The Republic of China has enjoyed great international recognition in the postal world for its original and colorful stamp series. Often the recipient of awards and recognition, the design and production process represents the concerted effort of the National Post Office.

Initial selection of theme, design and printing is overseen by a small group made up of postal officials. In selecting the subject matter for each series, the group tries to adhere to some specific guidelines. There are four main areas which serve as sources of stamp subjects. The first of these are themes drawn from the rich cultural heritage of Chinese tradition. Other selections are made in accordance with certain international activities such as the "International Year of the Child", and still another criteria for selection are important current events. Finally, the design and selection group accepts suggestions and ideas from groups and committees serving society. These stamp themes are usually commemorative, honoring the foundation of such organizations as the China Youth Corp.

In principle, the Post Office issues a new series of stamps each month. There are, however, instances where stamps are issued that did not fall under the group's general plan. These additions reflect important developments that were not foreseen at the time of planning. One such example is the commemorative stamp released last year in May honoring China Airlines first round-the-world air route.

Once the thematic material has been selected, the stamp moves into the design stage. The Post Office employs two office design artists as well as enlisting the services of five or six outside artists. Working with a set of conditions the artists produce samples that are closely studied by the committee. Sample designs are often sent back for reworking in the pursuit of the ideal choice.

Once the topic is chosen and design approved, the actual printing process can begin. Simply speaking the original design is miniaturized and used to produce a printing plate known as the "mother" plate. This mother plate is used to make numerous other print plates which are then used (after approval), in the actual printing process. The resulting stamps are then sent for processing to apply the perforated borders so convenient for tearing. Strict inspection for flaws follows before the approved stamps can be numbered, wrapped and distributed throughout the post office system. Flawed stamps (those lacking colors, improper borders, or spotted), are destroyed immediately. Working on the principle, "better to accidentally destroy 10,000 than allow one flawed stamp to go through," some 40 percent of stamps printed are removed and destroyed.

If a flawed stamp does get through it instantly becomes a valuable collector's piece. One of the most famous cases in the Republic of China involves a stamp printed during the initial years of the Republic. The stamp in question depicted a palace scene which was printed upside down on a few of the stamps. It is believed there are no more than 20 of these stamps in existence.

The artistic beauty of stamps printed in the Republic of China have not gone unrecognized. In past years the Post Office has issued some exceptional stamp series that have not only attracted local attention but earned praise and admiration the world over. A series of insect and flower stamps issued in 1958 earned the distinction of being selected as the most beautiful stamps in the world by Life Magazine in November 1959. Four of the insect stamps were chosen to grace the cover of that particular issue. More recently in 1983 a series of stamps depicted scenes inspired from the classic passages of T'ang poetry. These exquisite scenes were created by the renowned artist and educator, professor Ling T'ien-shih.

Admired for its delicate, colorful appearance, it is no wonder that stamps have not only attracted the interest of people but become such popular objects of collection.

Liao Chi-ch'ang, a graduate of the science management graduate program of the National Chiao Tung University used the domestic stamp collecting situation as the subject of his Master's thesis. His thorough research statistics shed light on the background and nature of the collectors themselves. Seventy-two percent of all collectors began collecting stamps during their childhood. Of the groups surveyed, 21 percent revealed they collected stamps in order to increase their knowledge, while 60 percent admitted that stamp collection was merely an entertaining hobby. Only a small percentage of the collecting group actually used this as a source of income or investment.

Chu Shou-i, a retired professor of bacteriology at the National Defense Medical Center is an avid collector. During his youth he collected any and all types of stamps. This ravenous collection eventually left him feeling distressed as he could never collect all of the stamps issued around the world in one year. While studying in America he learned that in collecting stamps it is better to follow one course, therefore select one particular subject and collect stamps relating to this. Applying his career interest in medicine to his favorite hobby, he began to specialize and collect only those stamps pertaining to bacteriology, whether they be stamps depicting the bacteria, the scientist who discovered it or the cure.

Whether it be music, technology, animal or ships, all have been selected as specialized topics of stamp collection. Interestingly, while people may often collect similar stamps, their reasons for collection often differ. For instance, two people may collect stamps displaying flowers, one choosing those with just flowers, the other stamps of vessels (urns, bowls, etc.) with flower patterns.

While many people gain a great deal of knowledge from their collecting such as Chu Shou-i, most people enjoy it for the sheer fun and entertainment value it brings. Hsu Yao-jung is trying to collect all the 1984 stamp issues of each country, while Hsu Tsu-ch'in says the major reason behind his collecting is the wonderful opportunity to make friends with similar interests. By participating in the many stamp-related clubs and groups he has had the chance to travel throughout the island and make new acquaintances. Group members exchange news, discuss stamps and even hold auctions of their stamps.

Buying and selling stamps often involves going through expert stamp dealers who go abroad to buy and collect the latest information on the international market. Tseng Tao-ming, a stamp dealer says that a dealer understands what the collector needs and wants, plus his expert knowledge of stamps and the trade itself helps him in advising buyers. His ability to differentiate the value of stamps is an important tool in directing potential collectors. As Wang Tun-jen sums it up, he (the dealer) must love stamps before he can really research them.

In the final analysis, stamp collection is a hobby for all. Whether a serious collector or just interested in a new diversion, all it takes is some tweezers, an album, a ruler and a magnifying glass. So the next time you get an overseas letter, stop and think a minute before you toss the envelope out--you just may want to join the ranks of happy stamp collectors.

(Gerald Hatherly)

[Picture Caption]

Swift trains bring back warm childhood memories for Mr. Ch'in and are the inspiration for his interest in collecting stamps that feature trains.

The process behind the birth and growth of a stamp. 1. Design artists work again and again to produce the exact original stamp design. 2. Electronically monitored coloring. 3. A sheet of stamp prints produced from the mother printing plate. 4. A print technician carefully inspects the first batch of print samples. 5. An employee of the main post office supervises the inspection of the prints. 6. The formal printing of the stamps begins. 7. Applying the toothed edges to the stamps or else they will be considered flawed. 8. Look carefully at the stamps that are missing the toothed edges, they are valued at US$500. 9. Flawed stamps are shredded in this machine.

1. "The magic mirror" which is used to determine the validity of stamps. 2. Happy friendships are formed through stamp collecting clubs. 3. This narrow little shop, housing domestic and international stamps, may contain some stamps of great value.

1. This one tiny revenue stamp boasts a selling price of US$60,000. 2. This stamp was previously selected as the world's most beautiful stamp.

The process behind the birth and growth of a stamp. 1. Design artists work again and again to produce the exact original stamp design.

2. Electronically monitored coloring.

3. A sheet of stamp prints produced from the mother printing plate.

4. A print technician carefully inspects the first batch of print samples.

5. An employee of the main post office supervises the inspection of the prints.

6. The formal printing of the stamps begins.

7. Applying the toothed edges to the stamps or else they will be considered flawed.

8. Look carefully at the stamps that are missing the toothed edges, they are valued at US$500.

9. Flawed stamps are shredded in this machine.

1. "The magic mirror" which is used to determine the validity of stamps.

2. Happy friendships are formed through stamp collecting clubs.

3. This narrow little shop, housing domestic and international stamps, may contain some stamps of great value.

2. This stamp was previously selected as the world's most beautiful stamp.

1. This one tiny revenue stamp boasts a selling price of US$60,000.