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Hongkong Post will, on November 6, issue a set of special stamps on the theme of "Hong Kong, China - Republic of Korea Joint Issue on Masks". Associated stamp products will also be on sale as from the same date.
This set of special stamps, which showcases the distinct folk dance masks of the two places, is the ninth joint issue of stamps by Hongkong Post with an overseas postal administration. This set of two HK$5 stamps depicts the Big Head Buddha Mask in the Southern Lion Dance from Hong Kong and the Chwibari Mask of Bongsan Mask Dance Drama from the Republic of Korea.
In the Southern Lion Dance, the Big Head acts in an amusing way to provoke the lion to perform a series of agile manoeuvres, enhancing the joyous festive mood. The Bongsan Mask Dance Drama, designated the "Important Intangible Cultural Property No 17 of Korea", is the most famous folk dance form in Korea and it is frequently staged at home and abroad during seasonal festivals and celebrations for good harvests or marvellous feats, as well as ceremonies to welcome visiting dignitaries.
Official First Day Covers at $1 each will be on sale at all post offices from Friday (October 24). The stamps and the associated philatelic products will be displayed at the General Post Office and Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin Central Post Offices as from the same date. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at 36 philatelic offices from October 24 to 30. All philatelic services, except collection of Local Standing Orders, at Sheung Wan Post Office will be temporarily suspended due to its closure for major renovation work from today (October 20) until December. During this period, customers may patronise the General Post Office, located at 2 Connaught Place, Central, for philatelic services. Local Standing Order Service at Sheung Wan Post office will remain in operation at a special counter at the Post Office Box lobby, and customers can collect their ordered stamp products there as usual.
Ends/Monday, October 20, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:11
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