Sp.448 Implements from Early Taiwan Postage Stamps-Furniture (D448)

Stamp SN : D448
Stamp Name : Sp.448 Implements from Early Taiwan Postage Stamps-Furniture
Stamp Cat Standard : Special Stamps
Stamp Cat : Handicrafts
Issue date : 2003-05-22
Dimension of stamps(mm.) : 30 x 40（mm）
Printer : China Color Printing Co., Ltd., R. 0. C.
Sheet composition : 20 ( 5 X 4 )
Print color : Colorful
Process : Deep etch offset
Paper : Phosphorescent stamp paper
Perforation : 11 x 11 1/2
Drawer : Ko Hung-tu

Due to complexities of Taiwan's history, the common people's culture of Taiwan is rich and varied. From artifacts of early Taiwan, one can gain a glimpse of how the Taiwanese forefathers enjoyed themselves and an appreciation for their life wisdom, and also come to understand the essence of their culture. To offer a look at the hard, diligent and frugal lives of the Taiwanese forefathers, Chunghwa Post is issuing a set of four stamps on the topic of furniture as a follow-up to the set on "Agricultural Implements" issued in May of 2001.
The designs follow: (1) Wash Basin Stand : A wash basin stand was usually placed beside the bed in the bedroom. Most wash basin stands are elaborate and match other pieces of bedroom furniture. It was often a part of a bride's dowry. (2) Red Canopy Bed : A red canopy bed was one important piece of furniture prepared by a bridegroom's family. Supported by eight legs, it is sturdy and exquisitely carved. It is called a red canopy bed because it is typically painted red. (3) Taishi Chair : Taishi chairs were important and esteemed chairs in the homes of Taiwanese people. They were usually found in pairs with a side table between them, and placed on both sides of the living room. (4) Pahsien Table : Due to folk beliefs, a pair of shenming tables (tables for worshipping gods) is often found in the middle of the living room in a Taiwanese home. Shenming tables consist of a long table and a square table. The carvings on these tables usually carry the auspicious theme of pahsien kuohai (the eight immortals crossing the sea)-hence the name pahsien tables.
(1) First Day Cover in small size to be sold at NT$2.00 apiece. (2) Folder especially prepared for the stamps to be sold at NT$5.00 apiece. (3) Folder with crystal mount for better protection of the stamps: to be sold at NT$5.00 apiece. (4) Loose-leaf stamp album page with plastic cover to be sold at NT$8.00 apiece. (5) Pre-cancelled First Day Cover affixed with a low-valued stamp to be sold at NT$7.00 apiece. (6) Pre-cancelled First Day Cover affixed with a complete set of stamps to be sold at NT$44.00 apiece. (7) Pictorial-Implements from Early Taiwan Postage Stamps- Furniture to be sold at NT$260.00 apiece. (Provisional)