Innovative consideration
Amid the popularity of the snake stamp, some also doubt that the design of zodiac animal stamps has fallen into a set mode of paper-cut and multicolor cloth. Yan said they are considering how to innovate the stamps now as zodiac animal stamps have undergone almost three rounds (36 years) already. He said discussions were ongoing about the 4th round of stamps, striving for a new look.
While only designers are included for the design of zodiac stamps, Yan revealed to the Global Times that they are thinking of taking suggestions from the public. "It is for the people and we should consider their opinion," he said.
Innovation is important, but since it is a traditional symbol, innovation should not go too far, according to Wu. He said he balanced innovation with tradition in his design.
The zodiac animals, which originated in China 2,000 years ago, have been an inseparable part of Chinese culture. Besides China, other countries in the Southeast Asia and countries with large Chinese populations also issue zodiac animal stamps.
Following China's snake stamp, countries like Canada, Australia, Lithuania and North Korea have also published their stamps for the snake year recently. The stamps around the world are designed either by Chinese stamp designers or their own designers or agents.
"Some stamps are designed by Western designers who cannot understand the importance of zodiac animal culture for Chinese people," said Wu, "Their designs are too realistic and blunt in showing the animals, lacking the festive atmosphere and auspicious implications people desire.
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