Imperial Japan Tazawa Stamp and Tayū of Shimabara

IMPERIAL JAPAN postage stamp from the Tazawa series, issued between 1913 and 1925. This one has a denomination of 1½ sen. The Tazawa series was known for its intricate designs and was printed on granite paper. 

This is a postcard from 21 March 1917, addressed to The China Strawbraid Export Company, Mr. Fernand Leconte in Tianjin, China, was posted by  Kursu Yanagimoto in Nagasaki, Japan.

The message reads, according:

"Dear Mr. Leconte:

"This is to tell you that I arrived quite safely.

"I am sending you the promised postcards under separate cover.

"My best compliments to Mrs. Leconte. Thanking you for the past courtesies.

Kursu Yanagimoto"

Tayū (太夫) of Shimabara was a highly respected courtesan and entertainer, the highest-ranking woman in Kyoto's Shimabara district, a licensed pleasure quarter during Japan's Edo period.

They underwent rigorous training in numerous traditional Japanese arts, including the tea ceremony, kōdō (incense ceremony), ikebana (flower arrangement), calligraphy, poetry, dance, singing, and playing instruments like the koto. 

This extensive training and cultural knowledge allowed them to command high prices and, notably, to refuse clients. 

Today, the "Tayū" title is sometimes associated with the highest rank of geisha, and Shimabara remains a historic hanamachi (geisha district), though with a very small number of practitioners today.

Nippon Post

NIPPON POST cover with four stamps, of which three depicted artwork by Japanese artists. 

- "Woman in a Blue Kimono" by Okada Saburōsuke was issued in 1983 as part of a series showcasing famous Japanese art. The stamp has a denomination of 60 yen. 

 - "Rafu" by Kagaku Murakami (1888-1939) carried a 50 yen denomination.

- "Black Fan" by  Fujishima Takeji (1867–1943) was created between 1908 and 1909. This oil on canvas was considered a masterpiece in Fujishima's time when exhibited in Rome. The stamp carried a denomination of 50 yen. 

- The Amur adonis flower, known as Adonis amurensis, is a perennial plant native to China, Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East. In Japan, it is called "Fukujusō," which means "fortune-longevity-plant" and is considered a symbol of happiness and good luck. It carried a face value of 10 yen. 

The postmark features Kochi Castle, a woman in traditional attire, and a mountain, which are all symbols of Kochi Prefecture. It was dated "58. 4. 9" during the Japanese Showa era, corresponding to 9 April 1983.

Saar Protectorate "Souvenir du Maréchal Ney, Saarlouis et environs"

SAAR PROTECTORATE, a region that was under French control after World War II (1947–1956), issued a stamp depicting a monument to Marshal Ney. 

This stamp, with 84 Pfenning (later issues valued at 20 France) was affixed to a postcard dated 24 August 1947 commemorating an event in Saarlouis, Germany, related to Marshal Ney who was from this city. 

The postcard was issued by the "Souvenir du Maréchal Ney, Saarlouis et environs" organisation for the handover of a flag by Governor Grandval on 24 August 1947, during the St. Louis festival. The proceeds from the sale of the postcard were slated to cover the costs of the festival.

Commemorative Postcard "First Meeting of German Shortwave Amateurs after the War in Stuttgart"

COMMEMORATIVE POSTCARD for the "First Meeting of German Shortwave Amateurs after the War in Stuttgart" held on 7-8 June 1947.

The postcard featured an illustration of presumabl Stuttgart, with radio equipment and antennas.

The text "Hams always come back" and "Der alte Ham-Spirit lebt noch!" (The old Ham-Spirit still lives!) reflected the resilience and passion of German amateur radio enthusiasts after World War II.

The locked cage with vacuum tubes and the question "Wer hat den Schlüssel?" (Who has the key?) likely alluded to the challenges and restrictions faced by German amateur radio operators in the immediate post-war period.

The reverse side of the card is identified as a "Tagungs-Festpostkarte," which translates to "Conference-Festival Postcard," suggesting it was issued for this specific amateur radio gathering.

The card was "Herausgegeben vom Veranstalter" (issued by the organizer) WBRC, located at Stuttgart, Neue Weinsteige 5.

Affixed to the postcard is a 24 Pfennig stamp depicting Heinrich von Stephan, a key figure in German postal history.

The circular postmark indicates "Stuttgart",  7-8.6.1947. It also mentions "deutscher Kurzweil Amateure Württ-Bad. Radia-P," suggesting this particular amateur radio event was held in the Württemberg-Baden region.

Background 

In July 1947, this shortwave conference was held in Stuttgart, attended by around 500 radio amateurs from all over Germany, giving amateur radio a significant boost there. 

Clubs were gradually authorised in other parts of Germany as well. First, the Hessian Radio Club (HRC), modeled on the Stuttgart model (even American officials considered this a precedent), then the Bavarian Amateur Radio Club (BARC), and finally the German Amateur Radio Club/British Zone (DARC/BZ). The radio operators in the French Zone had to wait until 1949, those in the Saar region until 1951, and those in the Soviet Zone until 1952 (this is a reminder for GDR nostalgics). 

An important culmination of this development was the founding of the DARC (without any additions) in the fall of 1950, into which the aforementioned clubs and their members were integrated over time.

Royal Mail Cover Stamps

ROYAL MAIL cover stamps received from a fellow stamp collector. Stamps on the envelope include:

- A  First Class Christmas stamp featuring a stained-glass the nativity.

- Alice in Wonderland stamp showing a scene with the Red Queen and Alice, with a value of "63".

- A stamp of "No. 92220, Evening Star" and "BR-Class F" steam locomotive, likely a British Railways Class.

- A stamp commemorating Queen Elizabeth's 80th birthday, with the text "44", featuring a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

- A stamp showing British TV cartoon "Dangermouse", with a value of "43".

Polynésie Française Centenary of the Universal Postal Union

POLYNÉSIE FRANÇAISE (FRENCH POLYNESIA) on 9 October 1974  issued a "Premier Jour" (First Day) stamp celebrating the centenary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), an international organisation established in 1874 to coordinate postal policies among member nations and manage the worldwide postal system. Presumably Louis Genty designed the stamp showing a Polynesian woman with floral garlands. It was printed by Philaposte. The postmark cancellation location was Papeete, Tahiti, the capital of French Polynesia. 

The cachet depicted a stylised globe with figures representing communication or postal services, symbolising the global reach of the UPU. 

Polynésie Française "Femmes en Polynésie"

POLYNÉSIE FRANÇAISE (FRENCH POLYNESIA) on 8 March 2003 issued a "Premier Jour" (First Day) stamp entitled "Femmes en Polynésie" (Women in Polynesia) which showed two Polynesian women. A special postmark cancellation was affixed to the stamp and maximum card (postcard) and originated from Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia.

Polynésie Française Tahitiennes sur la Plage

POLYNÉSIE FRANÇAISE (FRENCH POLYNESIA) on 12 December 1984 issued a set of for First Day Cover stamps showing the day-to-day life in Polynesia, including the artwork entitled "Tahitiennes sur la Plage" (Tahitian Women on the Beach) by Pierre Heyman. The postmark cancellation on the maximum card and stamps originated from Papeete, Tahiti. 

Établissements Français de l'Océanie Cover - 1948

ÉTABLISSEMENTS FRANÇAIS DE L'OCÉANIE (French Settlements in Oceania) or French Polynesia cover features three stamps valued at 4F, 15F and 20F (Francs). These definitive stamps issued initially in 1948 depict a Polynesian woman (4F) and two island women in a relaxed setting (15F and 20F), reflecting the local culture of French Polynesia, then known as Établissements Français de l'Océanie. The "Polynesian woman" and "two island women" was rendered by Jacques Boullaire who was well known for his Tahitian artwork, whereas Jules Piel engraved these stamps. Charles Mazelin was the artist/engraver for the "Polynesian woman".

The cachet on this cover commemorates the premiere liaison Air France (first Air France connection) between Tahiti and Paris, specifically referencing the flight to Papeete, Tahiti. 

It is addressed to "AIR FRANCE, 12 Bd Norodom, Saigon," indicating the routing or a stopover in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City).

