also burned or damaged in a fire while being moved to Busan during the Korean War. Currently, there are three kings of Joseon whose faces can only be recognized as a royal portrait: Taejo, Yeongjo, and Cheoljong. However, in the case of King Sejo, a copy of the portrait of the Emperor made in the 1930s has been handed down, so you can guess what it looked like. Each institution that currently owns the portraits is making steady efforts to preserve the portraits, such as preservation, restoration, and copying. 조선 왕실 어진 – 우표 상세보기 – 한국우표 – 한국우표포털서비스 K-stamp (epost.go.kr)
The Joseon Dynasty was founded by 이성계 Yi Seong-gye in 1392 and lasted until 1897. The two portraits are:
- 조선 태조 어진 | King Taejo of Joseon (이성계 Yi Seong-gye) was founder of the Joseon dynasty and reigned from 1392 to 1398 when he abdicated in favour of his brother Yi Bang-won.
- 조선 영조 어진 | Joseon King Yeongjo reigned from 1724 to 1776.
Designer: 김미화 | Kim Mi-Hwa
Previous stamps include the 2021 Definitives
Release date: February 7, 2022
다시 찾은 소중한 문화유산 | Precious cultural heritage rediscovered
4 stamps, sheet of 16, info sheet, 4 FDCs, cancel
Although the following link does not deal specifically with the 4 items shown in these stamps, it offers a valuable perspective in why recovering these artifacts are so important and how Korea is going about recovering their national treasures.
The cultural properties of a country, whether they are deemed national treasures or not, are valuable parts of that country’s story. They are seen as physical representations of national identity. Because of their historical significance, countries make every effort to preserve them well and use them to educate the next generation. August 27, 2019 [FORGOTTEN TREASURES] Preserving Korea’s artifacts worldwide: Partnerships with museums ensure that treasures are kept track of (joins.com) (in English)
- 신정왕후 왕세자빈 책봉 죽책 | Queen Shinjeong Crown Prince Jabin Chaebong Bamboo Book – This book was created in 1819 and found it’s way to Europe where it remained until 2017 when it came up for auction in France. The book was purchased by the Ministry of Culture and the National Palace Museum with donations from gaming company Riot Gaming.
- 영친왕 곤룡포 | King Yeongchin Gonryongpo worn on the king’s return from Japan in 1922. It was part of the National Museum of Japan collection from 1957 and returned to Korea 1991.
- 덕온공주 인장 | Seal of Princess Deokon (1822-1844), the last princess of the Joseon Dynasty, appeared at a Christies Auction in NYC in 2018.
- 영친왕비 백옥나비단작노리개 | Queen Yeongchin’s white jade butterfly, simple plaything from 1941. Repatriated to Korea from Japan in 1991.
Designer: unknown
Release date: February 14, 2022
March
윤용하 탄생 100주년 | Yun Yong-Ha’s 100th birthday
2022 원도포맷 2 2
1 stamp, sheet of 16, cancel, info sheet
Yun Yong-Ha “wrote songs celebrating Korea’s liberation, “gwangbok song”, and “barley field”, a representative song of Korea, and comforted many people with lyrical melodies”.
Designer: 신재용 | Shin Jae-Yong
Shin Jae-Yong designed 3 stamp sets s in 202 – Repatriated Treasured Cultural Heritage, Korean Aircraft, Hanboks For Children and a commemorative cancel 30th Yeongwoeleu Show.
Release date: March 16, 2022
한국YWCA 창립 100주년 | 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF YWCA KOREA
1 stamp, cancel, info sheet
Release date: March 25, 2022
책가도 병풍 | Chaekado Folding Screen
10 stamps, sheet of 20, cancel, info sheet
This stamp, when folded along the vertical perfs will stand up like a folding screen. A Chaekado is a folding screen, used to display books, ceramics, flowers etc. The Chaekado has a fascinating history in Korea, but here’s a very brief explanations from Korean post office’s website. The translation is from Google Translate, so I included the original for my Korean speaking audience. Feel free to correct the wonky translation and apologies for any errors. (Italics are mine)
19세기 최고의 책가도 화가로 손꼽히는 사람은 이형록입니다. 이형록은 대대로 도화서환원을 배출한 집안에서 성장했습니다. 아버지 이윤민도 책가도로 이름을 남겼고, 손자인 이덕영까지 이를 잘 그려 집안에서 화법을 계승했음을 알 수 있습니다. 그중 이형록의 대표작인 ‘책가도 병풍’은 총 10폭으로 구성된 걸작입니다. 병풍의 왼쪽 두 번째 폭에서 두 번째 단 위에 있는 인장함의 도장에 ‘이응록인(李膺祿印)’이라 적혀있어 작가를 알 수 있습니다. ‘이응록’은 이형록이 57세 때 개명한 이름입니다. 그는 생애 동안 두 번 개명했는데, 1864년에 이형록에서 이응록으로, 1871년에 이응록에서 이택균으로 개명했습니다. 따라서 이 작품은 1864년에서 1871년 사이에 그려진 것으로 추정됩니다. 그림을 자세히 보면 책장 칸의 옆면은 안쪽으로 들어갈수록 어두워지며, 책은 위치에 따라 대각선으로 비스듬하게 그려져 있습니다. 이처럼 책가도 병풍은 서양화의 투시도법과 명암법을 응용하여 공간감과 입체감이 두드러지는 것이 특징입니다. 그리고 이 작품에는 책과 문방구 외에도 새로운 서양 기물인 시계가 등장하고, 철쭉, 수선화, 국화, 모란 등의 꽃이 그려져 있습니다. 이는 모두 길상의 의미를 담고 있습니다.
Lee Hyeong-rok is considered one of the greatest bookmakers and painters of the 19th century. Lee Hyeong-rok grew up in a family that produced a dohwaseo reduction for generations. His father Yun-min Lee also left a name on the road to books, and it can be seen that his grandson Lee Deok-young also drew it well and inherited the method of speech in his family. Among them, Lee Hyeong-rok’s representative work ‘Chaekado Screening’ is a masterpiece composed of a total of 10 pages. On the seal of the seal box located on the second tier from the second to the left of the screen, ‘Lee Eung-rok-in (李膺祿印)’ is written, so you can know the artist. ‘Lee Eung-rok’ was the name that Hyeong-rok Lee changed when he was 57 years old. He changed his name twice during his lifetime, from Lee Hyeong-rok to Lee Eung-rok in 1864 and from Lee Eung-rok to Lee Taek-gyun in 1871. Therefore, it is believed that this work was painted between 1864 and 1871. If you look closely at the picture, the side of the bookcase compartment gets darker as you go inward, and the books are drawn diagonally depending on their location. As such, the Chakgado folding screen is characterized by a sense of space and three-dimensional effect by applying the perspective and contrast methods of Western paintings. In addition to books and stationery, a clock, a new Western tool, appears in this work, and flowers such as azaleas, daffodils, chrysanthemums, and peonies are depicted. All of these have auspicious meaning.
Artist: Lee Hyung-Rok “Chaekado Screen”. This didn’t translate well, so I’ve taken the title from the description. Here’s the original 이형록의 책가도 병풍
Release date: March 30, 2022
April
제15차 세계산림총회 | 15th World Forest Meeting
1 stamp, sheet of 16, cancel, info sheet
Building a Green, Healthy and Resilient Future with Forests
2–6 May 2022 | Coex, Seoul, Republic of Korea
XV WORLD FORESTRY CONGRESS (wfc2021korea.org)
Designer: 김미화 | Kim Mi-Hwa
Release date: April 5, 2022
한국의 옛 건축(성당) | Old Architecture in Korea (cathedral)
8 stamps, sheet of 16 showing exteriors, sheet of 4 showing interiors, cancel, info sheet
Stamps in order:
- Yakhyeon Catholic Church in Seoul 천주교 서울 약현성당
- Jeondong Catholic Church Jeonju 천주교 전주 전동성당
- Anglican Church Ganghwa Cathedral 성공회 강화성당
- Yakhyeon Catholic Church in Seoul 천주교 서울 약현성당
- Anglican Catholic Church of Seoul 성공회 서울주교좌성당
- Jeondong Catholic Church Jeonju 천주교 전주 전동성당
- Anglican Church Ganghwa Cathedral 성공회 강화성당
- Seoul Anglican Cathedral 성공회 서울주교좌성당
Release date: April 14, 2022
해양보호생물(다섯 번째 묶음) | Marine Protected Life
5th in series
4 stamps, sheet of 16, cancel
- white footed crab
- red footed crab
- dalanger (Not sure 달랑게 translated correctly)
- sea crab
Designer: 박은경 | Park Eun-Kyung
Previous designs from 2021 Korean Ships, Korean Dogs, and commemorative cancel Guamegi.
Release date: April 20, 2022
목포 해상케이블카 | Mokpo Maritime Cable Car
commemorative cancel
목포해상케이블카 (mmcablecar.com) (In Korean, use Google Translate)
At 3.23 km, the Mokpo cable car is the longest in Korea.
Designer: 김미화 | Kim Mi-Hwa
Release date: April 22, 2022
May
100th Anniversary Children’s Day – Children Growing Up in Warm Love
1 stamp, sheets of 16, cancel
Designer: Jung Eun-young | 정은영
Release date: May 4, 2022
50th Anniversary of International People to People Korea Headquarters
1 pre-stamped postcard
Designer: Mihwa Kim 김미화
Release date: May 9, 2022
Inauguration of the 20th President
1 stamp, souvenir sheet, cancel, sheets of 15
Yoon Seok-yeol took office May 10, 2022
Designer: Shinjae-yong | 신재용
Release date: May 10, 2022
June
Endangered Animals Returning to Nature
2 stamps, 2 FDCs, 2 maxi cards, cancel, sheet of 16, info sheet
The ‘picking’, belonging to the stork-necked stirring family, has a gray head and neck, back and chest area from March to June during the breeding season, and from October onwards, the entire body changes to a pale tangerine color, which from a distance looks like white. Unseen for more than 40 years after being observed in the Demilitarized Zone in 1979, the Taogi flew back through the mountains and fields thanks to the efforts of the Upotaogi Restoration Center of Changning County. In March 2020, a spontaneously radiated male picking was also seen living in the previous year, 190 km away in a straight line, East Sea until Young.
