Hongkong Post to issue "Characters in Jin Yong's Novels II - A Path to Glory" special stamps (with photos)
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     Hongkong Post announced today (February 29) that a special stamp issue and associated philatelic products on the theme of "Characters in Jin Yong's Novels II - A Path to Glory" will be released for sale on March 14 (Thursday).
 
     Since the 1950s, Dr Louis Cha had published 15 martial arts novels under the pen name Jin Yong. His novels became popular classics around the world, and were adapted into timeless TV and movie works many times. The success of Jin Yong's novels is attributed not only to the striking twists and turns of the plots, but also to the creation of unique characters. To celebrate the centenary of the birth of Jin Yong in 2024, Hongkong Post will present a set of six stamps, three stamp sheetlets and associated philatelic products themed on "Characters in Jin Yong's Novels II - A Path to Glory" to pay tribute to his outstanding achievements. This set of special stamps is a sequel to the "Characters in Jin Yong's Novels" special stamps issued in 2018, showcasing some of the important characters of Jin Yong's novels in fresh images based on the sculptures of Ren Zhe, a famous sculptor.

     At the same time, "A Path to Glory - Jin Yong's Centennial Memorial, Sculpted by Ren Zhe" will be held at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum from March 16, illustrating classic scenes from the novels as well as the martial arts skills of the characters through the sculptures of Ren Zhe. In addition, "A Path to Glory - Jin Yong's Centennial Memorial, Edinburgh Place Exhibition" will also be held at Edinburgh Place in Central. The exhibition will feature large-scale sculptures created by Ren Zhe, based on the characters from Jin Yong's novels.
 
     Themed on "Characters in Jin Yong's Novels II - A Path to Glory", a set of six stamps and two $10 stamp sheetlets feature eight well-known characters from Jin Yong's novels, including Guo Jing, Ouyang Feng and Huang Rong from "The Eagle-shooting Heroes", Linghu Chong and Ren Woxing from "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer", Qiao Feng from "The Demi-Gods and the Semi-Devils", as well as Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü from "The Giant Eagle and its Companion". To commemorate the centenary of the birth of Jin Yong, the $20 stamp sheetlet features the portrait and sculpture of Dr Cha. The stamp sheetlet is specially printed with 3D embossing and gold hot foil stamping, adding sophistication to the overall presentation.
 
     Official first day covers for "Characters in Jin Yong's Novels II - A Path to Glory" will be on sale at all post offices and on Hongkong Post's online shopping mall ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from February 29 (Thursday). This set of special stamps and associated philatelic products will be on sale at all post offices and on ShopThruPost from March 14, while serviced first day covers affixed with the special stamps, postage prepaid picture cards (air mail) and collector packs will be available at philatelic offices only.
 
     A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on March 14 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.
 
     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/Thursday, February 29, 2024
Issued at HKT 12:00

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