A circular postmark clearly shows "Papeete" and the date "28 - 3 (March) 1950," confirming the historical context of the inaugural airmail service.

A Poste France Cover

 

LA POSTE FRANCE cover stamps:

- Painting of "The Virgin of the Grapes" was created around 1640 by the French Baroque artist Pierre Mignard. The stamp depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, who is reaching for a bunch of grapes. The grapes in the painting symbolise the Eucharist and the blood of Christ, foreshadowing his sacrifice. The original painting is housed in the Musée du Louvre in Paris, France.

- "La Semeuse" (The Sower) stamp is a symbolic representation of Marianne, the national personification of the French Republic. The image shows a barefoot woman, Marianne, wearing a Phrygian cap and sowing seeds with a determined gait, while the sun rises and the wind blows, symbolising the spread of Republican ideals and liberty. The design was created by French numismatist Oscar Roty in 1897 for use on silver coins of the French Third Republic and later appeared on stamps in 1903. 

- Marianne stamp designed by David Kawena and Olivier Ciappa. It was engraved by Elsa Catelin. It was printed by Philaposte (Phil@poste), using a recess method and paper with two phosphor stripes (left and right).

Germany Cover

DEUTSCHLAND (Germany) cover features two stamps:

-  Two young greylag geese ("Tierkinder Graugans") which has a value of 70 cents. 

-  Trabant P50 automobile from 1961 which was part of a series for "Wohlfahrtspflege" (welfare). The Trabant P50 was a small, front-wheel-drive car produced in East Germany, notable for its duroplast body panels and two-stroke engine.

Thailand Post Cover

Cover with a collection of Thai postage stamps, primarily featuring:

Phimai Historical Park Stamps: Several stamps depict the ancient Khmer temple complex of Phimai Historical Park in Thailand, known for its intricate architecture and historical significance. 

National Day Stamps: Stamps celebrating Thailand's National Day, featuring an elephant, a significant symbol in Thai culture. 

Other Thai Stamps: The image also includes stamps with other designs, such as those depicting historical or cultural scenes and possibly commemorating specific events or anniversaries related to Thai postal services.

Deutsche Demokratische Republik Rundfunk 1961

 

DEUTSCHE DEMOKRATISCHE REPUBLIK on 25 October 1961 issued Rundfunk  "Tag der Briefmarke" (Stamp Day) that featured a microphone and radio waves, symbolising broadcasting ("Rundfunk") from the German Democratic Republic.

In September 1961, following the construction of the Berlin Wall, the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR) launched an anti-Western broadcast campaign called "Blitz auf Natosender" (Strike against NATO Broadcasters), which aimed to prevent its citizens from receiving Western radio and television signals. The DDR's official youth organisation, the FDJ (Freie Deutsche Jungend), encouraged people to remove or damage antennas pointing towards the West, where "mental border-crossers" were living. People who did not voluntarily give up Western television and radio were to have their antennas sawn off or turned by force "towards socialism and peace".

USPS Artic Animals and Lincoln Cover

USPS cover of postage stamps, primarily featuring the 12 March 1999 Arctic Animals series first released in Barrow, Alaska. This set of stamps, valued at 33 cents each, depicts Gray Wolf, Arctic Hare, Arctic Fox, and Snowy Owl.

The other stamps include older U.S. postage: one featuring a Native American figure and marked "USA 13c," and another with Abraham Lincoln, marked "USA 2c" and "AIR MAIL". The Air Mail stamp I recall using whenever I posted letters to radio stations in Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. This would've been in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

San Marino Allegoria Della Primavera

SAN MARINO issued on 23 September 1972 a set of three First Day Cover stamps showing Sandro Botticelli's famous painting, Allegoria Della Primavera (meaning "Allegory of Spring"). Primavera was a large panel painting created in the late circa 1482, depicting a group of figures from classical mythology in a garden. 

Venus, goddess of love and beauty, is one of the central figures in the painting's complex allegorical narrative. 

Flora is depicted wearing a dress covered in flowers, symbolising the abundance and beauty of springtime. The painting is an allegory of spring, filled with mythological characters and symbolic meanings, celebrating love, peace, and prosperity. At least 138 species of different plants have been identified within the painting, showcasing Botticelli's meticulous attention to detail. 

