​ To usher in the Ox for a new start, Hongkong Post will issue a set of four New Year special stamps and a stamp sheetlet under the theme of the "Year of the Ox" which depicts the Ox in diversified art forms on January 28 (Thursday). A "Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet on Lunar New Year Animals – Rat / Ox" will also be launched at the same time to send blessings for the health and well-being of everyone in the year ahead.
      
     The four mint stamps respectively present displays of a boxwood carved ox, a Zisha bisque fired calf, a bronze ox and a ceramic ox that are all distinctive in shape. Each is set off with flowers of the changing seasons in the background, symbolising grace and elegance and extending wishes for a year filled with fortune and fulfilment. Depicting a lacquered illuminated ox display carved from wood, the stamp sheetlet adopts the design of a sturdy ox in the wilderness which denotes a year full of vigour and robustness resembling an ox. An arable paddy with crops, a turning waterwheel, and the golden grains swaying gracefully in the wind are illustrated in the background, signifying bumper harvests in the coming year. This special stamp issue also brings a wide range of philatelic products, including a silk stamp sheetlet, a prestige first day cover, a presentation pack and red packets that highlight the festivity of the new year.
      
     For the "Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet on Lunar New Year Animals – Rat / Ox", against the gradation of magenta in the background, the dazzling flowers in bloom make up a splendid collage that sets off a strong festive ambience. Along with a certificate of authenticity, the stamp sheetlet is embedded with the Rat stamp in hot-foiled silver and the Ox stamp in 22K gold plating, both in a denomination of $50. The prestigious glamour of the stamp sheetlet makes it exceptionally suitable for gifts and collectibles. All stamp lovers must not miss it.
      
     Official First Day Covers for "Year of the Ox" and Official Souvenir Covers for the "Gold and Silver Stamp Sheetlet on Lunar New Year Animals – Rat / Ox" will be put on sale at all post offices starting from today. In addition, a newly designed 2021 Souvenir Cover and prestige version of the aforesaid covers will also be available at all philatelic offices, as well as Hongkong Post’s Online Shopping Mall "ShopThruPost" (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) on the same day.
      
     The special stamps and other associated philatelic products (including first day cover, mint stamps, stamp sheetlet, silk stamp sheetlet, presentation pack, Lunar New Year animals souvenir cover, datestamped postage prepaid Lunar New Year greeting cards, datestamped first day cover, datestamped Lunar New Year animals souvenir cover, "Heartwarming Stamps" mini-panes and red packets) will be placed on sale at post offices starting from January 28.
      
     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.

Ends/Monday, January 18, 2021
Issued at HKT 11:30

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