INDIA-Commemorative Postage Stamps on 100 Years of Indian Cinema

FDC Name:100 Years of Indian Cinema

Issue Date:3rd MAY'2013

Details:

Department of Posts was issued six Miniature Sheets depicting 50 iconic personalities of Indian Cinema to commemorate the century long journey of this medium of mass entertainment. This issue was released by Hon’ble President of India on 3rd May 2013 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.However, it will be made available for sale to all Philatelic Bureaux in the month of June 2013.

The details of above issue are as follows:- 

• Six Miniature Sheets with a print order of 8.1 Lakhs each are being issued. First two Miniature Sheets consist of nine stamps each and depict some Dadasaheb Phalke awardees. The other four with eight stamps each depict personalities from various fields of cinema.
• The denomination of each Stamp is Rs. 5. Single stamp sheets are not being issued/ printed. 
• Sufficient numbers of First Day Covers and Information Brochures will be available for sale with the stamps at the Philatelic Bureaux. 
• First Day of Cancellation will be available for six months from the date of release as a special case.
• The denomination of each Stamp is Rs. 5/-. Single stamp sheets are not being issued/ printed.

1st Miniature sheet : Ashok Kumar, Bhalji Pendharkar, Dhirendranath Ganguly, B. N. Sirkar, Bhupen Hazarika, Durga Khote, B. R. Chopra, Dev Anand and Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

2nd Miniature sheet: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Naushad, Nitin Bose, Prithviraj Kapoor, Raichand Boral, Ruby Myers, Sohrab Modi, Tapan Sinha and Yash Chopra.

3rd Miniature sheet: Allu Ramalingiah, Balraj Sahni, C.V. Sridhar, Kamaal Amrohi, Ashok Mehta, Bhanumathi, Chetan Anand and Geeta Dutt.

4th Miniature sheet: Kannadasan, Mehmood, Nagesh, Prem Nazir, Madan Mohan, Motilal, O. P. Nayyar and R. D. Burman.

5th Miniature sheet: Raj Khosla, Rajesh Khanna, Salil Chowdhury, Shailendra, Rajendra Kumar, S. V. Ranga Rao, Sanjeev Kumar and Shakeel Badayuni.

6th Miniature sheet: Shammi Kapoor, Smita Patil, Tarachand Barjatya, Utpal Dutt, Shankar Jaikishan, Suraiya, T. R. Sundaram and Vishnu Vardhan.

Source- India Post web site

Remark:This is the largest ever issue of 50 stamps on a single day by India Post.This issue was a record.Thanks to India Post that this time they have made the FDC large enough to fit the miniature sheet and it will have six FDC.The only drawback of the issue is lack of planning by India Post.The stamps & FDC will be available only in the month of JUNE'2013 as per India Post web site.

Qing Dynasty Embroidery souvenir sheet FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:Qing Dynasty Embroidery
Issue date:20th MAR'2013
Details:

To promote appreciation of the beauty of ancient Chinese art, Chunghwa Post is releasing a set of five stamps and a souvenir sheet on a Qing dynasty lateral curtain with flower and bird embroidery from the National Museum of History’s collection.
Traditionally, lateral curtains were mostly used to decorate the central hall of a house for a wedding or other celebratory occasion. This red silk lateral curtain, stretches nearly five meters long, features meticulously stitched embroidered flowers, birds, grass, trees, clouds and rocks that simply burst with color. The overall effect is sumptuous and elegant. One of the greatest embroidered works of art of the Qing Dynasty, the curtain, with its glorious and colorful vista of blooming flowers and songbirds, signals that all is flourishing. This set of stamps features the most prominent sections of the embroidery. The designs follow:
1. The five stamps, each with a NT$10 denomination, feature the following: (1) peacocks and scholar’s rocks ; (2) a snow crane, a bat, mynahs and reishi mushrooms; (3) a snow crane, a pine tree and orchids; (4) paradise flycatchers, plum blossoms, bamboo, and magnolia flowers; (5) a pair of Mandarin ducks, a kingfisher and lotus flowers.
2. The souvenir sheet includes a single NT$100 denomination stamp. The stamp features a spectacular peacock, yuhinas, peonies and scholar’s rocks. The sheet selvage features a snow crane, mandarin ducks, butterflies and plum blossoms. To highlight the exquisite beauty of the piece, the souvenir sheet is printed on silk paper plus partly embossed and hot stamped with gold foil.

