OTTAWA, ONTARIO (January 8, 2010) – Today, Canada Post tradition met the enchanting world of Chinese astrology as the company celebrated the Year of the Tiger with two stamps that are as bold and beautiful as the feline they depict.

“These striking stamps are the second issue in our Lunar New Year series, which started in 2009, and are a cross-cultural celebration of the tiger figure in Chinese tradition,” says Jim Phillips, CanadaPost’s Director of Stamp Services. “They tell the story of this fierce feline through traditional icons and imagery.”

The International rate stamp, which is available only on the Year of the Tiger souvenir sheet, features an image of a Chinese seal, a stamp used as a form of signature. The tiger featured in the background of the souvenir sheet illustrates the status of the tiger in Chinese lore. The seal was created by Wilson Lam from Wilco Design in Toronto, which designed both stamps, and sculpted by Chinese-Canadian artist, Bill Lau.

The imprint of that seal, which portrays a tiger in a traditionally stylized manner, decorates the PERMANENT™ domestic rate stamp. Gold foil was applied to the seal’s imprint because 2010 is dominated by the metal element and gold is the highest-valued metal in China. Clear foil and multi-level embossing techniques combine to capture the light and give prominence to the seal.

The long scroll-like shape of the souvenir sheet is also rooted in Chinese tradition, while the speckles of gold foil that are scattered throughout the background of the uncut press sheet give the impression that gold flakes have been splashed across the surface.

Additional information about Canadian stamps can be found in the News section of Canada Post's website, and photos of these new stamps are also available. Stamps and other products will be available at participating post offices, or can be ordered online by following the links at canadapost.ca/collection, or by mail order from the National Philatelic Centre. From Canada and the USA, call toll-free: 1 800 565-4362, and from other countries, call: 902 863-6550.

Märkmed: