The island of Jersey in the English Channel is famous for the rich and creamy milk of its cows, but the autonomous dependency of the British crown hopes to make itself known this month in China through stamps.
Six stamps, drawn by artist and engraver Martin Morck and painted by Wang Huming in Beijing, feature flowers enjoyed in the gardens of both Jersey and China.
"In Chinese culture, flowers hold a privileged position and represent a language that conveys specific messages," says Melanie Gouzinis, head of philatelic at Jersey Post. "They can represent months, seasons, happiness and good luck as well as death and ghosts, and are infused into Chinese art and poetry. A traditional saying, 'Hua kai fu gui', means ‘when flowers bloom, prosperity comes’, and each flower carries its own particular symbolism."
The magnolia, pictured on the first stamp of the series, is thought to symbolize a beautiful woman in Chinese culture. During ancient times only the emperor was allowed to own them, and they were presented to outstanding individuals as a special form of recognition. The other five stamps feature blossoms of azalea, camellia, hydrangea, chrysanthemum and peony.
"For over 100 years, the Jersey Battle of Flowers has grown to become one of the largest floral carnivals in Europe," says Gouzinis, "and it is a major highlight in the island's summer calendar." That reflects the affinity people there have for flowers, which she has found Chinese appreciate.
The stamps official date of issue is Sept 22. They will be featured at the China International Collection Expo, where Martin Morck will be autographing commemorative sheets of the Jersey stamps as well as issues from Nordic countries and China which he has designed and engraved.
