Set of gummed stamp sheets.
Individual stamps in this set
$1.70 'The Rabbit'
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.
$3.00 'The Moon'
Chinese New Year is scheduled to align with the cycle of the lunar calendar. In China, the moon and the Rabbit have a long history. Chinese folklore tells of how the Rabbit was granted immortality by the Jade Emperor, who saw how noble and self-sacrificing the Jade Rabbit was in a trial of character. To see the Jade Rabbit for yourself, simply look up at the moon when it is full. The Rabbit’s form can be seen in the dark patches on the lunar surface.
$3.80 'The Kitchen God'
A popular ritual practised at New Year is paying respect to the kitchen god. This is done by burning incense and providing food as a form of tribute. Incense is also used to pay respect to ancestors and to pray for good luck in the year ahead. In Shandong province, villagers make steam buns to symbolise reunion, happiness, and prosperity for the coming year.
$6.70 'Lucky Fruit'
Certain fruit, such as mandarins and peaches, are considered lucky. The Chinese word for mandarin, ‘kum’, also means gold. For this reason mandarins are popular gifts for wishing good fortune and prosperity in the New Year. Peaches represent immortality and commonly feature in Chinese mythology. The peach is considered a divine fruit of the gods and it symbolises perpetual vitality and longevity.
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 may be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks are available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until 6 December 2023. First day covers will remain on sale until 31 January 2023. |