‘Foxes’ were distributed throughout the Korean Peninsula until the 1960s, but the population plummeted due to secondary damage and habitat damage caused by the rat-catching movement. It has been believed to have been extinct in the country since the 1980s, but the discovery of fox carcasses in Yanggu, Gangwon Province, in 2004 raised the possibility of survival. From 2012 to the present, restoration projects have been carried out around Sobaeksan National Park, and there are currently more than 90 foxes living in the Fox Ecological Observation Center in Yeongju Province, Gyeongbuk Province, who have adaptation machines before going out into the wild.
Endangered animals returning to nature – Detailed view of stamps – Korean stamps – Korea Stamp Portal Service K-stamp (epost.go.kr)
Designer: Mihwa Kim 김미화
Release date: June 3, 2022
Blood Donations
1 stamp, maxi card, cancel, sheet of 12, info sheet
Designer: Jung Eun-young 정은영 유지형
Release date: June 14, 2022
Celestial Fields 천상열차분야지도 – the June Sky
7 stamps on souvenir sheet, 7 FDCs cancel, info sheet
Astronomical Map of Joseon
South Korea post has free wallpaper featuring this set. Get it here Korea Stamp Portal K-stamp: Naver Blog It’s available in both desktop and smartphone format
Designer: Jung Eun-young 정은영
Release date: June 24, 2022
July
Modern Sculpture
2 stamps, 2 maxi cards, 2 FDCs, cancel, sheet of 16
Kim Jung-Sook 김정숙 and Jong-Young Kim 김종영 (1915–1982)
Welcome to the Kim Jung-sook Sculptor homepage. (kimchungsook.com)
The pioneer of Korean abstract sculpture, Woo Sung Kim Jong-young (1915-1982), is widely regarded as a sculptor and a “writer of the Buddha Angle.” It was to reveal the essence of physical properties with minimal expression that excluded humanity. “Kim Jong-young, the author of the Buddhist Awakening, the world of unnatural nature that he revealed” – The Herald Economics (heraldcorp.com) (Use Google translate)
Designer: Shinjae-yong 신재용
Release date: July 7, 2022
Gregor Mendel’s 200th Birthday
1 stamp, FDC, maxi card, cancel, sheet of 15, info sheet
Korea Post’s write up on Mendel is excellent. You can read the entire entry here 200th Anniversary of Gregor Mendel’s Birth – Detailed Stamp View – Korean Stamps – Korea Stamp Portal Service K-stamp (epost.go.kr). It’s in Korean and translates well.
Born in Heisendolf, Austria, in 1822 to a farmer father and a horticultural mother, Mendel nurtured the dream of a botanist in the midst of difficult circumstances. Mendel, who entered the Monastery School of St. Augustine in 1843 on the recommendation of his gifted teacher Franz, studied a variety of disciplines, including theology. Even after his appointment as a formal priest in 1847, Mendel continued his passion for study and studied physics, mathematics and plant physiology at the University of Vienna, Austria.
At the time, scholars thought it was normal for all children born between tall fathers and small mothers to be about halfway in height, but in reality, this law did not fit well. To uncover this, Mendel planted peas of varying size, color, and shape, creating more than 10,300 hybrids over the course of 8 years, and published a paper titled “A Study on Plant Hybrids.” However, Mendel’s thesis, which is not a scholar who has formally entered academia, has been thoroughly ignored. Mendel, however, reversed the old “mixed fusion theory” by proposing the so-called “law of dominance” (the law of dominance) that if you plant a yellow pea that is a dominant purebred and a recessive green pea, you can only get a yellow pea. In addition, when hybrid peas were bred, the genes in each pea were isolated and inherited (the law of separation), and as a result, not only the dominant yellow peas but also the recessive green peas appeared among the offspring. We also found the “law of independence” that when two or more traits are inherited at once, each gene is isolated and inherited independently, regardless of the other.
You can read the rest 200th Anniversary of Gregor Mendel’s Birth – Detailed Stamp View – Korean Stamps – Korea Stamp Portal Service K-stamp (epost.go.kr)
Designer: Shinjae-yong 신재용
Release date: July 20, 2022
August
Foreigners Committed to Korean Independence
2 stamps, 2 maxi cards, 2 FDCs, cancel, sheet of 16
Designer: 유지형
Release date: August 12, 2022
Chwitadae 취타대 – Traditional Korean Marching Band
3 stamps, sheet of 15, cancel
Designer: Eun-Kyung Park | 박은경
Release date: August 28, 2022
September
Folk play
2 stamps, sheet of 16, cancel
bow shooting & Tuho a traditional Korean game.
Designer: unlisted
Release date: September 15, 2022
Stamp Hobby Week
2 stamps, sheet of 16, cancel
Philately week celebrates street food!
A number of cancels will be issued or this date. I’ll be posting them later in August.
Designer: Eun-Kyung Park | 박은경
Release date: September 22, 2022
October
100th Anniversary of the Opening of Namsan Public Library
1 stamp, sheets of 16, cancel
Namsan Library, Seoul Special Municipal Education Agency (sen.go.kr)
Release date: October 5, 2022
Korean Original Musicals
4 stamps, souvenir sheet, cancel
Korea Post issued a very good press release on these 4 musicals:
Empress Myeongseong
First staged in 1995, “Empress Myeongmyeong” depicts Empress Myeongseong’s efforts to contain Japanese rule during the rehabilitation policy and the story of “Empress Myeongseong’s Murder Incident” on October 8, 1895. Empress Myeongseong was so beloved that it became the first Korean musical to release Standing Seat, and in 1997 it became the first Asian musical to make its way to Broadway in the United States. In 2007, it became the first musical to surpass 1 million viewers, performing more than 1,300 times and achieving a cumulative audience of 1.9 million.
Nanta
Korea’s first nonverbal (non-verbal) performance, “Nanta,” is a work that is pounded like the “Nantajeon” in a boxing match, performing only rhythm and beats without dialogue. Set in a large kitchen, four chefs are banging on various kitchen utensils to cook for the reception. With a 318-city tour in 58 countries around the world, with a cumulative audience of more than 14 million, “Nanta” has established itself as Korea’s representative cultural product.
Myeongdong Nanta :: THE NANTA The play opened in 1997 and, after a hiatus due to Covid, is still currently running in Seoul.
Werther
Based on Goethe’s novel The Sorrows of Young Werther and premiering in 2000, “Werther” depicts the unattainable love between a young Werther, and her fiancé, Lotte. Living up to the fame of the original, the musical was also a huge hit, and in 2020 it celebrated its 20th anniversary and exceeded 300,000 cumulative viewers. Werther is particularly well known for his domestically created musicals, where the so-called “revolving door audience” was first created, with repeated performances.
Laundry
“Laundry”, which has been performed steadily since its premiere in 2005, has not only expanded overseas, but has also been recognized by the public and critics to the extent that it has been published in middle and high school literature textbooks in Korea. Centering on Seo Na-young, who moved to Seoul from her hometown, and Solongo, a migrant worker who came to Korea from Mongolia, he portrayed the lives of small citizens on the outskirts of Seoul. “Laundry” also entered Japan and China, where it received a good response, and in 17 years, it has been performed 5,000 times and has accumulated more than 1 million viewers, becoming Korea’s representative original musical.
Designer: Eun-Kyung Park | 박은경
Release date: October 14, 2022
Korean Comedy
2 stamps, cancel
Koo Bong-seo (1926~2016)
Nam Bo-won (1936~2020)
Designer: Mihwa Kim
Release date: October 25, 2022
November
Woodwind Instruments
General stamp
1 stamp, cancel, sheets of 30
Designer: Mihwa Kim
Release date: November 11, 2022
Cheonmachong Gwanmo
General stamp
1 stamp, cancel, sheets of 30
Coffin from the Three Kingdoms period (Silla) , Cheonmachong in Gyeongju, North Gyeongju, North Korea
Designer: Eun-Kyung Park | 박은경
Release date: November 11, 2022
Vegetable Blossoms
2 stamps, sheets of 12, cancel
Burdock (Arctium lappa) and Mustard (Brassica juncea)
Designer: Eunyoung Jung
Release date: November 11, 2022
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Ministry) – Cheoyongmu
2 stamps, sheet of 8, cancel, info sheet
Cheoyongmu is a traditional Korean dance, performed during the New Year
Cheoyongmu is a court dance today performed on stage but formerly used to dispel evil spirits and pray for tranquillity at royal banquets or during exorcism rites on New Year’s Eve to promote good fortune. Based on the Korean legend of Cheoyong, a son of the dragon king Yongwang, who took human form and saved his human wife from the smallpox spirit through singing and dancing, the dance is performed by five men clad in white, blue, black, red and yellow to represent the four cardinal directions and the centre.
Cheoyongmu – intangible heritage – Culture Sector – UNESCO
Designer: Mihwa Kim 김미화
Release date: November 18, 2022
December
Lunar New Year – Year of the Rabbit
2 stamps, 1 souvenir sheet, 1 sheet
Flatbed / 4 degrees / red foil / hologram foil
Rabbit in the Snow
Designer: Shin Jae-yong 신재용
Release date: December 1, 2022
Successful Launch of Nuri
1 stamp, sheets of 16, cancel
The successful launch of the Nuri… World’s 7th self-powered satellite launch station – Chosun Ilbo
Designer: Shin Jae-yong 신재용
Release date: December 16, 2022
200th Anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s Birth
1 stamp, sheets of 15, cancel
Designer: Mihwa Kim 김미화
Release date: December 27, 2022
Check out last year’s stamps -> South Korean stamps for 2021 thematic heaven
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by catpaw | 28 Mar, 2022 | country Stamps, Stamps
I thought it was time I turned my attention to 2022 stamps Uzbekistan. In typical fashion, I started exploring 2021 stamps and was sidetracked with the 2022 program. More specifically, Uzbekistan’s Culture of the Ancient States stamps from March. Yup, it doesn’t take much to distract me. Throw a bit of history and culture my way and I’ll happily spend hours researching and sipping espresso.