In addition to the sheetlet format for the five stamps, for the first time ever, this Post is employing the long, fold-out design to release 200,000 copies of stamp collection. The collection is with a four-fold inner page, printed on phosphorescent paper, stretching about 70 centimeters wide when unfolded; comprising a description of the curtain as well as the entire set of five stamps embedded in the curtain. Also released is a pictorial contains the whole set of stamps, a maximum card of the souvenir sheet, a set of pre-cancelled maximum cards and a poster of the entire curtain. These stamp products have elegant designs, and there are QR codes printed on the cover, which links to the National Museum of History.

Remark:Thanks Chen for sending the nice M/s FDC & stamps on the issue date by registered post.It is on e of the unique miniature sheet FDC.Thanks to Chunghwa for issuing such innovative stamps & design.

BHUPEX-2013 in Bhubaneswar

The District Level Philatelic Exhibition, BHUPEX-2013 organized by Bhubaneswar Postal Division, Department of Post from 25th MAR'2013 to 26th MAR'2013 was concluded successfully at Jaydev Bhawan,Bhubaneswar,Odisha,India.

 Two nos special cover was released

1. White Tiger- Nandankahan Zoological Park.
2. Shanti Stupa-Dhauli.

BHUPEX 2013

Berries FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:Berries
Issue Date:17th JAN'2013
Details:

Chunghwa Post previously issued a set of stamps on berries on January 12, 2012. Now it is following up with a second set featuring four species: Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Ardisia squamulosa, Hylocereus undatus, and Mahonia japonica. This set was released on January 17, 2013. The stamp designs follow:

1. Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (NT$2.5): Also known as downy rose myrtle, it is found on the slopes of foothills and low-elevation mountains, and alongside mountain roads in Ilan, Taipei, Taitung and Green Island. This evergreen shrub has leathery leaves that are ovate or obovate with smooth margins. The flowers are scarlet. The berries are urceolate and enclosed within a persistent calyx. When ripe, they are red or dark purple, with red edible flesh.

2. Ardisia squamulosa (NT$7): Found throughout Taiwan, this evergreen shrub or small tree is widely used as a hedge or ornamental plant. It has oblanceolate or obovate leaves with smooth margins. Its corolla is light pink to white. When ripe, its oblate berries are red to dark purple and sweetly tart.

3. Hylocereus undatus (NT$10): These berries, also known as dragon fruit, are cultivated throughout Taiwan. This fleshy epiphytic climbing perennial has a dark green stem, each node of which has climbing roots to help it climb higher. The leaves degenerate into small thorns, and its rhizome becomes a thick, fat water-laden stem. The plant has large sweet-scented trumpet-shaped white flowers, and ellipsoid, large and edible berries.

4. Mahonia japonica (NT$32): Also known as leatherleaf Mahonia, this small evergreen bush is spread throughout northern Taiwan at elevations of 500-1000 meters. Its small leaves, either elliptical or ovate-lanceolate, are leathery with sharp pointed tips and slightly curled edges. It has yellow flowers and ovoid berries that are dark purple when ripe. The berries can be eaten fresh or turned into juice. The plant is famous for its medicinal uses.

This set of stamps are planned by Dr. Hsieh Ting-Fang, Director of the Floriculture Research Center at the Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan; painted by Mr. Hung-tu Ko, Associate Professor of Commercial Design at Ming Chuan University; and printed by the Central Engraving and Printing Plant in color offset.(Source-Chunghwa Post)

Remark:This my 1st real posted FDC in the year 2013 sent by Chen on the issue date by registered post.Thanks Chen I will also send all the issues of Official Indian FDC to you in the year 2013.Happy collecting.The local first day cancellation of Berries is very good.

I need Spain-Tourism stamp of SPAIN

Stamp Name:I need Spain-Tourism
Details:

Tourism is a major source of income for Spain and is the theme of this self-adhesive stamp issued by Spanish Correos.

In 1982 the Spanish Government chose the famous "Sun of Miro" painting by Joan Miro as image for the overseas promotion of tourism. Since 1984 this logo has been used by the General Secretary of Tourism on its brochures, posters and publications. According to experts, this logo has been the best at capturing and representing the image of tourism of Spain.

