Isle of Man Jan. 20 issue features artwork by Martin Mörck

By David Hartwig

A Jan. 20 issue of four stamps from the Isle of Man Post Office celebrates the Year of the Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar.

The Isle of Man Post Office issued the set of four stamps, denominated £2.26, £2.81, £3.49 and £3.80, in a single horizontal se-tenant (side-by-side) strip of four.

Renowned stamp engraver Martin Mörck provided the artwork for the stamps. According to the Isle of Man Post Office, the stamp designs reflect historical references from ancient scrolls to mural depictions from the Tang dynasty (618–907).

The Isle of Man Post Office said, “the stamps embody the horse’s qualities of energy, freedom, independence and perseverance, bringing centuries of Chinese cultural symbolism to life.”

The Year of the Horse begins Feb. 17 and lasts until Feb. 5, 2027. This year’s Horse is a Fire Horse, symbolizing strength, independence, vitality, and success in the zodiac.

With the Jan. 20 Year of the Horse issue, the Isle of Man Post Office also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Isle of Man Riding for the Disabled Association, a volunteer organization providing therapeutic horseback riding for participants with physical and learning disabilities.

The issue also celebrates two decades of equestrian accessibility on the island through Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled, a charity offering carriage-driving experiences for people with disabilities.

EJC Design used Mörck’s illustrations for the stamp design, and the gummed stamps were printed by Cartor by offset lithography. The stamps measure 42 millimeters by 28mm and are perforated gauge 11.5.

The Isle of Man Post Office offers additional products with the Year of the Horse issue, including a presentation pack and a first-day cover either signed by Mörck or unsigned.

Stamps from the Isle of Man Post Office are available online at www.iompost.com/stamps-coins.

Connect with Linn’s Stamp News: 

    Sign up for our newsletter