On 23 January 2012, UNPA has issued a Chinese lunar calendar personalized stamp sheet celebrating the “Year of the Dragon”. This is the third year that UNPA has issued a Chinese lunar calendar sheet. The sheet is composed of ten $1.05 denominated stamps with the UN logo. The tab of the stamps features a zodiac symbol of a dragon. The background design on the sheet features the dragon illustrated by Mr. Huang Li (China).

The golden flying dragon on the tab is from the image on the decoration tile of Han Dynasty (app. 200 B.C. – 200 A.D.). The pattern under the dragon on the tab is a very traditional design of sea wave. The dragon symbolizes bravery, representing the spirit of China and Chinese people. It is an icon for the happiness and celebration for Chinese New Year. The dragon on the left side is the same as the one on the tab.

Mr. Huang Li was born in 1941 in Zhejiang Province. He graduated from the Oil Painting Department of Central Art Academy in 1965 and in the same year, he entered the postal department of China to work as a stamp designer. He designed many sets of stamps in China, including the Year of Dragon issue in 2000. In 1997, he was awarded as “Expert of Special Contribution” in China. In 2003, he retired. Now he is a famous painter.

Source: China Post

published February 7th, 2012