In early 2010 the new official logo "I Need Spain" was introduced as a variation of Miro's sun. The aim of this new design is to renew the brand image of Spain associating, on the one hand, a characteristic lifestyle as a differentiators of tourism in this country and, on the other, the portfolio of products to be promoted.

Philately, acknowledging the importance of tourism, issued in 1990, a stamp devoted to the "European Year of Tourism" depicting the famous design of Joan Miro.

New Year’s Greeting FDC(Year of snake) from TAIWAN

FDC Name:New Year’s Greeting(Year of Snake)
Issue Date:3rd DEC'2012
Details:

2013 marks the Chinese New Year of the Snake, and Chunghwa Post has issued a new set of New Year’s Greeting Postage Stamps with two stamps and a souvenir sheet featuring the upcoming year’s animal sign.The two stamps are denominated at NT$3.5 and NT$13, respectfully; the souvenir sheet, NT$12.

In keeping with the pop modern art and traditional Chinese ink-wash styles of the 2010 and 2011 issues, the vignette of each of the stamps features an artistically papercutted snake or a pair of snakes colored in bright yellow and royal purple against a pale-orange background with random yellow splatters. The bright color scheme spotlights the joyous atmosphere of the Year of the Snake. The designs follow:

1. NT$3.50 Stamp: The long bodies curled against each other in symmetry and the heads pointing to opposite directions, this pair of snakes represents the spirit of “one mind” and symbolizes “warmth and all one’s wishes will come true.”

2. NT$13.00 Stamp: The snake’s head surges forward, with the plump, curved body curling behind. The snake looks spirited and ready to spring into action. This image represents “courage” and symbolizes “marching ahead bravely.”

3. NT$12.00 Souvenir Sheet: With its upper body standing erect and the head tilting to one side to face its curved tail, this snake signifies “mettle,” and reflects the spirit of “sprightliness and “everything goes according to one’s wishes.”

To add to collectivity and philatelic interest, two press sheets are included in the issue for sale on the same day. Each of these uncut sheets consists of two panes of 20 stamps, with denominations of NT$3.50 and NT$13.00 respectively. Printer’s markings remain on the sheet margin. Also included are a poster tube for storing the press sheet and a certificate of authenticity. Launched in 2009, this series of philatelic items are produced in limited quantities, and very much worth collecting.

This set of stamps features the work of Chen Peiyi, who won the third round competition in the fourth rotation to design the stamps. They are printed by Cardon Enterprise Co., Ltd. in color offset. (Source-Chunghwa Post)

Remark: Thanks Chen for sending 2 FDC on the issue date.Both the local cancellations are great for a collector.They were so clear and beautiful.

Deep-Sea Creatures in Souvenir Sheets FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:Deep-Sea Creatures in Taiwan Souvenir Sheets
Issue Date:12th DEC'2012(12-12-12)
Details:

To increase understanding about deep sea creatures, Chunghwa Post has issued two souvenir sheets featuring animals that live in the mesopelagic zone of waters near Taiwan. Their designs follow:
Souvenir Sheet A: includes four stamps
1. Eurypharynx pelecanoides (NT$10): This mesopelagic and bathyalpelagic fish lives at depths of 500-3,000 meters. Despite its huge mouth, the fish mostly preys on small crustaceans due to its tiny teeth and stomach that can’t be over-stretched.
2. Argyropelecus aculeatus (NT$12): Commonly known as the Atlantic silver hatchetfish, it lives at depths of 200-1,000 meters. Its flat silver body resembles a mirror, reflecting the colors of its surroundings to camouflage itself. The light organs along its belly also help it conceal itself by producing light that hides its own shadow.
3. Bufoceratias shaoi (NT$10): This species lives at depths of 500-1,200 meters. Its body is globular in shape but slightly flatter on the sides. The tip of its first dorsal fin has evolved to become a light organ called the illicium or esca, which contains many symbiotic bioluminescent bacteria. The esca can emit light to lure curious prey—hence its Chinese nickname: “lantern fish.”
4. Regalecus glesne (NT$12): This mesopelagic fish is found at depths ranging from the surface to 1,000 meters. There have been occasional sightings of it in waters off the coast of Taiwan. The world’s longest bony fish, it can grow up to 11 meters. It is nicknamed the “earthquake fish” in Taiwan because it is often spotted by fishermen after earthquakes.
The marginal inscription features Leptocephalus (upper left corner), Ctenophora (lower right corner) and Bobtail squid (lower left corner).
Souvenir Sheet B: includes one stamp

