Detail

`The Ministry of Communications will issue new stamps of three denominations for the benefit of users of high value stamps with the works of ancient art as their designs. The three new stamps will be issued for sale on 1, September 1965 to be used for the foreign parcel post service and for payment of a large sum of postage such as posting in bulk. For the 200 won stamp an image of Buddhist saints of Suk-kul-am, an artificial cavern, is used. The Suk-kul-am, was built by a great Minister Dae-sung Kim during the time of King Kyung-duk, Silla dynasty. It is not only the largest relief sculpture but also the finest masterpiece of all the Buddhist statues of stone in Korea. The tile of devil`s image used for the denomination of 300 won represents the face of an imaginary devil. The tiles made with the image were used at both ridge ends of ancient palaces and temples alledgedly to prevent the evil spirits and misfortunes. This tile, a work of Silla dynasty, was excavated near the lake called An-ap and together with a picture of the mural painting it is now preserved in the National Museum, Duksoo Palace, Seoul. The picture of a blue dragon used for 500 won stamp depicts the mural painting which was found on the granite wall inside of an ancient tomb of Kokuryo dinasty. This style of painting was originally introduced from China. Inside of the tomb is established the miniature universe surrounded by four Directional Gods, one in each corner. The blue dragon symbolized the God which protects the Eastern direction. From the artistic point of view, this work is regarded as to have been the best of its kind in the orient of early seventh century.`