Detail

`The Ministry of Information and Communication has decided to change the design of the 400-won stamp which currently features a celadon-glazed incense burner etched with a pattern of seven treasures. This stamp was first issued on July 20, 1983, and it will now be replaced a new 400-won stamp featuring a blue and white porcelain water dropper in the shape of a cock. In addition to replacing the old design with a new and fresh image, this change is part of efforts to promote more widespread interest in philately. The blue and white porcelain water dropper in the shape of a cock was a stationery item made during the late Choson Dynasty. Now housed in the National Museum of Korea, it measures 7.5cm in height and 10.3cm in length. The magnificence of this porcelain ware is reflected in the impressive way it captures and portrays the various features of a cock with a wonderful sense of humor. The body of the bird is coated with white porcelain glaze with a slight pale blue tint, while the wings and tail are decorated with light-blue lines of embossed and depressed carvings. The expert craftmanship in the molding of the shape and the carving of the lines breathes life into this piece. The Ministry of Information and Communication has issued these definitive postage stamps as a part of a regular change in designs to update and enliven the image of Korean postage stamps and to preserve unique and valuable aspects of Korea`s culture heritage.`