I’ve included a lot of links below that explores various aspects of Uzbekistan. It’s hard not to get excited about a country sitting smack dab in the middle of the Silk Road. I have maps of the silk route and have spent hours plotting trips along the ancient roads and one of the highlights, in my imaginary plans, is a long stop at Samarkand! To prep yourself for stamps from Uzbekistan, start with this article Samarkand’s silk road treasures | Euronews. Ok, ok, I’ll settle down now and get back to stamps.
My hunt for information on designers and artists has not been fruitful. The culture and language gap has been a bit difficult to get around. I’m feeling a doubtful about my chances of finding details. But never say die.
I’ll be returning to the 2021 season soon and will try to post it before long. There were two stamps by artist Zakirova Kh, from last year that rank as my personal favourite.
Be honest. You knew they would be food related, didn’t you? The two dishes are manty and lagman. I haven’t had the chance to taste lagman, but there used to be a restaurant in my neighbourhood that served a decent plate of manty. I almost went into withdrawal when the placed closed down. Food, history, art, culture … no better way to explore them than through the stories stamps tell. So, time to explore Uzbekistan’s 2022 stamps, it’s going to be a fascinating year.
Enjoy
February
Beekeeping
Series: Agriculture of Uzbekistan
1 stamp in sheets of 8
offset printing
Beekeeping in Uzbekistan dates back to the close of the 19th century. However, collecting of honey can be traced back to ancient times. According to the Beekeepers’ Association in Uzbekistan, honey was mentioned by the great scholar & physician Abu Ali ibn Sina in his book on “Ordinary Medicines and Means”. He wrote:
Honey is hidden from the eye of the dew that falls on flowers and other plants that collect bees, it affects the behavior of bees, and bees collect it for food and storage, there is an acute and poisonous type of honey. The best honey is spring and summer.
You can learn more about beekeeping in Uzbekistan on the ASSOCIATION OF BEEKEEPERS OF THE FERGANA REGION website. There is an English translation available, courtesy the Beekeepers Association.
Designer: Mulla-Akhunov D.
Release date: February 10, 2022
Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo
Series: sports
6 stamps
offset
Designer: Kanevets E.
Release date: February 10, 2022
March
Culture of the Ancient States
Series: History of Culture of Uzbekistan
4 stamps on sheet of 4
offset
Featuring the regions of Bactria, Sogd and Khorezm
- The Chalice with the Sogdian Inscription. V century. Sogd
- The Ring. V-VI centuries. Karatepa settlement. Surkhandarya region
- Coin. The middle of the VIII century. King Savshafan. Khorezm
You can learn more about the region here:
Who Were the Sogdians, | The Sogdians (si.edu) This is a fascinating page about “an ancient Silk Road people whose major influence on world art, culture, and trade has only in the last fifty years begun to be fully understood”. (In English)
SOGDIAN TRADE – Encyclopaedia Iranica (iranicaonline.org)
Seal and Its Impression | The Sogdians
Karatepa, Termez, Uzbekistan (uzbek-travel.com)
Notes on the numismatics of ancient Khwarezm – Persée (persee.fr) This is a substantial article on coins from the region. It’s lengthy nd detailed. (In English)
Designer: Mulla-Akhunov D.
Release date: March 4, 2022
Miniature souvenirs – Folk crafts
Series: Applied Art of Uzbekistan
4 stamps
offset
Miniature figurines are always dressed in bright handmade national costumes, and look very different. In these smiling figurines, the love of the Uzbek people for bright colors and decorations is felt. PRESS RELEASE on the issue of postage stamps “Miniature souvenirs” of the series “Applied Art of Uzbekistan” (pochta.uz)
Designer: Kanevets E.
Release date: March 4, 2022
85th Anniversary the People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Batyr Zakirov’s Birth 1936-1985
1 stamp
offset
Zakirov is considered the founder of Uzbek pop music.
Having studied first at the Conservatory, then at the Tashkent State Institute of Theatrical Art, B. Zakirov mastered not only the art of singing, but also directing. At the same time, being a versatile and hardworking personality, he achieved great success in poetry, fine and acting arts, translated a number of works of Russian writers into Uzbek. PRESS RELEASE on the issue of a special postage stamp dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the birth of the People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Batyr Zakirov (pochta.uz)
Here’s an audio recording of Zakirov singing Arabic Tango:
Designer: Yusupaliyev U.
Release date: March 4, 2022
Defender of the Fatherland Day – January 14
1 stamp
offset
Homeland Defenders` Day in Uzbekistan (advantour.com)
The figure on horseback is Amir Temur, a great military leader credited with founding the Timurid Empire (1370).
Amir Temur was born on April 9, 1336 in the village of Khodja Ilgar (Yakkabag) near Kesh (Shakhrisabz). According to the legend he was born with a bloodstain in his hand and hair white like that of an old man, the same was said of Genghis Khan. His father, Emir Muhammad Taragai, came from a noble family of the Turkish tribe Barlass. He was an influential man and enjoyed great authority in Mawarounnahr. His ancestors took a worthy place in the ranks of the palace elite of the Chagatai Ulus and derived their ancestry from the legendary leader of the Turks Alan-kuva, and their possessions were around Kesh and Nesef. Amir Temur | Famous People of Central Asia | Turkestan Travel
Designer: Yusupaliyev U.
Release date: March 4, 2022
May
Islom Ota Mosque (Tashkent)
1 stamp
offset
Oldest mosques in Uzbekistan Islam Ota Mosque | Uzbekistan Travel
Designer: Mulla-Akhunov D.
Release date: May 7, 2022
Historical Monuments and Sights of Uzbekistan
5 stamps
offset
- Kharat Khizr Mosque (Samarkand) – one of the oldest mosques in Samarkand. Built in the 8th century and destroyed in the 1220CE during an attack on Samarkand by Genghis Khan. Fully restored in 1854.
- Sheikh Muhammad Mosque Sadyk Muhammad Yusuf (Tashkent) –
- Complex Shakhi Zinda (Samarkand) – Shakhi-Zinda – The Complex of mausoleums in Samarkand – Adras Travel
- Madrasah Chor Minor (Bukhara) – The 4 towers of Chor Minor were built in the 19th c. Chor Minor Madrasa, Bukhara, Uzbekistan (orientalarchitecture.com)
- Madrasah Sherdor (Samarkand) – built in the 17th c. “The madrasah was built by order of Ashtarkhanid Yalantgush Bahadur on the site of the dismantled khanaka of Ulughbek in 1619-1636. The Samarkand architect Abdulzhabbor was involved in the construction, and the decoration was made by the master Muhammad Abbas.” Sherdor Madrasah | Uzbekistan Travel
Samarkand is part of the UNESCO Silk Road Project. Original settlements can be traced to 1500 BCE. With merchants travelling the silk road, Samarkand was transformed into a major commercial hub for traders from across Asia and Europe, Samarkand | Silk Roads Programme (unesco.org)
Designer: Mulla-Akhunov D.
Release date: May 20, 2022
June
Flora of Uzbekistan – Medicinal plants
Offset printing
Designer: Zakirov Kh
Release date: June 29, 2022
Museums of Uzbekistan
2 stamps, 1 stamp on souvenir sheet
Stamps dedicated to the State Uzbek Museum of the History of the Timurids located in the capita city Tashkent. It officially opened October 18, 1996, on the 660th anniversary of the birth of Amir Temur.
The Museum of the History of the Timurids contains about 5 thousand exhibits, all of which relate to the reign of Amir Timur and the Timurid dynasty. Approximately 2 thousand of them are exhibited in the exhibition halls of the museum. The museum presents the genealogy of Amir Timur, his coming to rule, military campaigns, diplomatic and trade relations, milestones in the development of the city, education and science. There are also exhibits related to members of the Timurid dynasty: weapons, maps, coins, miniatures, manuscripts, pottery and jewelry. PRESS RELEASE on the issue of postage stamps dedicated to the series “Museums of Uzbekistan” (pochta.uz)
- Ottoman Koran (facsimile) St. Petersburg. 1905
- The saddle is made of wood. XV-XVII centuries
- State Museum of the History of the Timurids
Museum of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), Tashkent, Uzbekistan | Attractions on Aba Travel (abasayyoh.com)
Designer: Mulla-Akhunov D.
Release date: June 29, 2022
September
Golden Heritage of Uzbekistan – Ceramics
4 stamps
offset
Lyagans are large dishes, decorated in unique styles for the various regions of Uzbekistan.
- Lyagan by Bakhtiyar Nazirov (Fergana, Rishtan) – “Bakhitor Nazirovand his son Diyorbek are well-known for their intricate designs in blue and turquoise which, according to ancient beliefs, are the colors of pure water and cloudless sky, symbolizing happiness. ” Bakhtiyor Nazirov & Diyorbek Nazirov – International Folk Art Market
This style of lyagan (Rishtan ceramics) dates back nearly 1000 years and virtually unchanged in design and materials for 800 years.
- Lyagan by Vakhobjon Buvaev (Namangan, Gurumsaray) – “Vakhobjon Buvaev continues the traditions of the Gurumsarai school. Buvaev is not a hereditary master, he learned the secrets of the skill of Gurumsarai ceramics from the famous ceramist Maksudali Turapov. Master Buvaev works in traditional technology, using ishkor glaze, manual molding on a potter’s wheel and the execution of ornamental and artistic painting on products. ” Exhibition “Secrets of Gurumsarai Ceramics” by Vakhobjon Buvaev (uzdaily.uz)
For more information on the Gurumsarai school and Buvaev’s role in preserving it, check out this article The well-forgotten old: the new life of traditional Uzbek crafts | AD Magazine (use google translate)
- Lyagan by Abdulla Narzullayev (Bukhara, Gijduvan) – “Ibodulo Narzullayev was one of the most famous ceramists of Uzbekistan and the founder of the Gijduvan school of ceramics. He took part in more than 50 international exhibitions. Usta (translated from Uzbek as “master”) Ibadullo created not only his individual style, but also passed on his skills to his sons Alisher and Abdullo and daughter Nodira. This is the sixth generation, continuing the tradition of creating ceramic products of their family. To date, Gijduvan artisans are known not only in Uzbekistan, but also around the world.” Traditional Gizduvan Ceramics: Abdullo Narzullayev Ceramic Workshop in Gijduvan (orexca.com)
Abdulla Narzullaev – IFAM Artist Stories (ifamstories.org)
- Lyagan by Allazar Sa’dullaev (Khorezm, Khiva) – still researching this one.
