2018-05-21 Mon

A pane of 10 stamps and 10 labels will be released on 26th May by the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) to commemorate the 850th anniversary of national poet of Georgia, Shota Rustaveli. The Democratic Republic of Georgia was formed on May 26, 1918. The release date also coincides with Georgia’s Independence Day.

The 80¢ stamp is for use from the Vienna U.N. office. Five scenes from A Knight in Panther’s Skin illustrated by Georgian artist Irakli Toidze (1902-85) have been featured on the labels. The U.N. emblem and 2018 year date are also featured on the stamp. The selvage depicts a portrait of the poet. An inscription reads that this Boris Joahansen painting is showcased at the Giorgi Leonidze State Museum of Georgian Literature.

The texts on the selvage read “850th Anniversary of Shota Rustaveli,” “A Knight in Panther’s Skin”, “Who seeks not a friend is his own foe.” The last Quote is also written in Georgian below the English version. Emblems of Georgia and the U.N. are also depicted on the selvage.

The exact birth Year of Rustaveli is not yet known. Some believe that he was born in 1160 while there are others who think he was born in 1172. The birth anniversary events of this great poet were held in 2016 and 2017 as well in different countries.

The legendary artist is known for his wonderful verses and for his 12th-century poem - A Knight in Panther’s Skin. With 1,600 quatrains and 6,000 lines, this poem talks about chivalry, eternal ideas and humanism.

Image Courtesy: United Nations Postal Administration