The Year of the Horse

For immediate release   27 December 2014

Guernsey Post is delighted to announce that it will welcome the Year of the Horse by issuing a series of stamps celebrating the Lunar New Year, which begins on 31 January 2014.

The six stamps, each depicting a horse featuring intricate artwork to its body, are the work of illustrator Chrissy Lau, an artist of Chinese heritage who grew up in England and now lives in Sydney.

The stamps include a horse with its head facing backwards, reminiscing on the previous year, whilst his raised front leg signifies his readiness for the year ahead (40 pence).  The cloud pattern used on this stamp is one of the oldest patterns in Chinese art & architecture.

Representing the sensitive nature of those born in the Year of the Horse, another horse is depicted deep in thought and humble, with its head bowed (63 pence). Also featured is the eight horse design, a familiar theme in Chinese art and brush paintings, which has gained a strong cultural significance in Chinese culture, as the number eight symbolises wealth and success (79 pence).

Illustrator Chrissy said: - “I was inspired by the striking designs and patterns used in Chinese paper cutting so I wanted to reflect this on the stamps. The stamps are quite small in size so it was important to create something that would instantly draw attention. In Chinese culture red symbolises good fortune and joy.  It is commonly used in celebrations, especially Chinese New Year – and it was the only colour that could represent this collection of stamps. Gold is used to symbolise wealth, prosperity and happiness and conveys a luxurious quality.”

Two limited edition products are also available as part of Guernsey Post’s Lunar New Year series.  The gold foil souvenir sheet is produced in 24 carat gold (99.9% pure) and mounted inside a display stand with a numbered certificate of authenticity. Uncut press sheets[1], supplied in a protective tube with a certificate bearing the issue number, are also available.

Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post said: - “We are absolutely thrilled with our stamps to celebrate the Lunar New Year.  Each one has a strong visual impact, reflecting that people born in this year are considered to exude stability and strength.”

The stamps are available to pre-order now at www.guernseystamps.com or by calling Philatelic Customer Services on (01481) 716486.

 

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Press enquiries to:

Sarah Amies, pr consultant to Guernsey Post, stamps, 01484 687040
Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic, 01481 733524

 

SPECIFICATION

Date of issue: 8 January 2014
Designer: Chrissy Lau
Printer: Lowe-Martin
Values: 40p, 53p, 55p, 63p, 71p, 79p
Process: Offset Lithography
Stamp sizes: 30.5mm deep x 40mm wide
Sheet size: 100mm deep x 140mm wide
Paper: 100gsm unwatermarked / PVA Adhesive
Perforation: 13.3
Sheet: 10
Cylinder: A

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