In Uzbekistan, the craft centers for making lyagans are widely known: Samarkand, Gijduvan, Rishtan, Shakhrisabz, Tashkent, Khorezm. Each center of ceramics has its own unique ornamental style. ПРЕСС-РЕЛИЗ о выпуске почтовых марок серии «Золотое наследие Узбекистана. Керамика» (pochta.uz)
Designer: Kanevets E.
Release date: September 7, 2022
Frogs
Series: Fauna of Uzbekistan
4 stamps
offset
- Bufotes viridis (Green toad)
- Bufotes turanensis (Turan toad)
- Bufotes pewzowi (Toad Pevtsova)
- Pelophylax ridibundus (Lake frog)
Artist: Kim A
Designer: Zakirov Kh.
Release date: September 7, 2022
National Cuisine of Uzbekistan
2 stamps
offset
Chickpeas with meat (Нут с мясом) & Khasyp (Хасип)
Check this video out! It shows chickpeas with meat being made from scratch. There are many variations on this dish throughout the region, but this one is from Uzbekistan. It’s subtitled in English.
Uzbek homemade liverwurst sausage Khasyp. Uzbek homemade liver sausage. (centralasia-travel.com)
Designer/artist: Zakirov Kh
Release date: September 7, 2022
Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
1 stamp on souvenir sheet, cancel
Released to coincide with the annual meeting. This year, it was held in Samarkand September 15-16. The stamp shows the flags of participating members India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Designer: Yusupaliev U.
Release date: September 12, 2022
October
Archaeological Research of the Great Silk Road
Joint issue with China
4 stamps, 2 stamps on souvenir sheet, souvenir sheet
offset
This set of stamps highlights important discoveries made in joint excavations of the eastern and western foothills of Tengritag. This article highlights some of the work Chinese archeologists and scientists have done in the last 2 years that have brought new information to light.
Stamps:
- Bronze gryphon plaque (V-II centuries BCE)
- Golden object in the shape of a ram’s head, Golden object in the shape of a tiger (V-II centuries BCE)
- Sphinx jewelry made of faience (II-I centuries BCE)
- Gold head ornament with heart gallery (II-I centuries BCE)
Souvenir sheets:
- High relief of the tomb of An Jia (VI century)
- High relief tomb of An Jia (VI century)
- Frescoes on the ruins of Afrasiab (VI century)
This set of stamps and souvenir sheets was released for the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with China. They explore the archaeological treasures found on the Silk Route, specifically in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan’s history is rich and deep, with archeological evidence of human habitation dating to the Palaeolithic Age (500,000-1,000,000 years ago).
The Silk Road Program has an extensive page on Uzbekistan’s role Uzbekistan | Silk Roads Programme (unesco.org). Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor (Uzbekistan) – UNESCO World Heritage Centre discusses the proposed World Heritage Centre site, nominated in 2021 and sheds a bit of light on how crucial Uzbekistan was to the ancient road.
The different Silk Road routes.
The Silk Road began some time in the 2nd century BCE during the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-220 A.D.). It was the first major link between the west and the east for trade and diplomacy. The Silk Road was more than one route; it spanned Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe and cut across dozens of countries and kingdoms. UNESCO has classified it a World Heritage Treasure and has worked hard to protect the route. It is impossible to overstate the importance of the Silk Road for its impact on human development:
The vast trade networks of the Silk Roads carried more than just merchandise and precious commodities. In fact, the constant movement and mixing of populations brought about the widespread transmission of knowledge, ideas, cultures and beliefs, which had a profound impact on the history and civilizations of the Eurasian peoples. Travellers along the Silk Roads were attracted not only by trade but also by the intellectual and cultural exchange taking place in cities along the Silk Roads, many of which developed into hubs of culture and learning. Science, arts and literature, as well as crafts and technologies were thus shared and disseminated into societies along the lengths of these routes, and in this way, languages, religions, and cultures developed and influenced one another. About the Silk Roads | Silk Roads Programme (unesco.org)
This link Exploration by land; Silk and spice routes series; 1993 (unesco.org) opens up an 8-page pdf explaining what the road was/is and how it developed. A good easy introduction to the history of the Silk Road.
If you’d like to learn more about the Silk Road, I recommend the UNESCO Silk Road Program site. The initiative began in 1988 as an effort to “better understand the rich history and shared legacy of the historic Silk Roads”. The site includes links to museums, major cities on the route and more. Uzbekistan’s Bukhara Museum is on the list and would be a must see for anyone lucky enough to visit the country.
One day this is the trip I’ll take: Silk Road Travel Tours | National Geographic Expeditions It’s a 16-day tour along Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, including Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road. If I ever created a bucket list, this would be near the top. If I go, I’ll send you postcards from every stop!
Designer: Mulla-Akhunov D.
Release date: October 7, 2022
30th Anniversary of the Republic of Uzbekistan Constitution
1 stamp
offset
Designer: Yusupaliyev U.
Release date: December 6, 2022
by catpaw | 12 Mar, 2022 | country Stamps, Stamps
Oh my invertebrate loving readers, Botswana is back with another issue just for you! The Botswana 2022 stamp program starts with more from their Invertebrates of the Kalahari series. This year Myriapods in Botswana are the stars. Botswana doesn’t issue a lot of stamps, usually 3 or 4 sets per year, which creates sense of excitement when they are finally released. I’ve been hitting Botswana Post’s website a couple times a week since January 2, waiting for the new season to start.
So, why the excitement? Easy – their designers are exquisite. Last year’s Scorpions of the Kalahari featured work from local artists Totang Mokolokii and Monkgogi Samson’s cover design. Here’s the FDC for 2021’s Invertebrates:
The FDC would have been so fun to receive through the mail! Especially coming all the way to Canada on a cold, snowy winter day. I’m not a big fan of spider members of the arachnid family, but I do love good scorpion artwork. And this was so fun. I have a thing for scorpions. Spiders make me run screaming into the night, but scorpions – f*cking awesome. And they glow when hit with a black light. No other creature comes dance party ready with glow in the dark duds the way a scorpion does. Take that spiders.
Along with each set of stamps, covers and blocks, Botswana post issues info sheets. Last year I included the info sheets, but as of the date of this post, they aren’t up yet. When they are available, I’ll upload it. The sheets add a lot of fascinating information about each series.
Hope you enjoy Botswana as much as I do. If you have any resources on artists from Botswana, please leave a link below. It doesn’t matter if they have designed stamps or not. I’m eager to learn more. As well, any solid links on Botswana’s history and culture would be equally appreciated.
March
Invertebrates of the Kalahari no.4: Myriapods in Botswana
4 stamps, souvenir sheet, FDC
The Commemorative issue showcases the Millipedes (Diplopoda) and Centipedes (Chiplopoda) of the Kalahari in Botswana. The Millipede is known as “sebokolodi” and the Centipede is called “mosithaphala” in Setswana. Botswana Post Office March 10, 2022
Designer: Monkgogi Samson, Demographix Agency
Previous designs include 2021 and 2020 Invertebrates series
Artist: Baboloki Samolekae
Smolekae artwork appeared on the 2020 Invertebrates series
Release date: March 10, 2022
May
International Museum Day
2 stamps on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
Release date: May 20, 2022
October
Bridges of Botswana
4 stamps, 2 FDCs, cancel, sheets of 40
- Kazungula Bridge
- Mohembo Bridge
Designer: Shathani Basupi
This is Basupi’s 3rd stamp for Botswana post. He is a self-described creative nerd. Previous stamps were the 2021 African Fish Eagle and 2020 Water Conservation. Basupi is a designer with The Wow Factor.
Release date: October 9, 2022
December
Baobabs in Botswana
4 stamps on a souvenir sheet, sheets of 40, FDC, cancel
Giant African baobab trees die suddenly after thousands of years | Africa | The Guardian
Designer: Philip Huebsch
Release date: December 8, 2022
Botswana’s 1st NFT Issues
5 NFTs featuring some of the best of Botswana’s classic designs.
Les nouveautés en cours Cryptos & NFTs | Bitter Grounds Magazine
Release date: December 14, 2022
You can see the 2021 issues from Botswana here.
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by catpaw | 7 Mar, 2022 | country Stamps, Stamps
Ok, I confess to using a bit of click bait for the Tunisian 2022 stamps, but how could I resist? Just look at this FDC featuring Smar, Tataouine!
FDC featuring Smar, Tataouine
This is the best FDC from Tunisia to date. Designer Hédi Ben Jedyen used every inch of the cover to show off Smar’s out of this world landscape. Tunisia produces interesting covers, including a few imaginative sets last year. The best of 2021 was the Young People and Exact Sciences. Tunisian designer Islem Ouali incorporated children’s artwork to create a memorable quartet of stamps and this FDC.
Another cover that caught my eye last year, was Ridha Zaafrane’s stunning artwork Abolition of Slavery and Servitude in Tunisia January 23, 1846. He incorporated an image from the 1846 decree onto the cover to accompany his artwork and produced this FDC.
2022’s program includes the yearly EUROMED competition, with the theme Marine Archeology and Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean. Tunisia has an embarrassment of riches to choose. And flora lovers will be treated to Plants of Tunisia : Globular – Thyme – Chamomile – Sage. A good year all around I think.
If you are from Tunisia or familiar with the country, I’d appreciate a bit of help pumping up details for each stamp. Tunisia’s post office is short on press releases and details and as a result, I was a bit disappointed with the 2021 page, not because of the stamps and covers, but because of the lack of information I was able to offer. Any links you can refer me to, regarding newspaper articles or journals, would be appreciated. They do not have to be in English. With Google Translate and a bit of common sense, I can muddle through just about any article online.
