Detail

In accordance with periodic replacement of definitive postage stamps, the “Seoksu” (stone animal figurine) stamp (1,000 won), which has been in use since December 16, 1996, will be replaced by the “Cheongjasajayugaehyangno” (Celadon incense burner with lion-shaped lid) stamp from November 17, 2009. The celadon incense burner made around the 12th century, the pinnacle of Goryeo celadon, “Cheongjasajayugaehyangno,” National Treasure Number 60, shows the serene beauty of green jade commonly called celadon green. The incense burner comprises the body part used to burn the incense and the lion-shaped lid. The body is propped up by 3 animal-shaped legs. The posture of the lion that composes the lid leans toward the left side, thus creating a unique structural beauty. The smoke of the incense burned in the body is designed to pass through the lion’s body and emanate from its half-open mouth. The beautiful incense burner is assessed as an outstanding work of art that shows the advanced artistic scale of celadon incense burners of that time. The incense burner is 21.2 cm high and 16 cm in diameter, and is now housed in the National Museum of Korea. To prevent counterfeit or forgery, this stamp, like the definitive stamp (2,000 won) issued last May, has also adopted both printing in optically variable ink as well as minute letters. The letters “한국우정KOREA POST” are printed in optically variable ink on the right side of the background, and these letters become visible when the stamp is tilted. And at the bottom part of the incense burner, “한국우정KOREA POST,” is inserted in minute letters.