Histioteuthis celetaria pacifica (NT$25): This species lives at depths of 300-500 meters. Densely covered with light organs, its body can emit just the right amount of light to camouflage itself. One of its eyes has evolved to be larger than the other so as to help it search for prey.The marginal inscription features Pyrosoma sp. (upper left corner), Tomopteris sp. (right), Malacosteus niger (bottom) and Gnathophausia sp. (bottom left).
To highlight the bioluminescent characteristics of these deep sea creatures, the luminescent parts of these animals are printed in luminous ink, giving the stamps a charming effect under darkness. Furthermore, in order to illustrate the color of the silver hatchetfish, it is hot stamped with holographic foil.(Source-Chunghwa Post)

Remark:Thanks Shi Ching Chen for sending such nice FDC by registered post.Great issues by Chunghwa Post.I hope I will get such beautiful FDC in the year-2013 also.This is also a official 12-12-12 issue.

12-12-12 Cover from StampSathi

Cover Name:12-12-12

Remark:A nice cover posted on 12-12-12 by StampSathi to me.Though the post mark was not clear.In India most of the postmark are very bad compare to other country.India Post should change the cancellation to better standard.

Christmas 2012 FDC from MOLDOVA

FDC Name:Christmas 2012
Issue Date:01-12-2012
Details: 
 The technical details of 2 value stamps are as follows

Paper Type: Coated	Perforation: Comb 13 Syncopated	Watermark: None
Size (mm): Stamps = 34.00 x 34.00. Stamps & Labels 68.00 x 34.00	Designer: Alexandru Kornienco	Euro Price Guide (MNH): Set of 2v = 1.00. Set of 2v + labels = 1.50
Full Sheet Composition: 8 (3x3+label)	Printer: Nova Imprim, Chişinău	Special Notes:Total Official FDC printed only 400.Source-Moldovan.org
Print Process: Offset	Print Quantities: No. 817 = 200,000. No. 818 = 67,000. No. 817Zf = 25,000. No. 818Zf = 8,375.

Remark:Thanks Gheorghe Plugaru for sending this FDC on the issue date by registered post . Looking forward for more exchange in the year 2013.

Santa and Sleigh FDC from USA

FDC Name:Santa and Sleigh
Issue Date: 13 OCT 2012
Details:

The Santa and Sleigh block of four was the work of California artist Paul Rogers. Following what seems to have become a long-standing custom, the stamps will be issued at the ASDA National Postage Stamp Show in New York in October. No plans were announced for new traditional (religious) Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa stamps.(source-USPS)

Remark:Thanks Mark L Goodman from USA for sending such a nice 4 value stamps on a cover & posted on the issue date.Looking forward for more such beautiful stamps on 2013.

Christmas FDC from LATVIA

FDC Name:Christmas
Issue Date:01-12-2012
Details:

Latvijas Pasts has been releasing stamps dedicated to Christmas since 1992, and two new additions to the series are made this year. The design of the new stamps draws on traditional Christmas themes - a Christmas tree and gifts hidden under it. The first-day cover depicts a winter scene with a house surrounded by fir trees covered with snow and a snowman, while the cancellation depicts a decorated Christmas tree. The new stamps were designed by artist Lilija Dinere.

The stamp with a denomination of LVL 0.35, suitable for mailing a regular letter within Latvia, has a print run of 1,200,000. The stamp with a denomination of LVL 0.60, suitable for mailing a regular letter outside the European Union, has a print run of 200,000.

Remark:Thanks Juris for sending such nice Christmas FDC.This is my 1st Christmas FDC & Stamps in this year 2012.The design of both the stamps are beautiful.I am sorry for the late posting of this FDC in my blog.I wish you all Happy New Year-2013.

