Unveiling the Microscopic Wonders in Postage Stamps

On the occasion of the 39th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Taiwan’s official postal service, Chunghwa Post, unveiled an exclusive stamp series. This unique edition masterfully intertwines the worlds of arts, literature, and craftsmanship, catering to the discerning tastes of both collectors and literary connoisseurs.

Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆

Serviced first day cover affixed with a set of two stamps from the "Timeless Arts and Culture Day" edition, issued on the 12th of August, 2023. Image courtesy of Chunghwa Post.

TAIPEI, Taiwan — In the heart of Taipei city, memories of my childhood stamp collection flood back, where I learned the art of delicately soaking used stamps in a basin filled with water, patiently waiting to detach the layers of envelope paper underneath.

While I don’t see myself as a devoted stamp collector, I do buy stamps from time to time — be it the celebration of new museums, depictions of artworks from prestigious collections, or the representation of esteemed city monuments.

Until this summer, my perspective on stamps remained firmly anchored in their artistic and aesthetic appeal. However, everything changed when the Chunghwa Post, Taiwan's official postal service, introduced an exclusive stamp series on the occasion of the 39th Asian International Stamp Exhibition.

It was my first time attending such an event, held at Taipei's World Trade Centre. Surrounded by myriad vendors, I came to the realisation that every postage stamp represents a microcosm of its own, often brimming with diverse themes, captivating subjects, and evocative images.

"Timeless Arts and Culture Day" edition of postage stamps issued on the occasion of the 39th Asian International Stamp Exhibition in Taipei. Image courtesy of Chunghwa Post.

Under the theme “Timeless Arts and Culture Day”, Chunghwa Post issued a remarkable set of two postage stamps. These miniature masterpieces showcase legible lines penned by Taiwan's esteemed authors active in the 20th century, notably Yu Guangzhong (余光中) and Xu Dishan (許地山).

Immersing the literary verses in an artistic narrative, the stamp set beautifully depicts corresponding scenes from these revered works through meticulous techniques of printmaking. Executed with utmost precision, the stamps employ both offset printing and intaglio engraving, resulting in a visual tapestry that blends in art, culture, and poetry.

This set boasts two face values: 8 NTD and 28 NTD. The 8 NTD stamp showcases an excerpt from Yu Guangzhong's evocative poem titled “Passing Through Fangliao” (車過枋寮), where the verses vividly describe the rainfall in Pingtung's sugarcane and banana fields, capturing the essence of Taiwan's rustic charm:

“Rain falls in the sugarcane fields of Pingtung, sweet sugarcane, sweet rain...

Rain falls in the banana fields of Pingtung, sweet bananas, sweet rain...”

Sugarcane and bananas are important economic crops in Taiwan, and Yu’s lines beautifully capture the essence of the rural sentiment, along with the distinctive flavour of Taiwan. Designed in a rustic and somewhat naive style, the stamps initially convey a charming simplicity. However, a closer inspection through a loupe or magnifying glass reveals a hidden cosmos of intricate details. Among the grasses, delicately outlined raindrops and bundles of bananas emerge, precisely mirroring the elements mentioned in Yu’s poem. Moreover, concealed within the grasses are fragments of the verses, including “tien tien de” (sweet) and “gan zhe” (sugarcane).

In the upper right corner, where the sugarcane leaves blend with the sky, detailed depictions of watermelon slices emerge — a delightful motif inspired by the poem. This meticulous attention to detail elevates these postage stamps from mere illustrations to an engaging exploration of literary and visual artistry.

Postage stamp inspired by Yu Guangzhong's poem titled "Passing Through Fangliao". Image courtesy of Chunghwa Post.

The stamp with 28 NTD face value features an excerpt from “Peanuts” (落花生), a prose by Xi Dishan. In a poignant exchange, Xi writes:

My father continued, “So you should be like peanuts because they are useful, not great or beautiful things.”

I said, “So people should be useful, not great or respectable.”

My father said, “That's my hope for all of you.”

Delving into the minutiae of the stamp's background unveils subtle lines intricately forming the contour of a peanut, interspersed with chosen phrases from the literary work, such as “So you should be like peanuts.” Adding to the artistry, the English word “peanut” is deftly concealed within a mosaic of lined patterns, beckoning viewers to embark on a visual journey — on a nano-scale — that blends literary wisdom with nuanced playfulness.

It dawned on me that, beyond the creative brilliance of the stamp's illustrator, there’s an unsung hero who played a pivotal role in breathing life into these stamps: the master engraver.

To bring a postage stamp to life, the initial design takes form before the engraver skillfully etches the images onto the plate. While the engraver could simply replicate the designer's work, a more nuanced approach is often chosen. In this case, Lin Hongsong (林宏松), the master engraver from Central Engraving and Printing Plant, renowned for its role in printing Taiwan’s paper banknotes, takes centre stage. Lin seamlessly infused his own creative vision into the design, elevating the illustration's depth without altering its essence — much like words that enrich a literary work.

These minute details, imperceptible to the naked eye and requiring a magnifying glass for full appreciation, introduce an unexpected layer of richness and sophistication. Who would’ve thought a magnifying glass would be essential to fully appreciate the hidden wonders in a postage stamp?

Postage stamp inspired by Xu Dishan's "Peanuts". Image courtesy of Chunghwa Post.

Despite never having delved into the literary works that inspired this stamp set, these miniature masterpieces strike a resonant chord within me, a sentiment I believe is shared by many Taiwanese individuals who have been nurtured by this land and sustained by the bountiful produce it yields.

With over a decade of experience in the jewellery industry, I’m well accustomed to working with details on a nano level. Yet, I was not only impressed by the artisanship involved in the printmaking of these postage stamps but also captivated by the creative process revealed by the master engraver during his public lecture.

In my view, the stamp edition “Timeless Arts and Culture Day” epitomises the saying “the devil is in the details”. These intricate details bring forth vivid imagery of bananas, watermelons, and peanuts, evoking a nostalgic yet delightful sensory response that encapsulates the very essence of Taiwan’s local treasures.

At the 39th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, a girl is seen examining the details of the "Timeless Arts and Culture Day" edition postage stamps with a magnifying glass.

The 39th Asian International Stamp Exhibition was held at the World Trade Centre in Taipei city, Taiwan, from August 11 to 15, 2023.