Hongkong Post to issue "Intangible Cultural Heritage - Dragon and Lion Dance" special stamps (with photos)

     To promote public awareness of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), thus enabling the preservation of these cultural gems, Hongkong Post has selected five local ICH items, namely the lion dance, pixiu dance, unicorn dance, dragon dance and Tai Hang fire dragon dance, for the launch of a special stamp issue and associated philatelic products with the theme "Intangible Cultural Heritage – Dragon and Lion Dance" on February 23 (Tuesday).

     The set of four stamps to be issued features the lion dance, pixiu dance, unicorn dance and dragon dance. With vivid and delicate brushstrokes, the meticulous details and lively postures of these characters are illustrated on the stamps. The bold appearance and agile movement of each character, set off with the festive background colours of gold or red commonly used for joyous occasions in Chinese culture, signify an auspiciousness that adds an extra note of festivity.

     The two stamp sheetlets present scenes of the Mid-Autumn Festival – the Tai Hang fire dragon dance, showcasing its extraordinary charm through different perspectives. The $10 stamp sheetlet portrays the grandiosity of the fire dragon parading through streets and alleys in the hands of performers, drawing a flock of bystanders that enjoy the hubbub of the festive event. The $20 stamp sheetlet depicts in detail the fire dragon and "dragon pearl" covered in incense sticks. Printed with a gold foil stamping effect, the $20 stamp sheetlet re-creates a setting of a blazing flame wreathed in curling smoke, as if enveloping viewers in the spectacular fire dragon dance.

     Starting from February 23, this set of special stamps and associated philatelic products, including a first day cover, mint stamps, stamp sheetlets, a mini-pane, a presentation pack and a serviced first day cover, will be placed on sale at post offices.

     Information about this special stamp issue and associated philatelic products are available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk) or the Hongkong Post mobile app.