PHILAKOREA 2014 - World Stamp Exhibition

 

On the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the Postal Service of Korea, PHILAKOREA 2014 World Stamp Exhibition, a global festival of postage stamps is held for six days from August 7 to August 12, 2014 in Hall A, COEX, Seoul, under the patronage of the FIP (Fédération Internationale de Philatélie). PHILAKOREA World Stamp Exhibition is the fourth exhibition held in Korea, which, starting from 1984 marked the centenary of the Korean Postal Service, and followed again in 1994 and 2002.

Around 500 stamp exhibits submitted by no less than 67 countries are on display and approximately 100 stamp sales booths are opened. Also being showcased at the exhibition are invited stamp exhibits and a public relations booth for the postal business. There is also a masterpiece pavilion and a Future Stamp pavilion where visitors can enjoy the unique display of philatelic culture from around the world.

PHILAKOREA 2014 commemorative stamps capture eight “flavors of Korea” which are imbued with the taste of their ancestors. Minhwa, folk paintings drawn by the general public express the simple beauty of everyday life in a colorful and straightforward style. Birds and flowers depicted in gentle colors are a delight to the eye. While most traditional Korean masks are made of gourds or paper, Hahoe masks are wooden.

Hahoe masks show a refined and elaborate beauty embodying a uniquely Korean humor and sentiment. Hanbok, the traditional Korean clothes, also known as Clothes of Wind, encompasses beauty in its lines and sides and flows in gentle curves. Kkachi Durumagi, a colorful children’s overcoat introduced in the stamp is made using delightful colors, expressing hope for longevity and wealth. The scientifically created Korean alphabet, Hangeul is beautiful in shape.

The roundish contours of the Gungche script on the stamp are considered the most beautiful Korean writing style due to its delicate form. (an excerpt from a novel Okyeondyunghoewon from the Joseon Dynasty). Onggi, a porous and permeable pottery, called the breathing pottery are used as storage containers suitable for soy sauce, salt, Kimchi, and many other products.

These pots with a round “belly” are evocative of the generosity and richness of a mother. The clear resounding sound of the Gayageum made by its twelve silk strings is celestial in tone. The stamp introduces this representative string instrument of Korea, the Gayageum, in particular, the Gayageum of prince regent Heungseon. Baekja, a white porcelain, shows a simple, yet immaculate beauty. The rounded White Porcelain Moon Jar, created during the Joseon Dynasty, is reminiscent of a full moon and is listed as National Treasure number 1437. Lastly, lifting eaves of elegantly curved tiled roofs shows a refined architectural beauty and a taste for the arts of their ancestors.

Stamp on 'Bend It Like Beckham' a film by Gurinder Chadha

Royal Mail issued stamp on 'Bend It Like Beckham' - 13th May 2014. Indian-origin filmmaker Gurinder Chadha's award-winning film about a British Sikh family, 'Bend It Like Beckham', has been selected by Royal Mail, UK as one of the films with a stamp issued in its honour in the 'Great British Film Stamp Set'. The 2002 comedy-drama is about an Indian girl who breaks traditional barriers to play football for UK won rave reviews across the globe.

Great British Film Stamp Set

The new stamps from Royal Mail  feature six classic British films that have enjoyed global success in the post-war era.The Mint Stamps feature iconic movie stills from six classic British films:Matter of Life and Death (1946)Lawrence of Arabia (1962)2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)Chariots of Fire (1981)Secrets & Lies (1996)Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

New Special Cover

The National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Hyderabad will be releasing a Special Cover with its MY Stamp through the Department of Post, Philatelic Bureau, Hyderabad G.P.O. on 1 July 2014 on the occasion of the commencement of the Centenary Batch of the Foundation Course for Agricultural Research Service (FOCARS100).

- Ravi Viswanathan : email : viswanathanravi@naarm.ernet.in