New Issue: Chinese New Year (IOM)

Here's another Chinese New Year issue, and this one is from the Isle of Man. I looked at the New Zealand issue a few days ago and I was quite impressed with it. So, what do I think of these? Design Quality - The horses really dominate the stamp, which is good. They feel very alive, as if the artist wanted to show the horses' personalities. Unlike the New Zealand set they don't look magical and as first glance there isn't anything particularly Chinese about them - if it wasn't for the writing, we might think this was simply a set about horses. The red and gold background celebrates Fire Horse Year and each stamp is designed to "capture the strength, independence, vitality and success associated with the Horse in Chinese zodiac tradition, symbolising energy, freedom, perseverance and ambition."  6/10

Theme and Subject Choice - Chinese New Year is a big thing all over the world and while the Isle of Man usually concentrates on local events there is no reason they shouldn't celebrate the Chinese New Year. The Isle of Man Stamps & Coins website tells is that the stamps also "highlight local connections [and] the issue supports two Island disability charities: Riding for the Disabled Association Isle of Man, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled, marking its second decade. 9/10

Historical and Cultural Relevance - Stamps about the Chinese New Year obviously have lots of cultural relevance. The website also tells us that "This issue draws on centuries of artistic and cultural heritage, from Han dynasty tomb figurines to Tang dynasty murals, portraying horses as noble companions and celestial beings" so they are clearly designed to celebrate not only the new year but Chinese culture. 8/10

Innovation and Creativity - I think they work well as a set but they don't tell a story in the same way the New Zealand set does. There are lovely pictures of horses and I think they show the "strength" and "vitality" of these wonderful animals. I like them. However, while they're very well done they're not mega-creative. But isn't that the problem when there are so many countries creating Chinese New Year stamps - how do you keep being inventive? 6/10

Collectability - People really like Chinese New Year stamps and you can see why. It's a fantastic celebration all over the world. It has a magical feel to it, and so do a lot of the stamps. 8/10

Personal appeal - Well, I like horses so I am going to like these. The artist has done a great job of showing how strong and beautiful horses are. But why are they so expensive? 6/10

Overall score - 43/60