ANN/THE STAR – As the Lunar New Year draws near, stamp collectors worldwide are abuzz with excitement, gearing up to honour one of the most intriguing creatures in the Chinese zodiac—the snake.
For philatelists, the annual tradition of Chinese zodiac-themed stamps remains a treasure trove of fascination, blending culture, artistry, and storytelling in a way that transcends borders and generations.
Among these enthusiasts is Singaporean Chinese collector Johnny Lowis, whose passion for stamps has culminated in a remarkable collection dedicated to snakes. Aptly named Snakes on Stamps, his trove includes an astounding 1,020 stamps sourced from 65 countries, each offering a unique glimpse into the world’s interpretation of this enigmatic reptile.
Lowis’ collection is more than a tribute to the snake—it’s a vibrant tapestry of artistry and tradition. From the delicate precision of Chinese paper-cut motifs to the intricate craftsmanship of Japanese stamp designs, each item in his possession narrates its own tale.
Together, they celebrate the enduring charm of the Chinese zodiac while reflecting the creativity and cultural diversity that make philately an enduring passion for many.
Zodiac stamps are among the most sought-after items in the philatelic community, particularly in countries influenced by Chinese culture.
For Lowis, 75, his interest was sparked 24 years ago by a fascination for the deep symbolism and artistry behind zodiac animals, particularly the snake.
The animal, which symbolises longevity and fortune in Chinese culture, is often depicted in various forms across different countries, each with its unique interpretations.
“Zodiac stamps are the most popular topic among collectors. You can find them across China, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and other Asian countries.
“The diversity of snake stamps from various parts of the world is what drew me to the world of zodiac stamp collecting. The earliest snake zodiac stamp in my collection was issued by Japan in 1965,” he recalls.
“At that time, only Japan and the Ryukus (now part of Japan) issued such stamps.”
Eventually, countries that had little to no Chinese culture such as Western and African nations began to issue these stamps as part of fundraising ventures.
Many started doing this as they recognised the potential profitability of lunar new year stamps, most of which were brought by collectors and seldom used for mailing.
“Today, nearly 65 countries around the world have issued stamps related to the Chinese zodiac, making it a global phenomenon,” Lowis says.
When asked which country has issued the most interesting or unique snake stamps, Lowis is quick to cite Japan.
“Japan has been issuing snake zodiac stamps since 1965, and they have continued to do so regularly,” he explains.
“But Pos Malaysia too, has issued eight different snake species stamps since 2012, which I think adds a unique Malaysian touch to my collection.”
On Jan 22, Pos Malaysia released a special, limited-edition Setem Ku collection to honour the snake zodiac and welcome the Lunar New Year.
Acquiring new snake stamps requires an eye for detail and a passion for research.
“All my research information comes from Google,” Lowis says. “I buy new stamps from online stores, exchange stamps with fellow collectors from around the world and some are even purchased directly from the issuing post office.”
While the search for new additions to his collection remains a constant challenge, it is one that Lowis continues to embrace with enthusiasm.
“So far I have collected around 95 per cent of the snake stamps available in the world, which means that I am only a few steps away from completing my goal of acquiring a 100 per cent,” he adds.
Although the snake may be his current focus, Lowis has a particular fondness for another zodiac animal – the dragon.
“My favourite zodiac animal is the dragon,” he admits. “Among all the 12 zodiac animals, the dragon is the most imaginative. It’s a creature of legend, power and mystery.”
Apart from that, out of the many snake-themed stamps he owns, Lowis is particularly fond of the zodiac stamps issued by the Liechtenstein Post in 2013.
“The design of this stamp is truly exceptional,” he says. “It features intricate Chinese paper cutting, created using laser technology. It’s a perfect blend of traditional artistry and modern technology, which makes it stand out in my collection.”
Over the years, Lowis has had the privilege of sharing his impressive collection with others.
His stamps have been exhibited at the Hong Kong North Point Community Centre, the Singapore Philatelic Museum, the Malaysian KL Auto Show and various stamp clubs in different countries.
These exhibitions have allowed him to connect with fellow collectors and enthusiasts, as well as educate the public on the beauty and significance of Chinese zodiac stamps.
“Exhibiting my collection is a rewarding experience,” he says. “It’s not just about the stamps; it’s about sharing a piece of culture and history with others.”
Lowis has some valuable advice for those interested in starting their own zodiac stamp collection.
“If someone is interested in collecting zodiac stamps, I would advise them to start with their own zodiac first,” he suggests. “Once you’ve got that, you can expand to any other zodiac animal, like the snake.
“Starting with one’s own zodiac sign allows new collectors to form a personal connection with their collection, and from there, they can explore the broader world of the Chinese zodiac,” he adds.
As the Year of the Snake begins, it’s clear that for Lowis, the journey of collecting is far from over.
“To me, this practice is a lifelong passion that continues to bring joy, discovery and a deeper appreciation for the art of philately,” he concludes.