March
Lunar landscape in Smar, Tataouine
1 stamp, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
offset
This stamp and FDC is designed to heighten awareness of Tunisia’s geological wonders.
Designer: Hédi Ben Jedyen
This is Ben Jedyen’s first stamp for Tunisia post.
Release date: March 7, 2022
Tunisian Independence Day
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
offset
Promotional ad
Tunisia gained independence March 20, 1956
Release date: March 20, 2022
May
60th Anniversary of the Creation of the Tunisian Society of Electricity and Gas (STEG)
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
For some reason, I can no longer access the Tunisia post office. When I can, I’ll post the FDCs and cancels.
Release date: May 3, 2022
Plants of Tunisia : Globular – Thyme – Chamomile – Sage
4 stamps on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
Designers: Amin Sha`ban | Layla `Allaqi | Yassin Ghurbal
Release date: May 15, 2022
June
Ecotourism : Kesra a Siliana, Dahar a Medenine
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
Designer: Hila bin Shaykh
Release date: June 1, 2022
Ships from the Manuba Military Museum
2 stamps, FDC, cancel
Carthaginian Galley & Arab Shabak Warship
The Carthaginian Galley previously appeared on a Tunisian stamp in 1916
Cog and Galley: Early Arab Warships
Release date: June 24, 2022
Joint Issue with Egyptian Cultural Year in Tunisia
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
Release date: June 30, 2022
July
Euromed 2022: Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean (Testour – Takrouna)
2 stamps, FDC, cancel
Testour is located in the northwest of Tunisia and is one of the oldest Andalusian cities in North Africa. The city was founded at the beginning of the 17th century by the Moriscos (Andalusians), who landed there coming from Andalusia.
One of the most important monuments by which Testour is known is the Great Mosque, which was built by Mohamed Teghrino in the year 7630.
Takrouna is a Tunisian village, located in Sousse, near the city of Enfidha. lt is one of the Berber villages that has retained its character and is an ancient and impregnable village that has protected its inhabitants from invasions and raids throughout history.
Designer/artist: Élève Siwar CH/Hl, Élève Sara BEN AYED-Hackathon
The stamps were designed by the students who participated in a “Hackathon organized by the Tunisian Post in partnership with the Ministry of Education”
Release date: July 11, 2022
August
Tunisian Women Celebrated
22 stamps on a sheet
- Fatma Haddad, Women’s Rights Activist
- Maya Jaribi, Politician
- Female Agricultural Workers
- Za`ara Sultani, Political Activist
- Mufida al-Tilatli, Film Director
- Al-Zahra Fa’iza, Actress
- Na`ama, Singer
- Raja’ bin `Ummar, Actress
- `Azza Hammu, Nuclear Medicine Pioneer
- Fatuma al-Namla, Women’s Rights Activist
- Sharifa al-Mass`adi, Teachers Union Leader
- Samiya `Akrut, Architect
- Sophonisba, Carthaginian Heroine
- Zaynab Farhat, Cultural Activist and Politician
- Gladys Adda, Nationalist Leader and Women’s Rights Activist
- Sa`ida al-Jilali, Environment Activist
- Kahina, Berber Queen
- `A’isha al-Manubiya, Sufi Saint
- ‘Arwa al-Qayrawaniyya Women’s Rights Organziation
- Al-Jaziya al-Hilaliya, Literary Heroine
- ‘Uns Jabir, Champion Tennis Player
- `Arussiyya al-Naluti, Author
Stamp exhibition honors distinguished women in Tunisia-Xinhua (news.cn) is an interesting write up on the stamps and a special exhibit held in Tunis.
Release date: August 11, 2022
September
Raptors of Tunisia
4 stamps, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
Artists: Yosr JAMOUSSI & Héla BEN CHEIKH
Release date: September 26, 2022
October
World Teachers’ Day : Fighting School Violence Centre
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
offset
Designer: E.P cité al waha El Agba – hackathon
Release date: October 5, 2022
World Post Day
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 10
offset
Designer: UPU
This was a common design, used by all participating post offices
Release date: October 9, 2022
Breast Cancer Awareness
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
offset
Designer: Islem OUALI
Previous design 2021 Young people and exact sciences : Mathematics – Physics – Robotics – Coding
Release date: October 10, 2022
31st Ordinary Session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the Summit Level
1 stamp, FDC, cancel
offset
Designer not specified
Release date: October 25, 2022
November
Francophonie Summit: Dierba 2022
1 stamp, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
Designer not specified
Release date: November 2022
If you liked Tunisia’s 2022 stamps, then you need to check out last year’s offerings Tunisia stamps 2021 | Bitter Grounds Magazine
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Check out the Patreon tiers & perks: Become a Patron!
- Instant Coffee $2 a month
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- Espresso & Stamps $10 per month
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by catpaw | 2 Mar, 2022 | country Stamps, Stamps
This post picks up from the EUROPA 2022 Stories and Myths A – K list left off.
L
Latvia
2 stamps, 2 FDCs, 2 cancels, 2 sheets of 10
Feeding of Snakes | Zalkšu barošana (not sure if this is translating well.)
Feeding of snakes or respect for snakes in mythology is found in many peoples from ancient times – traditions mention that souls appear in the form of snakes. In the past, some mythologists thought that the cult of snakes originated from the cult of souls, but in Latvian mythology, grasses have nothing to do with ghosts or souls. All deities after old deceptions have been able to do good and evil to man, so they have been made favorable in various ways. The fact is only that the ancient Latvians kept the storks as guardians of cows and that The Mother of Milk herself sometimes appeared in the form of a sedentary, perhaps also a ladybug.
Latvijas Pasts releases two stamps in the Single European Series, which this year tells about stories and myths
Emergence of Heavenly Father
There are many different stories about Heavenly Father in Latvian folklore – folk songs mention that he has a wide coat, wears a belt with a sword, white skirt and cane, but elsewhere he is also mentioned as a little man. Usually he rides on a horse, but often also rides in a sleigh and cart, while his horses also appear in other ways – like black dogs, black ravens and black bulls with white horns.
Latvijas Pasts releases two stamps in the Single European Series, which this year tells about stories and myths
Artist: Edgars Folks
Release date: April 8, 2022
Liechtenstein
2 stamps, souvenir sheet of 4, 3 FDCs, cancel
offset 4-colour
- White Woman
- Der Tälibudel
The “White Woman” pops up in folklore across the world. She appears in a number of stories from Liechtenstein and normally seen as a neutral figure. Although her presence gives the onlooker a sense of unease, she isn’t intrinsically good or evil. It’s interesting comparing folk tales about “White Woman”. You can see Canada’s take on “La Dame Blanche” here Things that go bump in Canada | Bitter Grounds Magazine. Skip down to series three. For a cross cultural look, Mary Ann Poll has an brief look at the myth The White Lady: A Worldwide Legend | Mary Ann Poll.
Der Tälibudel is a ghostly dog (or dog shaped specter) that haunts the alpine region. It’s eyes are “fiery red” and has been known to chase a shephard out of their hut. This is an excerpt from a retelling of the tale:
As he looked around, almost fainting from fear and fatigue, he saw two fiery red eyes staring at him. The creature looked horrible: Two long ears, a dog’s snout and short hair could be seen on the head, but it had shaggy hair on its body and it walked upright on its hind legs like a human being.
p. 94 Legends of Liechtenstein, Otto Seger
If you’d like to track down more legends from Liechtenstein try this list 000A036041.pdf (bibliothek.li). It is in German, but easily understood with a minimum of effort. If you read German, Legends from Liechtenstein – eLiechtensteinensia (yumpu.com) is a full pdf of all the legends mentioned in 00A036041.pdf document.
Designer: Eliane Schädler, Triesenberg
Artist Eliane Schädler is a graduate of the Lucerne School of Design & Art. She attributes her love of illustrating from never leaving childhood. Schädler has illustrated (or contributed to) 8 books including “Liechtensteinische Sagen“, the book mentioned above. The single volume is in German, English, Russian and Chinese and richly illustrated by Schädler. You can download colouring pages free from her website: Ausmalbilder — Eliane Schädler (elianeschaedler.com)
Release date: March 7, 2022
Lithuania
2 stamps, FDC, cancel, 2 sheets of 10
Eglė the Queen of Serpents & Fern Ring
Eglė is an incredibly sad story that has a lot of variations.
One of the postage stamps issued by the Lithuanian Post today depicts one of the most famous Lithuanian folk tales “Eglė the Queen of Serpents”. Although more than a hundred variations of this fairy tale are counted, the main line of all is the same – in the form of Eglė and Žilvinas, who appears to others as a serpent, an unhappy love story that ended with the arrival of Žilvinas with a blood foam, and the transformation of Eglė and her children – Oak, Ash, Birch and Aspen – into trees. According to folklorists, this is one of the few Lithuanian fairy tales that ends unhappily. According to the sources, “Eglė the Queen of Serpents” was first published in 1837. Since then, the fairy tale has repeatedly turned into more than one book or performance, a sculpture dedicated to this legend still stands in palanga botanical garden. The latest postage stamps include Eglė the queen of serpents and a fern ring | Lithuania Post
This site fleshes the story out more EGLĖ THE QUEEN OF SERPENTS – Lithuanian Folk Stories (wordpress.com).
… the fern ring blooms only on a magical night, once every 100 years, and it occurs only on the shortest night of the year, during the Festival of Dews. Finding a fern ring means great success – a person becomes omniscient and very happy. The latest postage stamps include Eglė the queen of serpents and a fern ring | Lithuania Post
If you’d like to explore Lithuanian folk tales, Lithuanian tales | True Lithuania is a pretty good starting point.
