Canada Post has honoured the Year of the Dragon by issuing a pair of stamps and collectibles to mark the Lunar New Year. A dragon year is said to be a time of innovation, risk and achievement. These stamps are the fourth release in a twelve-year Lunar New Year series.

“Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world, in countries and territories with significant Chinese communities. Canada Post is proud to celebrate the occasion by issuing these popular stamps,” said Jim Phillips, Director of Stamp Services at Canada Post. “The stamps in the Lunar New Year series are always well received by both members of the Chinese community and collectors. As in past years, these images are complex and striking, and the foil and embossing techniques are outstanding.” 

The dragon on the domestic-rate PERMANENT™ stamp is fully embossed and gold foil is used prominently in the creature’s scales. Swirls, a graphic element from ancient Chinese designs, are placed at the bottom of the stamp to represent the water element. The Chinese characters in the top right corner spell out “dragon.”

A fiery red dragon bursts from the water on the souvenir sheet bearing an international-rate stamp. The embossing on the dragon’s head is carved by hand, with touches of foil to give it vibrancy. The background is red, a colour used prominently during Chinese New Year celebrations to symbolize good fortune and joy.

Source: Canada Post

published January 14th, 2012