Unique stamps featuring the 12 zodiac animals of Vietnam and the world.

A collection of 12 zodiac stamps from Vietnam and several other countries, owned by collector Han Tan Quang, is on display ahead of the Year of the Horse, giving viewers the opportunity to compare the vibrant cultural imagery of the 12 zodiac animals as depicted on stamps from different countries.

Cultural researchers believe that in Vietnam, the first Lunar New Year stamps featuring the 12 zodiac animals were issued in 1962 with the "Dong Ho New Year Painting" design, which included two models: 'Sow and piglets' and 'Hen and chicks', both based on folk woodblock prints.

Lunar New Year stamps for the Year of the Horse 2014

Between 1962 and 1992, the issuance of Lunar New Year stamps was intermittent. Starting in 1993, Lunar New Year stamps became an indispensable theme in the annual stamp issuance program. By 2004, the cycle of 12 zodiac animal stamps was completed, and stamp collectors had the first complete set of 12 zodiac animals with a unified and aesthetically pleasing design.

According to researcher Huynh Ngoc Trang: “The twelve zodiac animals (also known as “Twelve Earth Branches”) are twelve cyclical symbols, or symbols based on the twelve-part (Duodenary Cycle of Symbols) used to determine events in chronological order and to designate hours, days, months, and years. These are twelve animals (rat, ox/cow, tiger, rabbit/cat, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig) with corresponding names (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig) that are assumed to influence the time period that each animal represents.”

The tradition of the 12 zodiac animals originated in Eastern countries, but to date, more than 70 countries worldwide have issued Lunar New Year stamps with over 1000 different zodiac designs. This shows that the Eastern culture of the 12 zodiac animals has a strong appeal and spreads to many countries in different cultural regions. The theme of zodiac stamps is always attractive to the postal industry, satisfying the stamp collecting hobby of many people in many countries.

Dr. Kim Ung, a literary scholar and journalist, believes this is a unique and remarkable stamp collection. Through this collection, collector Han Tan Quang gives young people today the opportunity to reflect on traditional cultural values. Each stamp carries a message of cultural value from each nation and country. From an artistic perspective, each stamp possesses unique graphic value. Even though it depicts the same horse, each country has a different way of portraying it, reflecting the diversity of cultural colors. This truly embodies the beauty of the traditional spring season.”

With 1500 stamps and collectible items, the artist skillfully presents and highlights the rich content of the stamp collections. Featuring diverse forms and utilizing modern printing techniques from various countries, viewers will find this a meticulously crafted collection, including 3D stamps, scented stamps (flowers and fruits), gold-plated and silver-plated stamps, block stamps, and stamps with curved edges. These small stamps have become vibrant works of art and culture, rich in form and content. (The exhibition is open from January 11th to January 21st, 2014 at 16 Tran Quy Khoach Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

The 12 zodiac animals on Vietnamese postage stamps:

Year of the Monkey Tet Stamp

Lunar New Year stamps for the Year of the Goat (2013)

Lunar New Year stamps for the Year of the Rooster

Lunar New Year stamps for the Year of the Rabbit

Lunar New Year stamps for the Year of the Tiger (Mau Dan)

According to Dan Tri