Designer: G. Gruzdaitytė
Release date: April 29, 2022
Luxembourg
2 stamps, FDC, cancel
de Kropemann & Melusina
Kropemann is such a popular myth in Luxembourg, there is a festival devoted to it. Kropemannsfest – ORT Guttland (visitguttland.lu)
… who or what is Kropemann? According to the legend he’s an underwater creature, and a kind of water spirit. He may look rather scary, but today he’s seen as protector of nature and the landscape of the Attert valley. He’s an ecological guardian to the land and water. ‘Kropemann’ rises from River Attert for celebration (luxtimes.lu)
The Kropemann legend (luxtimes.lu)
Melusina is another water creature. Her story will be familiar to many.
The myth of Melusina tells the tale of the water goddess Melusina. Melusina was one of three daughters. She was born half fay and half human. When her mother punished her for wrongdoings against her father, Melusina was cursed to become a serpent from the waist down until she met a man who would marry her under the condition of never seeing her on Saturday and keeping his promise. The Luxembourg’s claimed their ancestor, Siegfried, married this Goddess. He became enchanted with her when he met her in the forest and asked her hand in marriage, agreeing to not see her on Saturdays under any circumstance. She made their castle of Bock appear the morning after her wedding, as if by magic. THE LINE OF MELUSINA: JACQUETTA OF LUXEMBOURG | Venerable Vixens (wordpress.com)
She is ultimately betrayed by her husband who spies on her to find out why she disappears every Saturday. She leaves, cursing her husband telling him that anytime she is seen, there will be a new lord within the year.
Designer: Miriam Rosner
Release date: May 17, 2022
M
Madeira
2 stamps on souvenir sheet, maxi card, folder with stamps from Azores, Madeira & Portugal
Legend of Machin
This legend tells the island of Madeira was discovered in 1377 by Robert Machin.
[Machin] is alleged to have been an English squire, who, having conceived a violent passion for Anna d’Arset or Dorset, daughter of a powerful noble high in the favour of Edward III, fell into disgrace. The lovers, however, are said to have escaped from England; stormy weather drove their vessel out into the ocean, and after thirteen days, on 8 March 1344, they sighted a wooded island, and landed at a port which they named Machlco. While Machin and a few companions were on land the ship was once more driven out to sea. In her despair at this disaster Anna, already worn out by the fatigue of the voyage, died; her lover, after erecting a tomb to her memory, escaped with his surviving comrades to Morocco in a boat which they made from the trunk of a tree. The Moors received the castaways kindly, and enabled them to pass over to Spain, whence they returned to England. Another version of the legend makes Robert die of grief in the island. The story of the survivors is said to have encouraged Spanish and Portuguese adventurers to search for the island, which was finally discovered by Gonsolrei Zarco in 1419. Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Machin, Robert – Wikisource, the free online library
Illustrator: André Caetano
Caetano is known for his comic books & graphic novels.
Designer: Carla Caraça Ramos
Ramos designed the EUROPA set for Azores, Madiera & Portugal, & worked 3 illustrators. The FDC illustration shares elements from the three myths.
Release date: May 9, 2022
Malta
2 stamps, blocks, 2 sheets of 11, FDC, cancel, presentation pack, booklets
Calypso Cave & Legend of Speranza Cave
Calypso’s Cave is based on the myth of Odysseus and Calypso, a nymph who fell in love with him. According to Homer’s tale, Calypso imprisoned Odysseus for 7 years after he shipwrecked on her island. She kept him until Zeus ordered her to release him, so he could continue his journey home. If you visit Malta, you can travel to a spot identified as Calypso’s Cave:
If you head to Ramla l-Hamra beach, you can spot Calypso’s Cave up within the rock face. One version of the legend places Calypso on the island of Ogygia (Sicily), however the renowned Greek historian Callimachus places it on Gozo, Malta’s sister island. Malta Post 2022
The second tale is derived from Naghrfu l-Leggendi Maltin by Guido Lanfranco. It talks about a young girl who took refuge in a cave to hide from 2 Corsairs (pirates/invaders). While there she prayed to Our Lady for protection. In answer to her prayers, a spider began weaving a web covering the cave’s entrance, thus tricking the two men into thinking no one had been in the cave in a long time. As a result, they left, never realising the girl was hidden inside. The cave is located, on Malta, at L-Ghar ta’ Wied Speranz in Mosta.
Designer: Fabio Agius
Agius is co-creator of Wicked Comics. He has also designed the 2009 Cruise Line series for Malta Post
Release date: May 9, 2022
Moldovia
2 stamp, FDC, cancel, 2 sheets of 10
Legend of Moldova (Legenda Moldovei) & The Poor Man and the Dragons (Omul sărac și zmeii)
This legend makes two appearances in the EUROPA 2022 list. Both Moldavia and Romania issued stamps with this motif.
The Legend of Moldova tells the story of Dragoş-Vodă and the founding myths of Moldovia.
I’m looking for a good translation for the Poor Man and the Dragons. This article, Poor man and kites | Moldovan folklore (folclor.net), doesn’t translate the best, but it is readable. In short the tale tells the story of a poor man (Lazăre) with a large family. He’s taken by a dragon to his home kingdom and assigned a number of tasks. The myth covers the various ways he outwits and frightens the dragons. He so terrified the dragons, they offered him a bag of money if he would never return to their land and gave him a large bag of money to leave them along. This is pretty bad synopsis of the story, and I’ll work on finding a better translation.
Designer: Vladimir Melnic
Release date: April 29, 2022
Monaco
1 stamp
offset
François Grimaldi – Malizia 1201 – 1309
Founder of the Grimaldi dynasty of Monaco in January 8, 1297
Civil strife in Genoa between the Guelph and Ghibelline families resulted in many taking refuge in Monaco, among them the Guelph family. Son of Otto Canella, Consul of Genoa in 1133, Grimaldo began the House of Grimaldi, the future ruling family of Monaco.
In 1297, François Grimaldi (“Malizia”, translated from Italian as “The Cunning”) disguised as a Franciscan monk alongside his cousin Rainier I and his men captured the fortress atop the Rock of Monaco. History of Monaco (monacodc.org)
Artist: Alain Giampaoli
Release date: May 9, 2022
Montenegro
1 stamp, sheet of 8, FDC, cancel
Legend of Bukumir Lake
The legend of Bukumirsko Lake – Hiking with me
The legend of lake Bukumir tells of the Illyrian tribe that inhabited the space of today’s Houses.
The tribe stood up to the evil dragon from the lake by burning a pile of trees on a nearby rock. When the rock was soaring with heat, they crashed it into the lake, which boiled over. A man on a white horse jumped out of the lake and cast a curse on the mutual extermination of Bukumir. The curse came true, and only stones remained around the lake, the so-called sprouts, as a memory of the Bukumirs. Europa Stories and Myths “The Legend of Lake Bukumirski” – postacg.me
Designer: Adela Zejnilović
Release date: April 29, 2022
N
Netherlands
2 stamps, sheet of 6, FDC, cancel, prestige booklet, folder
offset
The sheet includes the story and quotes from the booklet.
Lady of Stavoren – Rich merchant’s wife
The story is also called the Haughty Wife, and serves as a cautionary tale.
The rich lady was not satisfied with what she had and sent a skipper with the task to return with whatever riches he could find. She looked down on the gold yellow grain that he brought back. Angry, she threw the golden ring from her finger into the sea. “When I ever find this ring again, I will fall into mendicancy”, she said. On one day she found her own golden ring in the freshly caught fish she had for dinner. Fate brought her poverty and she died from hunger, begging for a bit of grain. Stavoren | Stad aan het IJsselmeer | Friesland.nl
The saga of the ‘Female of Stavoren’ | History (historiek.net)
The statue depicted on the FDC and folder is a bronze statue by Pier Arjen de Groot. Erected in 1969, in port city Stavoren, Friesland.
Illustrator: Toon Wegner (1926-2010)
Designer: Edwin van Gelder
Release date: May 9, 2022
North Macedonia
2 stamps, stamp on souvenir sheet
*Better image courtesy a reader.
Labin is a young boy playing his flute on the shores of Lake Dojran. Taken by the magical sound produced by the kaval flute, the three fairies decided to come out of the lake. As Labin noticed their presence by the lakebed he instantly started to admire their beauty; and knowing that the magic power of the fairies was hidden in their cloaks, he stole them. Once the fairies realised that their cloaks were gone, they started searching for them, only to bump into Labin. In this very moment, both Labin and Dojrana fell in love. Labin returned the cloaks to the other sisters but kept Dojrana’s cloak to himself. Being in love, Dojrana decided to stay and live with him as time flew away. One day they decided to get married, and invite all their friends to the ceremony, who then requested the fairy to perform a magical dance. To do this performance, Labin handed over her cloak, Dojrana’s powers returned, making her vanish to the perplexity of the present guests. EUROPA Collections (posteurop.org)
Release date: May 10, 2022
Norway
2 stamps, FDC, cancel, collector’s set, souvenir pack, 2 maxi cards
Trolls & Hulder
Trolls, Hulders and Nisses: The Preternatural Creatures of Norwegian Folklore – #FolkloreThursday
Better images & details coming
Release date: April 22, 2022
P – R
Poland
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheet of 9
offset
The legend of Krak and the Wawel dragon
We finally have a dragon! Yoair Blog – The world’s anthropology blog publication has an excellent synopsis of the tale and it’s variations. If you are interested in dragon myths, don’t miss Yoair’s page on the history of dragons and myths.
The Wawel Dragon was a beast which lived in a den under Wawel Hill and terrorised all the inhabitants of King Krak’s town. They had to feed to the monster by giving him offerings of cattle, while other tales speak of that hellspawn eating nothing but virgins. No knight could vanquish the monster, until a young shoemaker Skuba outsmarted the Dragon. He stuffed a ram’s hide with sulphur and pitch, and put the doctored ram in front of the Dragon’s Den. The monster caught the bait and devoured the ram. Immediately, he felt a bad pain and burning in the throat. To quench his thirst, the Dragon started to drink from the Vistula River. However, as water cannot extinguish burning sulphur, the gases produced by the fires inside him made the beast explode. All the townsfolk revelled in the news and the heroic shoemaker was properly rewarded. To commemorate the vanquishing of the Dragon, Bronisław Chromy designed a sculpture of the beast which now stands by the river at the foot of Wawel, near the Dragon’s Den. The legend of the Wawel Dragon – Kraków Travel (krakow.travel)
Designer: Maciej Jędrysik
Jędrysik designed Poland’s 1st place winning 2020 Europa – Ancient Mail Routes issue.