The Three Graces, mythological goddesses representing virtues like chastity, beauty, and love, are often shown dancing in a circle.

The painting originally adorned the summerhouse of the Medici family and is now housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. 

Liechtenstein Post Great Achievements of Human Genius

LIECHTENSTEIN POST on 3 July 1983 issued two First Day Cover stamps in marking the Europa (C.E.P.T.) Great Achievements of Human Genius series. The stamps highlighted two  Benedictine personalities from the European Middle Ages: Notker Balbulus of St. Gall (40 Ct. - Swiss centime) and Hildegard of Bingen (80 Ct. - Swiss centime). Gerhard Gloser designed the postage stamps. Courvoisier (Helio Courvoisier) S. A. printed the stamps using a photogravure method. Postmark cancellation originated from Vaduz, Liechtenstein.

Notker the Stammerer/Notker of Saint Gall (c840-912) was a German Benedictine monk, priest, poet, musician, teacher, writer,  historian and hagiographer. He wrote about martyrology, a collection of legends and a metrical biography of Saint Gall.

Hildegard of Bingen (c1098 -1179) was a prominent German Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, philosopher, mystic, and visionary of the Middle Ages. She is one of the best-known composers of sacred monophony, as well as the most recorded in modern history. She has been considered by a number of scholars to be the founder of scientific natural history in Germany.

 

Saarland artwork "Volkshilfe" - 1956

POSTAL AND TELEGRAPH ADMINISTRATION Of SAARLAND issued on 10 December 1956 a First Day Cover (FDC) featuring Three artworks by master artists for the "Volkshilfe" (People's Aid) series. Postmark cancellation originated from Saarbrücken. 

The cachet carried the inscription "Wer Barmherzigkeit übt, tue es mit frohem Sinn" (He who practices mercy, let him do it with a cheerful mind). 

The stamps included:

5 F+3F (Blue) - LEONARDO DA VINCI (1452-1519) "La Belle Ferronnière" is a portrait of an unknown woman, possibly Lucrezia Crivelli, a mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. 

10 F+5F (Red) - REMBRANDT (1606-1669) "Saskia van Kyle burgh", Rembrandt's wife

15 F + 7F (Green) - FRANS VAN FLORIS (1517-1570) "Family van Berchem" (Woman Playing Spinet)

Belgie Post 25th Anniversary of the Monument in Breendonk

BELGIE POST on 7 April 1979 issued a set of stamps commemorating the 25th anniversary of the monument in Breendonk (Belgium) This black/orange postage stamp carried a face value of 6 Belgian franc. The designers were Charles Leclercqz (Engraver) | Idel Ianchelevici (Designer). A photogravure and recess printing method was used to produce 4,000,000 stamps.

This maximum card, with said affixed stamp, shows the National Memorial statue at Fort Breendonk.

The inauguration of this bronze statue, entitled "The Resistance" by sculptor and draftsman Idel Ianchelevici, took place on 25 April 1954. The work was installed in front of the National Memorial at Fort Breendonk, a former "Auffanglager" located in Willebroek, Belgium. The statue sits on a high natural stone pedestal, weighs five tons and is more than four meters high. This monument does not include the names of imprisoned war victims. 

The translated caption on the card states:

NATIONAL MONUMENT TO THE POLITICAL PRISONER

1914-18 -- 1940-45

"No more camps, no more horrors, no more war, never!"

Iraq Cradle of Civilization

IRAQ on 11 September 2006 issued a set of First Day Cover (FDC) stamps highlighting the rich ancient history of Iraq, often referred to as Mesopotamia, the "Cradle of Civilization". Postmark cancellation originated from Baghdad.

Ancient Mesopotamian artifacts and figures pictured in the stamps:

- Left stamp (200 Fils) depicted a Lamassu, a protective deity from ancient Assyrian mythology, often depicted with a human head, the body of a lion or bull, and bird's wings.

- Middle stamp (150 Fils) showed a Bull's Head Lyre, a prominent example of Sumerian art and music from the Royal Tombs of Ur.

