Hongkong Post to issue "Intangible Cultural Heritage - Hong Kong Cheongsam Making Technique" special stamps (with photos)
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Hong Kong cheongsam making technique was inscribed onto the First Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Inventory of Hong Kong and the Representative List of the ICH of Hong Kong in 2014 and 2017 respectively. It was further inscribed onto the Fifth National List of ICH in 2021. The origin of the cheongsam dates back decades. With a large number of rich merchants and tailors migrating from Shanghai to Hong Kong in the mid-20th century, women's cheongsam in Hong Kong started to gain popularity. Women's cheongsam was influenced by both traditional Chinese techniques and Western aesthetics, creating a unique Hong Kong-style cheongsam making technique. Hongkong Post will issue a set of four stamps, two stamp sheetlets and associated philatelic products on the theme of "Intangible Cultural Heritage - Hong Kong Cheongsam Making Technique" to showcase the outstanding historical and cultural value of this craftsmanship.
This set of four stamps features some of the procedures in making a cheongsam, which include measuring, cutting, contour-pressing and stitching. The $10 stamp sheetlet contains a stamp showing the sewing techniques using sewing machines, whereas the $20 stamp sheetlet contains a stamp displaying the flower button-making technique. The making of cheongsam embodies the essence and expertise of traditional Chinese tailoring techniques and the hard work of the tailors wielding each thread and needle.
Official first day covers for "Intangible Cultural Heritage - Hong Kong Cheongsam Making Technique" will be put on sale at all post offices from tomorrow (September 7), and on Hongkong Post's online shopping mall "ShopThruPost" (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk). This set of special stamps and associated philatelic products will be on sale at all post offices and "ShopThruPost" from September 22, while serviced first day covers affixed with the special stamps will be available at philatelic offices only.
A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on September 22 at all post offices for official first day covers/souvenir covers/privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address. To observe social distancing and to avoid people gathering at the post offices, collection points will be set up at all post offices on the same day for submission of the covers requesting hand-back date-stamping service. Customers will be advised of the collection schedule upon acceptance of the covers.
Information about this set of special stamps and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk) and in the "ShopThruPost" mobile app.
Ends/Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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