Release date: April 21, 2022
Portugal
2 stamps on souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, maxi card, folder with stamps from Azores, Madeira & Portugal
Faith – Legend of the Miracle of Our Lady of Nazaré
Dates to 1182
Legend of Nazaré (fleek.co)
Illustrator: Tiago da Silva
da Silva is an award winning artist/illustrator/video game art.
Designer: Carla Caraça Ramos
Ramos designed the EUROPA set for Azores, Madeira & Portugal, & worked 3 illustrators. The FDC illustration shares elements from the three myths.
Release date: May 9, 2022
Romania
2 stamps, 2 souvenir sheets of 4, 2 sheets of 6, FDC, cancel, souvenir album
Legend of the Moldavian Bulls
In „Legend of the Moldavian Bull” it is described the fight of the dismounting ruler Dragos Voda, with an ox, on the bank of a flowing water, in which, during the fight, the puppy named Molda drowned, to which he was very attached. According to the story, the water was named Moldova, later taken over by the land historically known as the Land of Moldova. Europe 2022, Stories and Myths – Romfilatelia – O lume intr-un timbru
Designer: Walter Riess
Release date: April 8, 2022
Russia
offset
Ruslan i Lyudmila | Ruslan and Lyudmila by Aleksander Pushkin
“Ruslan and Lyudmila” Alexander Pushkin – read full text (aleksandr-pushkin.su)
The hero of the poem, Ruslan, is modeled on the traditional Russian epic hero. He faces many trials before rescuing his bride, Lyudmila, daughter of Grand Prince Vladimir of Kiev, who on her wedding night is kidnapped by the evil magician Chernomor.
Ruslan and Lyudmila | poem by Pushkin | Britannica
Designer: V. Vatolina
Release date: January 20, 2022
S
San Marino
2 stamps, 2 sheets of 12, cancel
offset
Donkey and Bear or Marino and the Bear
Marino lived in the mountains with his donkey. One day, Marino left his donkey on the path while he went off to get a drink from a stream and pick a few berries. When he came back, his poor donkey had been killed and eaten by a bear. Instead of being angered, Marino patted the bear and asked it if it would like to take the place of his donkey. Marino fed the bear some of his berries and soon, the bear went from being violent to a gentle friend.
San Marino participates with the story “Marino and the Bear” in the anthology of fairy tales from the world of Expo 2020 Dubai – europe-cities.com
Uses invisible yellow florescent ink.
“The illustrations are realized using small handcrafted rubber-stamps, hand built and carved, engraved in “crepla” rubber, provided of a cardboard handle, inked in three tints (yellow, red blue) with linographic colors.” Europa – Stories and myths – San Marino Philatelic Numismatic Office (ufn.sm)
Designer: Chiara Armellini
Release date: April 4, 2022
Serbia
1 stamp on souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel
Drekavac (the Shrieker)
You have to look in the leaves to see the Drekavac lurking there.
A drekavac (The yeller, drek, drekalo) is a creature of the night and graveyard, originating from south Slavic mythology. It is said to come about from the soul of a dead unbaptised child. Some believe it can only be killed or laid to rest if its soul finds peace; baptism being an accepted method to achieve this.
Many forms have been attributed to the drekavac, it may be possible that it switches between these forms. Those of a bird, dog, fox or a slender bodied baby with an out of proportion head have all been given. A reason for this may be the belief that when seen as a baby the drekavac predicts death but when seen as an animal it predicts cattle disease. Though another explanation for the variation may be different variant types for different regions. Features that remain constant are its height being above 1 metre and its horrifying scream. Drekavac – Mythical Creatures Guide
Designers: Zamurović brothers
Release date: May 6, 2022
Slovenia
2 stamps, FDC, cancel
4 colour offset
King Matjaž and Ajdovska Girl
King Matjaž was a capable ruler who was popular among his subjects. Because of his popularity, rival rulers conspired against him. They sent their armies to crush Matjaž, but he was swallowed up by Peca, a nearby mountain. He fell asleep in the bowels of the mountain, where he remains to this day. The legend states that the king will one day reawaken, heralding a new era of prosperity and happiness for Slovenia. Before that happens, however, his beard will have to encircle his table in depth of the mountain seven times. The Legend of Slovenia’s Sleeping King – RTVSLO.si
According to local folklore, the maiden was a good-hearted villager who often guided travelers through snowstorms. Said to be a nymph or forest spirit in some renditions, she also had prophetic abilities and could foretell the fates of unborn babies. One day, she prophesized about a boy who would grow to become a hunter and catch the Zlatorog, or Goldenhorn, a mythical chamois buck with magical powers. Infuriated that she foresaw the death of the Zlatorog, legend says, the maiden’s siblings placed a curse on her. When she returned home on Mount Prisojnik, her body was transformed into stone. ‘Ajdovska Deklica’ (‘Heathen Maiden’) – Slovenia – Atlas Obscura
Designer: Zlatko Drčar
Release date: May 27, 20222
Slovakia
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, maxi card, booklet (I’m not sure if it’s a booklet. The original is Známkový zošítok)
Lomidrevo (also called Valibuk)
This is a lengthy tale about an unusual young man who went out into the world on a series of adventures. The stories I found detailed a long, list of extraordinary adventures. He’s a bigger than life character. If you’d like to read some of the tale, check out Renegade Tribune’s page on Lomidrevo. The English translation is very readable.
Designer: Martin Kellenberger
Kellenberger designed the 2007 Modra stamp.
Release date: May 2, 2022
Spain
1 stamp, souvenir sheet of 6 (there should be a FDC and cancel coming soon)
The sleeping dragon – Mallorca
This stamp depicts the Island of Sa Dragonera, who’s silhouette resembles a dragon
… following the line of the myth that surrounds it, there are many small “dragons”, guardians of the area: the sargantanas or lizards of Lilford, endemic species of Mallorca and Menorca. They are similar to salamanders and during the warmer months can be seen as soon as they disembark on the most uninhabited islands in the area.
Sa Dragonera takes its name from its own silhouette. If you fly over the island, the image leaves no room for doubt showing the figure of a sleeping dragon. Stamps – Europe. Myths and legends. The sleeping dragon. Not good… (correos.es)
Sa Dragonera Natural Park, Mallorca | SeeMallorca.com
HOME | My Site (sadragonera.org)
Release date: May 9, 2022
Sweden
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, souvenir sheet
*** This stamp is part of a larger series featuring flowers native to Sweden. The bluebell stamp is the only official EUROPA entry.
Midsummer Myth – Bluebell Bellflower, or Harebell(Campanula rotundifolia)
Bluebells were voted Sweden’s national flower in 2021.
This year’s European theme among stamps is “Stories and myths”. What’s better for a foreign greeting than flower magic in midsummer night?Kristina Olofsdotter, Head of Stamps at PostNord Sweden.
Illustration booklet stamps: Anneli Frisk
Illustration coil stamps: Anna Handell
Typography: Henrik Karlsson
Release date: April 28, 2022
Switzerland
2 stamps, FDC, cancel
offset
William Tell
William Tell — VARSY’S Legends of Switzerland (varsys.ch)
A Brief History of the Legend of William Tell (theculturetrip.com)
Designer: Elena Knecht
Release date: May 5, 2022
T to V
Turkey
2 stamps, FDC, cancel
Köroglu
Köroglu is a just, brave, courageous, warm hearted, faithful hero and folk poet in the tradition of the Turkish folk tale.In the stamp image, Koroglu was expressed on a rampant gray horse spreading its wings in a desire to avenge his father (Ürüşan baba), who had unjustly lost his eyes at the behest of the local ruler. While the ‘ram’s horn’ motif symbolizes the heroism of Köroglu, the ‘eye motif’ on the evil eye bead reminds of Köroglu’s father, who lost his eye due to horse selection. These motifs, which are embroidered into weavings and beads, also reflect Anatolian Aesthetics.
PTT Turkish Post office
Designer: Selçuk Ören Selçuk Ören | COMIC BOOK WRITER & ILLUSTRATOR (selcukoren.com)
Check out Ören’s website to see some of his great graphic novel artwork.
Release date: May 9, 2022
Ukraine
It’s difficult to say when (or if) this stamp will be released. Ukraine post has indefinitely postponed future issues.
Vatican
2 stamps, 1 stamp on souvenir sheet, cancel
offset
Domenico Fontana (1543 – 1607) – Swiss engineer & architect
Fontana designed the Vatican Library (1587–90), the Acqua Felice (1587), and the present Lateran Palace, built on the ruins of the old medieval palace. He collaborated with Giacomo della Porta on the completion of St. Peter’s dome (1588–90) from Michelangelo’s model. His most famous undertaking was the removal of the Egyptian obelisk (brought to Rome in the 1st century CE) from its place in the circus of the Vatican and its erection in front of St. Peter’s (1586). Accused of misappropriating public money, Fontana was dismissed from his post in 1592 by Pope Clement VIII. He then became Royal Engineer at Naples to the count of Miranda (1592) and built the Palazzo Reale (1600–02). Domenico Fontana | Italian architect | Britannica
This pair of stamps is devoted to the Egyptian obelisk.
