Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of collecting complete sets of commemorative items, particularly the zodiac-themed products, as a way to enhance value and cultural significance in the collector's market. Group 1: Product Offering - The "Dragon Horse Spirit" set includes a combination of commemorative stamps, banknotes, and coins, providing a comprehensive blessing and joy for collectors [6][20]. - The "Horse Leaps New Journey" series features a meticulously designed collection that includes a commemorative banknote, coin, and stamps, all presented in a custom acrylic display box [12][27]. - The packaging and presentation of the products are designed to convey a sense of value and significance, making them suitable for both personal collection and gifting [25][29]. Group 2: Collecting Philosophy - Collecting individual items is viewed as fragmented, while acquiring complete sets represents a more profound appreciation of the historical and cultural context [3][18]. - The article suggests that true collectors focus on the continuity of themes and time, rather than just individual pieces, highlighting the importance of collecting items from consecutive years [23][21]. - The concept of "time rights" in collecting is introduced, indicating that serious collectors value the historical narrative that a complete set can provide [21][19]. Group 3: Market Trends - The market for the "Horse Year" commemorative banknote is currently experiencing high demand, making it an opportune time for collectors to invest [6][29]. - The article notes that the prices for individual items from previous years, such as the Dragon and Snake Year banknotes, have stabilized, suggesting a favorable market condition for purchasing complete sets [29][31]. - The complete packaging and presentation of the sets are highlighted as a unique selling point, making them more appealing to collectors compared to piecemeal acquisitions [25][27].

Core Viewpoint - The issuance of zodiac stamps, particularly for the Year of the Horse, serves as a cultural bridge, enhancing connections between countries and celebrating the Chinese New Year through artistic expression and tradition [3][4]. Group 1: Stamp Issuance and Design - Singapore has been issuing zodiac stamps annually since 1996, with the Year of the Horse stamps designed by illustrator Lin Yuanling, featuring vibrant imagery of horses [3]. - France's postal service released two designs for the Year of the Horse, created by Chinese artist Chen Jianghong, symbolizing the friendship between France and China [4]. - Thailand's zodiac stamps for the Year of the Horse were designed by Princess Sirindhorn, showcasing a playful horse image and emphasizing humanitarian contributions [5]. Group 2: Cultural Significance and Reception - The release of zodiac stamps is seen as a way to maintain cultural ties and convey warm wishes during the New Year, with collectors expressing dedication to gathering complete sets [3][4]. - In South Korea, the Year of the Horse stamps sold out quickly, indicating high demand and interest in the cultural significance of these stamps [7]. - The designs of the stamps often incorporate local cultural elements, as seen in Vietnam's stamps that reflect local customs and traditions [5]. Group 3: International Collaboration - Malta's issuance of zodiac stamps reflects a growing appreciation for Chinese culture, integrating traditional Chinese silk elements with Maltese lace designs [5]. - Fiji's collaboration with Chinese artists for the Year of the Horse stamps highlights cultural fusion, featuring designs inspired by historical artifacts [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the cultural and artistic significance of stamps, particularly those themed around the Chinese zodiac, as they continue to gain popularity worldwide despite the decline in their postal function [1]. Global Stamp Releases - Over 100 countries and regions have issued zodiac-themed stamps, with the upcoming Year of the Horse (2026) seeing a resurgence in such releases [1]. - The United Nations has released a set of zodiac stamps featuring the "Galloping Horse" design, incorporating elements from Dunhuang culture [1][2]. - France has issued its zodiac stamp designed by Chinese artist Chen Jianghong, marking 22 years of such releases in the country [2]. - Jersey's stamp features a monkey riding a horse, creatively linking the Chinese language and