Sheet of 20 x $1.70 'The Rabbit' gummed stamps.
The 2023 Chinese New Year stamps are designed around the figures of the Rabbit and an infant. The collection draws on the symbolic meanings associated with these characters and the traditions surrounding Chinese New Year. In Chinese folklore, the Rabbit is associated with long life, which is a common New Year blessing. Infants are representative of prosperity and new beginnings, just like the New Year festivities.
The rabbit was chosen to represent the fourth year in the Chinese Zodiac calendar. The design of our stamps and collectables commemorating the Year of the Rabbit in 2023 has been inspired by the style of the Chinese nianhua poster. Click here for more information about this stamp issue.
| Date of issue: | 7 December 2022 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | $1.70, $3.00, $3.80 & $6.70 |
| Designed and illustrated by: | Ying-Min Chu, YMC Design, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, Napier, New Zealand |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (vertical) |
| Miniature sheet size and format: | 135mm x 90mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | Arconvert securpost MC 90/Cprint100 P11p |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 20 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 6 December 2023. First day covers were only available until 31 January 2023. |