Monday, October 22, 2018

Finland: "Tom of Finland"

Touko Valio Laaksonen (8 May 1920 – 7 November 1991), best known by his pseudonym Tom of Finland, was a Finnish artist known for his stylized highly masculinized homoerotic fetish art, and for his influence on late twentieth century gay culture. During his career, Tom of Finland produced more than 3,500 drawings. The two drawings on the stamp sheet were selected by graphic artist Timo Berry, who designed the stamp, and Susanna Luoto, the Finnish representative of the foundation named after Tom of Finland operating in Los Angeles. The drawings on the stamp sheet represent strong and confident male figures typical of their designer.


Stamp:
Tom of Finland (sheet of 3 domestic stamps) - Issued: 08-09-2014


Many thanks to Kimmo for sending me the sheet on a cover!

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Indonesia: 2018 Asian Games

The 2018 Asian Games (Indonesian: Pesta Olahraga Asia 2018), officially known as the 18th Asian Games, XVIII Asiad and also known as Jakarta–Palembang 2018, was a pan-Asian multi-sport event held from 18 August to 2 September 2018 in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang. For the first time, the Asian Games were co-hosted in two cities; the Indonesian capital of Jakarta (which is hosting the Games for the first time since 1962), and Palembang, the capital of the South Sumatera province. Almost 12.000 Athletes participated in over 40 sports and 465 Events.

I'm very happy to receive several Covers with the commemorating stamps for this event from my indonesian friends. Thanks a lot!


A set of 9 stamps (denomination Rp 3000 each) was issued, including 2 minisheets (den. Rp 15000).


* here with special first-day of issue postmark





Stamps:
2018 Asia Games (from a set of 9) + m/s - Issued: 18-01-2018

Monday, October 15, 2018

Japan: The 150th Anniversary of Japan-Sweden Diplomatic Relations

2018 is the year that marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sweden in 1868. This special Anniversary year will be celebrated through a range of activities in both Japan and Sweden. Sweden was one of the first countries to have established relations with Japan in the Meiji era. Because of this special occasion Japan Post issued a set of 10 stamps. Each one of them is showing something typical for the country.

I'm happy to receive two of these stamps on a cover sent from Nihonbashi Post Office with very nice first-day-cancellations.


Stamps:
The 150th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Sweden 2018 (from a set of 10) - Issued: 02-08-2018


Many thanks to Mitsuhiko for this nice cover!

Wednesday, October 03, 2018

India: Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Banaras Hindu University (short: BHU), formerly Central Hindu College, is a public central university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was established in 1916 by Madan Mohan Malaviya.With over 30,000 students residing in campus, it claims the title of largest residential university in Asia. BHU is organised into 6 institutes and 14 faculties (streams) and about 140 departments. As of 2017, the total student enrollment at the university is 27,359 coming from 48 countries.

I'm very happy to receive this cover sent from Nagpur Post Office with special first-day cancellation.


Stamps:
2x Banaras Hindu University (full set) - Issued: 28-06-2017 with First-Day-Cancellation


Thanks a lot to Kevin for this nice Cover!