News
27 July 2005
"Four Great Inventions of Ancient China" stamp issue
The Postmaster General, Mr. Allan CHIANG, today announced that a set of special stamps entitled "Four Great Inventions of Ancient China" is to be issued on 18 August 2005. This exceptional set comprises four mint stamps of four denominations and showcases four revolutionary Chinese technologies. The $1.40 stamp depicts the compass, and the $2.40 stamp shows printing. The $3 stamp illustrates gunpowder and the $5 stamp portrays papermaking.
The stamps were designed by Mr. WANG Huming and are printed in lithography by Joh. Enschede B.V., the Netherlands.
"These stamps are a wonderful representation of the pioneering feats the Chinese people achieved in ancient times," said Mr. CHIANG. "The compass was a major scientific development which allowed Chinese explorers to safely navigate the seas and distant lands. The manufacture of gunpowder enabled the development of the colourful fireworks displays which have brightened our nighttime skies for centuries. The advent of papermaking and the early printing process created a means for improved communication and the recording of information for posterity. These skills have been passed on with pride to other countries and nationalities."
The stamps will be displayed at the General Post Office and Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan and Shatin Central post offices from 28 July 2005. Official First Day Covers at $1 each will be put on sale at all post offices on the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided souvenir covers will be accepted at 39 philatelic offices from 28 July to 3 August 2005.
A hand-back datestamping service will be provided at all post offices on 18 August 2005 for official and privately-made covers, bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address. A special postmark will be introduced. The GPO-1 postmark, the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark and the philatelic office pictorial postmark will also be available for hand-back datestamping service at all philatelic offices on that day.
Also on 18 August 2005, the public hall of the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for datestamping covers with the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark, the GPO-1 postmark and the special postmark.
Further information about this issue and the sale of associated philatelic products can be obtained from Hongkong Post's website at www.hongkongpost.com, at any post office, or by calling the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline 2785 5711.
First Day Cover text
Fact Sheet
The enclosed photograph shows "Four Great Inventions of Ancient China" Special Stamp to be issued on 18 August 2005.
The enclosed photograph shows "Four Great Inventions of Ancient China" Special Postmark to be issued on 18 August 2005.