… architect Domenico Fontana [was] entrusted the task … of removing the obelisk from the original site, of its transport [and errection)] in St. Peter’s Square, … It took 900 men and 140 horses to complete it. Also, in order to facilitate … raising the 327-ton monolith, the Pope issued an edict which forbade anyone to speak or enter the enclosure around the work area. The offenders … would be punished with death. Everything went smoothly until, on 10 September 1586, at the very end of the operation, a Ligurian sailor, … Bresca da San Remo, realizing that the ropes holding the obelisk were about to break due to excessive tension, he shouted regardless of the papal warning: “Water on the ropes”. In fact, he knew very well that hemp, when wet, becomes shorter and more elastic. The architect immediately welcomed the suggestion and was able to happily conclude the work. The sailor was pardoned by the Pope, who not only honored him with the title of captain of the first papal regiment of the line, but also granted his family the privilege of supplying the Vatican with branches used for Palm Sunday. Annullo postale speciale in occasione (vaticanstate.va)
Design: Images used in the set are details of a fresco from the Sistine Rooms of the Vatican Museums, (created 1588 -1590) by C. Nebbia and G. Guerra. They portray the Egyptian obelisk being moved to St. Peter’s Square
Release date: May 16, 2022
You can see last year’s here – Europa 2021 Endangered Wildlife stamps | Bitter Grounds Magazine
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by catpaw | 2 Feb, 2022 | country Stamps, Stamps
Ready for 2022 Australian stamps? Boats, buckling up & beautiful landscape, you have to love a year that starts with alliteration.
The best of last year was November’s First Regular Airmail stamp. Australia Post tapped AGDA Hall of Famer (2019) Lynda Warner for this look at one of Australia’s pioneer aviation events and it’s perfect. I think it was the best of Australia’s 2021 stamps and one of the best of all the world’s stamps last year. It combines an fascinating historical theme with a sharp, clean design to produce a killer biplane stamp. Warner is rightfully recognised as a great in the design world.
If you are interested in spelunking through Australia’s postal history, poke around their federal and state archives. I have more fun than a person should have wandering around the various government sites. I often rely on government archives for historical details and can spend hours chasing down information. If you’re interested in reading a little more on Australia’s postal history, check out Looking at an early mail scam, 1937 Australia airmail cover to Austria – C3 & C4 and Amazing Australian airmail souvenir. I have a few more articles in the wings, but it takes quite a bit of research and time before I’m happy to release them into the wild. If you’d like to help fund articles like these, you can make a donation or sign up for Patreon (see the sign up at the bottom of page). Your help means I have the resources to pay for non-digitized material as well as free up time to do the necessary research. And let me tell you, Australia’s postal history is exciting to explore.
This year I’m hoping to bring more information to you, about the designers who work with Australia Post. They have an incredible group working for them, including one of my favourite Australian stamp designers, the incomparable Jo Muré. I have an article about Jo, that was put on the back burner last year because of time constraints. I’ve been chasing down her stamps to highlight her long career with AP. Fingers crossed I’ll have it ready sometime in the summer. In the meantime, you can read up on her here Meet a Philatelic designer: Jo Mure – Australia Post (australiapostcollectables.com.au). But I think Muré deserves her own listing on the Stamp designers from around the world page.
Cheers
Catpaw
January
Under Sail
fdc & numismatic cover
Maxi cards
Presentation pack
gutter strips
3 stamps, FDC, cancel, stamp pack, medallion card, 3 maxi covers, 3 gutter strips
Offset lithography
Designer: Mary Callahan Design
Previous stamps 2016 Australian Animals: Monotremes and 2013 Centenary of Canberra. Callahan has won numerous Australian Publishers’ Association Book Design Awards. She was inducted into the ABDA Hall of Fame in 2021 Q&A with Mary Callahan, the 2021 Hall of Fame Recipient – Australian Book Designers Association (abda.com.au).
Release Date: January 11, 2022
Buckle Up
fdc
maxi card, box of stamps,
sheets, sheetlet pack (with cover)
1 stamp, sheets of 10, FDC, cancel, maxi card, pack
Offset lithography
Designer: Nigel Buchanan
AI-AP | Profiles » Illustrator Profile – Nigel Buchanan: “Aim for a timeless appeal to your work”
Release date: January 25, 2022
February
Special Occasions – Time to Cherish
Happy Birthday
5 stamps, 2 cancels, 2 FDCs, coin, souvenir sheet, 5 maxi cards
Offset lithography
better images coming
Designers: Simone Sakinofsky, Sharon Rodziewicz, Sonia Young, Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio
Meet a Philatelic designer: Simone Sakinofsky – Australia Post (australiapostcollectables.com.au)
Release date: February 8, 2022
Beijing 2022 Olympic Games – medal winners
Gold Medal – Jakara Anthony: Freestyle Skiing: Women’s Moguls
1 stamp, sheets of 10
Release date: February 10, 2022
Our Beautiful Continent
maxi cards
4 stamps, 4 maxi cards, FDCs, cancel, souvenir sheet, stamp pack
Designer: Simone Sakinofsky, Australia Post Design Studio
Release date: February 22, 2022
March
Perth Stamp and Coin Show
4 stamps on souvenir sheet
Image from the 2020 Black Swans from the Bird Emblems set.
Perth Stamp & Coin Show runs March 4 – 6. Perth Stamp & Coin Show (perthstampandcoinshow.com.au)
Release date: March 4, 2022
Sheepdog Trials: 150 Years
3 stamp, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, booklets of 10, 3 gutters, 3 maxicards,
rolls of 100 and stamp packs also available
offset lithography
- brown and white border collie
- Kelpie
- black and white borer collie
Sheepdog trials have been conducted in Australia for approximately 150 years. By the 1880s, sheepdog trials were becoming a popular sport at many agricultural shows across the nation. In the events of this competitive sport, one or two dogs move three to six sheep around a paddock, fences, gates, yards or enclosures according to a handler’s instructions. The dogs are judged on obedience and speed and the competitor is penalised if the sheep deviate from the prescribed course. Separating sheep is particularly difficult for the dogs, as herd animals naturally resist being split into groups. Sheepdog Trials: 150 Years – Australia Post (australiapostcollectables.com.au)
Designer: Gary Domoney, VISUA
Previous design by Domoney – 2007 Modernist Australian Architecture,
Release date: March 8, 2022
Australian Legends – Iconic Australian filmmakers
5 stamp, FDC, cancel, presentation pack, gutter strips of 10, 5 stamp packs of 10, 5 maxicards
offset lithography
- Baz Luhrmann Strictly Ballroom (1992); Romeo + Juliet (1996); and Moulin Rouge! (2001)
- George Miller AO Mad Max and Happy Feet
- Gillian Armstrong AM My Brilliant Career (1979)
- Peter Weir AM Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975), Gallipoli (1981), Dead Poet’s Society (1989), The Truman Show (1998) and Master and Commander (2003)
- Warwick Thornton Samson & Delilah (2009) and Sweet Country (2017)
Designer: Sonia Young, Australia Post Design Studio
Release date: March 15, 2022
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
2 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, medallion cover, 2 booklets of 10, stamp pack, 2 maxicards, stamp pack, 2 gutter strips
offset lithography
Designer: Sonia Young
Release date: April 5, 2022
Postcards from the Front – ANZAC Day
3 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, medalion cover, 3 maxicards, stamp pack,
offset lithography
better images coming in April
Anzac Day (nationaltoday.com)
Designer: Jo Muré
Release date: April 12, 2022
Country Women’s Association (CWA)
1 stamp, sheetlet of 10, FDC, cancel, sheetlet pack, 1 maxicards (note: I erroneously listed 4 maxicards. There is only one in this release)
offset lithography
The CWA was formed April 1922, with the first meeting taking place in New South Wales. Grace Munro MBE was first president of the CWA.
The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc. – Women Supporting Women (cwaofvic.org.au)
Grace Emily Munro 1879-1964 M.B.E. ⋆ Bingara Magazine
Designer: Stacey Zass
Zass has also designed stamps for Australian Antarctic Territory and Norfolk Island as well as Australia.
Release date: April 26, 2022
May
Aboriginal Fibre Art
3 stamps, 3 booklets of 6 stamps, 1 FDC, 3 maxicards, 1 stamp pack (maxi and pack images coming in May)
Artwork was created by Yolŋu women.
- Bathi for a baby by Lucy Malirrimurruwuy
- Wanapuyngu (b. 1955); a twined conical bathi by Mary Djupuduwuy Guyula (1945–2005)
- Coiled, flat-bottomed bathi by Nancy Walinyinawuy Guyula (1940–2017)
You can see (and purchase) Yolgu artwork through the Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts centre. You can also learn more about the artists as well. If you have a good webpage on any of the three artists, I’d appreciate it if you could leave a link in the comments.
Release date: May 3, 2022
Bush Seasonings
3 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, stamp pack, recipe cards & stamps, 3 maxicards, 3 sheets of 10
Three plants exploring Aboriginal foods.
What Are Some of the Most Popular Australian Spices? – SPICEography
Illustrator: Gavin Ryan
Designer: Jo Muré
Release date: May 24, 2022
Newcastle Stamp and Coin Expo 2022
Souvenir sheet using the Oct. 2021 First Regular Airmail stamp, 3 cancels
This is a special release for the show. 3 postmarks will be issued – one for each day and in different a colour for each day.
Release date: May 27-29, 2022
June
Megapodes of Australia
3 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 FDCs, cancel, 3 maxicards, stamp pack, medallion cover, 3 booklets
- Malleefowl (Leipoa occellata)
- Australian Brush-turkey (Alectura lathami)
- Orange-footed Scrubfowl (Megapodius reinwardt)
Designer: Janet Boschen
Release date: June 7, 2022
In Memoriam HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh
1 stamp on a souvenir sheet, sheet of 10, presentation pack, 2 FDCs, cancel, medallion cover, maxicard
Release date: June 14, 2022
Paralympians of the Year 2022 & 2020
Paralympian of the Year 2020 – Madison de Rozario
1 stamp in sheets of 10
de Rozario is a middle & long-distance wheelchair racer. She is a world record holder in the Women’s 800m T53.
Tokyo Olympics – summer:
Gold – Women’s Marathon T54
Bronze – 1500m T54
Release date: June 10, 2022
Paralympian of the Year 2022 – Ben Tudhope
1 stamp in sheets of 10
Beijing 2022 Winter
Co-captain of the Australian Paralympic team at Beijin.
Bronze – Men’s Para-Snowboard Cross SB LL2
Designer: Australia Post
Release date: June 10, 2022
CONTINUE ON TO AUSTRALIA’S JULY TO DECEMBER ISSUES.
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