Meet Martin’s adorable pigs

Well-known to many collectors, artist Martin Mörck’s stamp motifs are now successful also in China. On 1 November, we welcome his latest miniature sheet featuring cute Åland forest pigs.

THE YEAR OF THE PIG is in turn to be depicted in the series of stamps illustrating the Chinese zodiac signs. Once again, Åland Post has involved expert Swedish stamp artist Martin Mörck in the production of an appealing miniature sheet.

TO MOST COLLECTORS , Martin is a well-known stamp artist and engraver. In recent years, he has attracted attention also among Chinese collectors, initially because he worked as engraving instructor at the Chinese stamp printing house PSPB. Åland Post’s first Zodiac issue in 2014 featuring Åland sheep was, in fact, his students’ graduation project.

SINCE THEN, Martin has created some 17 Chinese stamps. “The series of portraits of European composers was particularly interesting to create”, Martin relates. “I now also have non-stamp commissions, working for manufacturers of traditional Chinese medicine with projects such as bottle etiquettes and porcelain.”

THE 2018 MINIATURE SHEET is Martin’s third design for the Åland zodiac series and his style seems familiar.

“My years in China have given me greater understanding for the taste of collectors, and I’ve tried to interlink these preferences with an Åland perspective and my own style. I chose to create the pigs as communicating and cute, a style that is popular there. I also found inspiration from the photos I received from the Åland pig safari; they focus on the intelligence and curiosity of the pigs”, Martin explains.

384

PIGS

DATE OF ISSUE: 1 Nov. 2018

ARTIST: Martin Mörck

EDITION: 50 000

DENOMINATION: 2 x €2.00

PRICE FDC: €4.75

STAMP SIZE: 40 x 50 mm

MINIATURE SHEET SIZE: 170 x 95 mm

PAPER: 110 g/m² PERFORATION: 12 per 2 cm PRINTING METHOD: 4-colour offset

PRINTING HOUSE: Bpost

www.alandstamps.com

Maximikort nr / Maksimikortti nro / Maximum card no. 117 Utgivningsdag / Ilmestymispäivä / Date of issue: 1.11 2018

Illustration / Kuvitus / Illustration: Martin Mörck Frimärke / Postimerkki / Stamp: Martin Mörck

Maximikort nr / Maksimikortti nro / Maximum card no. 118 Utgivningsdag / Ilmestymispäivä / Date of issue: 1.11 2018

Illustration / Kuvitus / Illustration: Martin Mörck Frimärke / Postimerkki / Stamp: Martin Mörck O T R O P

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TAL T • P OST A G E P A I D

www.alandstamps.com• ÅL A N D O T R O P

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TAL T • P OST A G E P A I D

• ÅL A N D

The sketchy maximum cards form a fine contrast to the colourful stamp motifs. On the back of the cards, we see the cute pigs’ snouts in the postage paid symbols that allow you to post the cards to any destination without additional postage. A red seal adorns the first day cover.

The miniature sheets featuring roosters and China dogs may still be ordered using the order form. Be sure to also buy the China dog maximum cards before it is too late. The rooster maximum cards have already sold out. Other zodiac issues are the 2014 Åland sheep miniature sheet and the 2015 Toy monkey stamp, the latter an issue in the Europa – Old Toys series as well as a zodiac issue.

THE FOREST PIGS of Nygård’s pig farm in the village of Mångstekta served as models. The owners, Andreas Nordlund and Ronja Brenner, raise outdoor pigs for meat production and also offer pig safaris in the summer when the pigs are treated to apples among other foods. On a daily basis, their food mostly consists of grain and stale bread, but their favourite meal is boiled potatoes.

IN THE DESIGN, Martin has included pleasant little details for you to discover; the number eight used to illustrate the curly tails symbolizes happiness and prosperity in traditional Chinese culture, whereas the character for “fu” on the barn door symbolizes blessings, happiness and good fortune.

THE CHINESE SIGNS for the Year of the Pig reappearing on the miniature sheet and maximum cards were formed by Zhen Jia Hong, a skilful Chinese calligrapher and popular stamp artist.