culture [2]. - The United States continues its zodiac series with a new stamp featuring a paper-cut design by artist Camille Chew [3]. Regional Highlights - Australia has released a set of zodiac stamps designed by Chinese-Australian artist Chrissy Lau, reflecting the local Chinese community's influence [4]. - New Zealand's stamps incorporate local elements, showcasing traditional foods and symbols significant to the Chinese community [4]. - African nations have issued zodiac stamps featuring ink wash styles, with the Central African Republic releasing 12 different designs [5]. Asian Contributions - Japan was among the first to release its zodiac stamps, featuring traditional toys and a limited print run for collectors [6]. - South Korea's stamps creatively integrate winter themes, while Thailand's stamps are designed by Princess Sirindhorn, maintaining a humorous style [6]. - Singapore has launched its zodiac stamps as part of a series, including a special folder for collectors [6]. Chinese Stamp Releases - China Post issued a set of two special stamps for the Year of the Horse, designed by Wang Hongwei and Zhao Enzhong, featuring auspicious imagery [7]. - Hong Kong and Macau also released their own zodiac stamps, emphasizing cultural connections among the regions [7]. - The article concludes that these stamps represent a cultural dialogue, showcasing diverse artistic expressions and the shared human experience of celebrating the New Year [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the cultural and artistic significance of postage stamps, particularly those themed around the Chinese zodiac, as they evolve from their original postal function to become cherished collectibles and cultural artifacts [1][11]. Global Trends in Zodiac Stamps - Over 100 countries and regions have issued zodiac-themed stamps, reflecting the global spread of Chinese zodiac culture [1]. - The upcoming Year of the Horse has inspired various countries to release unique stamp designs, showcasing local artistic styles and cultural elements [1][9]. United Nations and International Designs - The United Nations has released a set of zodiac stamps featuring the "Galloping Horse" design, incorporating elements from Dunhuang culture [1][2]. - France has issued its zodiac stamps designed by Chinese artist Chen Jianghong, continuing a 22-year tradition of celebrating the Chinese lunar new year [4]. - Jersey Island's stamp features a playful design of a monkey riding a horse, playing on the phonetic similarities in Chinese [4][7]. Regional Highlights - Australia has issued a set of zodiac stamps designed by Chinese-Australian artist Chrissy Lau, reflecting the local Chinese community's cultural ties [5]. - New Zealand's stamps incorporate local elements, such as traditional foods and flowers, showcasing a blend of cultures [5]. - African nations have released zodiac stamps featuring ink wash styles, emphasizing traditional artistic expressions [6]. Asian Contributions - Japan's early release of zodiac stamps features traditional toys and has a limited print run, enhancing its collectible value [8]. - South Korea's stamps creatively integrate winter themes, while Thailand's stamps are designed by Princess Sirindhorn, maintaining a humorous style [8]. - Singapore has also launched zodiac stamps, adding to its series with designs that reflect the adventurous spirit of horses [8]. China's Zodiac Stamps - China Post released a set of special zodiac stamps featuring designs that symbolize prosperity and good fortune, in collaboration with postal services from Hong Kong and Macau [9][11]. - The stamps from Hong Kong and Macau include various designs that celebrate the festive atmosphere of the lunar new year [9][11]. Cultural Significance - The article emphasizes that these stamps serve not only as festive memorabilia but also as a medium for cultural exchange and appreciation across different nations [11].

中新社巴黎2月6日电 (记者 李洋)法国邮政当地时间6日在巴黎举行马年生肖邮票发行仪式，迎接中国新 春佳节。 中国驻法国大使馆公使陈力、法国邮政欧洲国际事务总经理弗斯韦尔等出席仪式。当天发行的马年生肖 邮票一套两枚，面值分别为1.52欧元和2.25欧元，同时发行两张邮票小全张，分别包含5枚邮票。邮票上 印有中文"马年"，小全张上印有中文"中国新年"。该邮票的成套印量为33万枚。此外，一款纪念版小全 张也于同日发行。 当地时间2月6日，法国邮政在巴黎举行马年生肖邮票发行仪式，迎接中国农历新年。图为中国驻法国大 使馆公使陈力(右)、法国邮政欧洲国际事务总经理弗斯韦尔(中)出席仪式。 中新社记者 李洋 摄 生肖邮票设计师、法籍华裔画家陈江洪向大家展示邮票，并在现场为民众签名。这是陈江洪为法国邮政 设计的第8套生肖邮票。 当地时间2月6日，法国邮政在巴黎举行马年生肖邮票发行仪式，迎接中国农历新年。图为法国生肖邮票 设计师、法籍华裔画家陈江洪在仪式现场向大家展示邮票。 中新社记者 李洋 摄 陈江洪在现场接受记者采访时表示，每年都希望能够在创作方面给大家带来一些新的视觉感受，比如今 年的马年生肖邮票将中西方绘画的特点结合 ...