Japan – Scott # 1442

Description

Japan – Scott #1442 (Mint Never Hinged)

This delightful Japanese New Year souvenir sheet, issued in 1981 (Showa 56), celebrates oshōgatsu traditions with a bold, playful design centered on the zodiac rooster. The sheet features two identical 20-yen stamps depicting a colorful rooster perched atop a decorative New Year ornament, symbolizing diligence, good fortune, and the promise of a fresh beginning.

The stamps are framed within a trompe-l’oeil wooden plaque design, complete with stylized grain and traditional calligraphy, giving the sheet the appearance of a ceremonial New Year decoration rather than a conventional philatelic item. This blending of folk imagery and modern printing makes Scott #1442 especially appealing to collectors of Japanese souvenir sheets and zodiac-themed issues.

Produced primarily for collectors and seasonal gift-giving rather than everyday postal use, this souvenir sheet is most desirable in intact condition. This example is mint never hinged (MNH), with full original gum and no evidence of mounting or handling.

A charming addition to collections focused on Japan, New Year issues, zodiac animals, or late-20th-century graphic design.

Details:

• Country: Japan

• Scott Catalog Number: 1442

• Denomination: 20 yen (two stamps)

• Condition: Mint Never Hinged (MNH), full original gum

• Issue Year: 1981

• Format: Souvenir sheet / miniature sheet

• Color: Multicolor

• Theme: New Year, zodiac, rooster, cultural tradition