- Right stamp (1000 Fils) featured the Bronze head of an Akkadian king of Nineveh Sumerian civilization.

San Marino Centenario del Francobollo U.S.A. - 1947

SAN MARINO on 24 December 1947 issued a First Day Cover series entitled "Centenario del Francobollo U.S.A." stamps. This FDC was postmarked Città di San Marino (City of San Marino). The stamps were designed by R. Franzoni (Des) and printed by Istituto Poligrafico dello Stato, Officina Carte Valori-Rome, using a Recess print method.

The stamps carried various denominations (e.g., 2 Lire, 3 Lire, 6 Lire, 35 Lire, 50 Lire, 100 Lire) and showcased portraits of prominent American patriots, including Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, who were featured on early U.S. stamps. American and San Marino flags, as well as iconic images of each country (e.g. statue of Liberty and three castle landmarks in this mountainous country) were represented in select stamps.

Belgie Post General George S. Patton Jr. awarding Brigadier General Anthony C. McAuliffe - 1957

BELGIE POST on 28 October 1957 issued a set of four postage stamps commemorating the Battle of the Bulge or the Battle of the Ardennes, among these being a First Day Cover of General George S. Patton Jr. awarding Brigadier General Anthony C. McAuliffe the Distinguished Service Cross on 30 December 1944, for his leadership and heroic defense of the town of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. The ceremony took place at the 101st Airborne Division's headquarters in a chateau in Bastogne, Belgium, recognizing McAuliffe's command of the surrounded American troops.  

This rare maximum card with affixed stamp has a special postmark cancellation that originated from Brussels. Engraver/Designer was Jean Malvaux (E) | Jean van Noten. Photogravure method was used to print 230,430 stamps. It had a face value of 3+1 fr - (Belgian franc).

The  Battle of the Bulge  was a  pivotal battle fought in the winter of 1944-1945. It was the last major German offensive on the Western Front during World War II, primarily in the Ardennes region of Belgium.

General Patton's Third Army played a crucial role in relieving the besieged American forces in Bastogne, Belgium, where McAuliffe famously issued his "Nuts!" reply to a German surrender demand.

Polska Cover

 

POLSKA (Polish) postage stamp cover:

- The stamp to the left represents Spiżarnia Caritas" (Caritas Pantry). It is depicted in a heart shape formed by various food items, symbolizing the Caritas organisation's efforts to provide food assistance.

- The centre left stamp features a portrait of Wisława Szymborska (1923-2012), a renowned Polish poet and Nobel Prize laureate in literature.

- The centre right stamp commemorates Poles who rescued Jews during the Holocaust, specifically highlighting the Baraniki family.

- The right stamp is a commemorative issue for the All-Poland Philatelic Exhibition held in Ruda Śląska in 2023.

Republique Française La Poste Santons de Provence

REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE LA POSTE in 1995 issued a series of postage stamps entitled "Santons de Provence". These are traditional Provençal clay figurines, meaning "little saints," that depict various characters from 19th-century Provençal life and trades, often used in Nativity scenes. The stamps show different 'Santon' figures, including "la poissonnière" (the fishmonger) and "le remouleur" (the knife grinder or sharpener). 

In France, Provençal Christmas traditions represent the community coming to the manger with offerings for the baby Jesus.

Liechtenstein Post The Four Cardinal Virtues

LIECHTENSTEIN POST on 10 June 1985 issued a set of four First Day Cover stamps dedicated to "The Four Cardinal Virtues". The designer was Gerhard Gloser. Rotogravure printing was realised by Hélio Courvoisier SA, La Chaux-de-Fonds. Postmark cancellation originated from Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. 

The stamps affixed to maximum cards (postcards):

JUSTICE

Colours: ochre, orange, black, red. Value: 35 Rappen.

TEMPERANCE 

Colours: ochre, red, green, blue, grey, brown. Value: 50 Rappen.

PRUDENCE

Colours: ochre, red, green, violet, blue. Value: 70 Rappen.

FORTITUDE

Colours: ochre, red, brown, black, grey, violet. Value: Fr. 1.

JUSTICE is fairness and righteousness in how we treat others, ensuring fair and reasonable treatment in social interactions and upholding what is owed to others. In practice it involves advocating for fairness, acting with integrity in society, and giving to others what is due. 

