Type:     Stamp

Number of Stamps:     1

Denominations:       7C,

Issue Date:       2004

Issued By:     Malta Post

Christmas Tradition in Malta

Malta 2004 Christmas stamp issue presents four designs connected with the figure of the Christ Child. The set was released by Maltapost on 10 November 2004 with denominations of 7c, 16c, 22c and 50c. Each design features a different Bambino figure made from wax or papier mâché. The objects came from private collections and show care. Richard J. Caruana created the designs while Printex Ltd. produced the stamps through offset printing. Maltese Cross watermarked paper was used. The subject gives the series a warm religious character while presenting local craftsmanship.

Four Bambino Designs

The four values offer separate views of historic and modern Bambino figures. The 7c value shows an antique papier mâché figure from Lecce in Italy resting on white linen beside an artificial rock formation. The 16c example depicts a wax-clothed Bambino beneath a glass dome with a decorated rock. Ganutell flowers made by Suor Candida of the Mdina Benedictine monastery add detail. The 22c stamp features a modern wax figure created by Karmenu Buttigieg of Lija. It has glass eyes and wears a broad white sash around the body. Finally the 50c value portrays an antique beeswax Bambino probably produced in France with later decorations made in Malta. Together these scenes show varied materials, origins and artistic traditions.

Maltese Christmas Heritage

Maltapost also prepared First Day Covers, mint stamps, a souvenir folder and presentation pack. The first day cancellation carried “Jum il-Hrug” with the date 10.11.2004 and Malta. For a collection record, the country should be listed as Malta. The confirmed issue date is 10 November 2004 according to the Malta postal diary, although some catalogue pages display 12 November. Since the postal diary records the release and first-day cancellation date, 10 November is the stronger date for your entry. The complete set combines seasonal celebration with religious sculpture and remains an attractive part of Malta’s modern philatelic history.

The post Malta Christmas 2004 Stamp appeared first on Stamps Art Museum.