First Day Postcard(Maxicard) from US Post on Stamp Collecting

Maxi-card Name: Stamp Collecting
Issue Date:23rd JAN 1986

Ancient Chinese Painting “Three Friends and a Hundred Birds” Souvenir sheets FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:Ancient Chinese Painting “Three Friends and a Hundred Birds”
Issue Date:22nd NOV'2012
Details:

To promote appreciation of the beauty of ancient Chinese art, Chunghwa Post is releasing two souvenir sheets on the painting “Three Friends and a Hundred Birds” by the Ming Dynasty painter Pien Wen-chin from the National Palace Museum collection. The first souvenir sheet features three stamps, each highlighting a portion of the original masterpiece, with denominations of NT$5, NT$10, and NT$12. The second sheet features the full scroll with a denomination of NT$70.The designs of the souvenir sheets follow: 

Pien Wen-chin was an important bird-and-flower painter at the early Ming Dynasty court. His work blends the meticulous and exuberantly colored style of the great Northern Song master Huang Ch’üan with the Southern Song court painting tradition. The highly decorative painting features nearly 100 birds perched on bamboo, as well as pine and plum blossom branches. Court paintings of its era often carry symbolic meanings to denote auspiciousness. The “Three Friends of the Winter” refer to pine, bamboo, and plum blossom. Among them, plum blossom symbolizes integrity for its cold hardiness; bamboo is a homonym of a Chinese character that means “blessing,” and pine symbolizes longevity. Though the painting depicts 97 birds, it includes “a hundred birds” in the title to indicate the multitude of birds being featured. Furthermore, the number 100 is regarded as auspicious in Chinese. In consideration of the fact that it was painted for the court, it may also signify “the hundred birds pay homage to the phoenix,” an expression of great reverence. Resembling a spot in a mountain forest where 100 birds have gathered, the entire scroll is fascinating.

For the first time ever in this Post, the souvenir sheet featuring the entire scroll is printed on silk paper. The elegant silk further helps to shine a spotlight on the fine strokes of this masterpiece. A pictorial and a stamp folio featuring both souvenir sheets will also be released on the issuing date of the stamps. The cover of the pictorial is made of hard golden paper with red and black foil stamping, and the front features a fabric paper printed with colorful flowers and birds. The folio is with a classical golden paper cutting to gracefully show up the souvenir sheet printed on silk. Both designs are extremely elegant.The set of stamps are designed by Delta Design Corporation and printed by Cartor Security Printing (France) in color offset.Source-Chunghwa Post.

Remark:Thanks Ching Chen for sending this extra ordinary silk paper souvenir sheet FDC.

Latvian Olympic medal winners - Maris Stromberg, Martin and John Pļaviņa Šmēdiņam FDC from LATVIA

FDC Name:Latvian Olympic medal winners - Maris Stromberg, Martin and John Pļaviņa Šmēdiņam
Issue Date:23-11-2012
Details:

XXX Olympic Games London 2012 medal winners Latvian Post issued two stamps - one depicts a gold medal in BMX cycling sport Maris Strombergs, the second - the bronze medal in beach volleyball Martins Plavins and John Šmēdiņš. Each postage stamp print run of 20 000 copies, and a par value of U.S. $ 0.35, which corresponds to a simple mail transfer territory of Latvian Republic.

XXX Olympic Games London 2012 medal winners Postage stamps used Ilmars Znotiņa photographer captured images of athletes. Stamps, first day covers and stamp designed by artist Girts mouth.

Maris Strombergs is twofold and only Olympic champion in BMX cycling men. In 2008, the athlete won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games, in 2010, won the World Championship in BMX, but in 2012 again became the Olympic champion. Maris Strombergs awarded Three Stars of the sporting achievements.

Martins Plavins and John Šmēdiņš a Latvian beach volleyball - the London Olympic bronze medal winners. 2012 season is the third full luminescence Martin and John Šmēdiņa joint season. Besides silver medals in the London Olympics v olejbolisti got bronze medals at the European Championships in Berlin, the silver medalist in the World Cup stage in Marseilles, while the World Championships in Rome athletes won fourth place, which is the best achievement in Latvian beach volleyball history.

Latvian Post issued a second stamp in honor of Maris Stromberg - the first was devoted to the athlete's achievements in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. 2000 Latvian Post a postage stamp depicting the Sydney Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics Igor Vihrovu, while in 1996 it was issued postage stamps block of Olympic Sports Atlanta 1996, postage stamps depicting four Latvian Olympic champions Javelin - Inese Jaunzemi, Elvira Jones Janis Lusis and Daini litter.Source-Latvia Post.

Remark:Thanks Juris Tarvids for sending such lovely FDC.