TEMPERANCE involves self-control, moderation, and discipline in managing desires and emotions, redirecting them toward good purposes rather than just pleasure.

PRUDENCE is the ability to make wise, sound, and practical decisions by recognising good and evil and choosing the right course of action. In practice it involves thinking before acting, seeking wise counsel, and discerning what truly helps or hinders a good outcome. 

FORTITUDE refers to courage and inner strength to face challenges, endure difficulties, and act on one's convictions, even when it's hard or risky. In practice this means being able to face fear for the sake of doing what is right, balancing a willingness to act with self-control, rather than being cowardly or rash. 

Muslim scholars call these four cardinal virtues ummahāt al-faḍā’il. Justice is ʿadl; temperance is ʿiffah; prudence is ḥikmah; and fortitude is shajāʿah. When the rational soul is balanced, the result is prudence or wisdom. Whoever is given wisdom has been given much good (QUR’AN , 2:269). 

Israel Post Ancient Roman Arenas

ISRAEL POST on 19 December  2017 issued a First Day Cover set of three stamps entitled "Ancient Roman Arenas". The stamps depicted various Roman entertainment venues in ancient Israel/Palestine: 

- Hippodrome in Caesarea featured a chariot race in a hippodrome.

- Theatre in Beit She'an showed a theatrical performance on stage.

- Amphitheater in Beit Guvrin Illustrateed gladiatorial combat in an amphitheater.

The text to the bottom left, from Genesis Rabbah 9:9, reads: "We must be grateful to the nations of the world who bring in performers to their theatres and circuses and play in them". 

Postmark  represented a actor, gladiator and chariot. The cancellation originated from She'an.

Deutsche Reichspost Berliner Weihnachtsmarkt and Winterhilfswerk 1936

DEUTSCHE REICHSPOST postcard depicted a "Berliner Weihnachtsmarkt" (Berlin Christmas Market) with prominent Nazi swastika banners, indicating the political climate of the time, specifically in 1936.

It demonstrates how the regime integrated its ideology and symbols into public life and traditional events like Christmas markets. 

The two Deutsche Reichspost stamps affixed to the postcard were part of the "Winterhilfswerk" series of modern buildings and construction during the early 1930s in Germany.

Shown here:

- Ministry of Aviation in Berlin, 4 plus 3 Pfennig

- Reichsautobahn -- "München-Reichsgrenze" autobahn route between Munich and the German border, 3 plus 2 Pfennig 

Cancellation postmark originated from Berlin and highlighted  the Berliner Weihnachtsmarkt (Berlin Christmas Market) on 13 December 1936.

VVN Bavaria Revenue Stamps

VVN (Vereinigung der Verfolgten des Naziregimes), which translates to the Association of Persecutees of the Nazi Regime, was founded in 1947 and aimed to represent the interests of all resistance fighters, all victims of Nazi terror, and all those harmed by the Nazi regime to continue fighting courageously for a democratic and peaceful Germany.

The image on the card depicted a family, likely representing the victims and survivors, standing in front of graves marked with crosses, symbolising the losses and sacrifices made during the Nazi era.

A set of five "Gebührenmarken" (revenue stamps) issued by the "Staatskommissariat für rassisch, religiös und politisch Verfolgte" (State Commissariat for Racially, Religiously, and Politically Persecuted Individuals) in Bavaria, Germany. 

These stamps were likely used to raise funds or as a form of administrative fee related to the support or recognition of those persecuted during the Nazi regime. This was indicated by the text "Wir vergessen euch nicht" (We do not forget you), highlighting a message of remembrance or solidarity.

Each stamp featured a central design of a hand reaching through a barred window, symbolising imprisonment or persecution, and captioned with the text "Verfolgte in Bayern" (Persecuted in Bavaria).

The stamps shown carried various denominations: 50 Pfennig, 1 Mark, 1 Mark 50 Pfennig, 2 Mark, and 2 Mark 50 Pfennig.

These stamps offer a glimpse into the administrative and social efforts in Bavaria concerning victims of racial, religious, and political persecution, after World War II.