Tulip

Theme: nature
Series: flowers
Country: Germany
Year: 2013

Tulips, as popular bulb plants as they are these days, originally come from Persia, where they have been grown since 10th century. About six hundred years later tulips came to Austria and then Netherlands, Europe.
There are approximately 120 species and 15,000 cultivars of tulips.
Tulips grow/occur naturally in southern Europe, northern Africa, Asia (the area of Turkey, Iran, Pamir Mountains, Hindu Kush, China and Japan. They are quite pretty of variety of colors.

Some time ago, in the autumn, I planted a few kinds of bulb plants (including tulips) on my balcony.
When the spring came, I watched them grow. It was such an enjoyable view and a beautiful patio decoration as well. Especially that when they first emerged from under the ground, snow was still covering the land. It was my first sign of spring then.

Chambered Nautilus

Theme: nature/ ocean
Country: Philippines
Year: 2010

Chambered nautilus (a mollusk) is the most known kind of nautilus. The name of the nautilus relates to the chambers with gas, which are inside the shell covering the soft body. Nautilus pompilus is the largest of all species of nautiluses. It can move with the speed of over two knots. The shape of its shell makes a perfect golden spiral. The structure of its body is the same as it was several million years ago. That is why the nautilus is called a living fossil.
The mollusk reproduces every year, by laying eggs. Its eyesight is poor due to very primitive eyes. However, its smell is quite well developed and it helps the nautilus to find food (and match as well). The nautilus eats small crustaceans, fish and shrimps. It lives in the deep waters of the Pacific and Indian Ocean, including the Great Barrier Reef.
Recently, the population of chambered nautilus is declining due to overfishing mainly. That is why exporting nautiluses is illegal in Indonesia.

Ralph Ellison

Theme: people/ writer
Series: 'Literary Arts' 
Country: USA
Stamp Artwork: K. Nelson
Design: E. Kessler  
Year: 2014


Ralph Waldo Ellison (03/01/1914 - 04/16/1994) - American novelist, writer, literary critic and scholar. In 1953, his novel 'Invisible Man' was awarded with National Book Award.
Ellison also wrote series of essays, including 'Shadow and Act' (1964) and 'Going to the Territory' (1986).

Other novels by R.W.Ellison:
'Juneteenth' - published after his death (1999)
'Flying Home and other Stories' (1996)
'Three days Before Shooting...' (unfinished work - published in 2010)

European Honey Bee

Theme: Nature/ Insects
Country: Poland
Design: M. Dąbrowska
Year: 2013

European Honey Bee, which is also called Western Honey Bee, is quite precious: it collects nectar and pollen and in this way the bee pollinates plants. This makes crops ripening and the fruit appearance possible. Besides honey, other honey bees' work products are: pollen, beeswax, royal jelly and propolis.