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The TAIPEI 2005 – 18th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, held on August 19-24, 2005 at the Taipei World Trade Center, is the first large Asian philately event held in Taipei since the tenth Asian International Stamp Exhibition in 1996. To commemorate this philately gala, Chunghwa Post is releasing a “TAIPEI 2005 － 18th Asian International Stamp Exhibition Commemorative Issue,” featuring the Cing Dynasty Cloisonne Heavenly Fowl Zun (ritual wine vessel) from the National Palace Museum collection. The stamp, which will be released on August 19, 2005, the opening day of the exhibition, has a denomination of NT$15. Meanwhile, to add to collecting interest, mini panes (size A5, comprising six stamps) will be specially released to accompany with this issue.

In Chinese mythology, the Heavenly Fowl is a fairy rooster with different model from the roosters we see ordinarily. The Heavenly Fowl Zun is usually seen as a decorative part of an ancient bronze zun in which the
actual vessel for the wine is carried on the animal’s back. The Cloisonne Heavenly Fowl Zun featured here is an imitation of such wine vessels. Copper filaments were fused to its copper body to outline the design. The bird’s head and the T-shaped flange on its back are gilded, its body is covered with light green and blue feather patterns, its abdomen is adorned with a monster’s face, and the part of its neck just below the wide opening rim features floral scrolls with winding branches and dragon motifs. The bird perches on a chariot’s axle, and the two openwork wheels and its curled tail serve as the object’s feet. This vessel has brightly colored enamels but possesses a solemn aura. It is a very fine display piece.