Octagon Shape Stamps - Korea - 1st Series Traditional Culture Special - 2003

Four Octagon Shape Stamps, a new shape in my odd shape stamps collection.
The special stamps on traditional Korean culture are issued to demonstrate the wisdom and aesthetic sensitivity of our ancestors by showcasing articles used everyday by them. Introduced in the first of the series are footwear worn for both protection and adornment. The materials and types of shoes varied widely according to gender, social status, occupation and attendant attire.
1) Unhye schnee
Unhye, also known as Onhye, referred to footwear with a short ankle covering that were worn by women. These shoes were covered with silk and cotton flannel, while their tips and heels were embroidered or covered with cloud-shaped silk. The soles of the shoes were made of leather, with heel and toe plates attached to the sole. These shoes were usually worn by women of royalty, the court and upper-class until the late Joseon Period.
2) Mokhwa (wooden shoes)
Mokhwa, footwear with a long ankle covering, was usually worn with official uniforms. The soles of the shoes were made of wood and covered with leather. The ankle covering was made with black cloth and covered with fur, leather, cotton flannel or silk. The seams were lined with colored cloth. These shoes resembling semi-boots are worn by bridegrooms even today during traditional wedding ceremonies.
3) Jipsin (straw shoes)
Made with straws, Jipsin is also called Bigu or Chohye. These shoes with a long history were the most popular shoes worn by commoners. Jipsin was worn during long journeys, field work and on a daily basis. The tip of the shoes was short, coarsely woven with thick outer rims, usually 26 to 30 in number. Jipsin was also made with hemp, cord twisted with hemp, rushes and bulrushes.
4) Namaksin (wooden clogs)
Usually worn during rain or snow, Namaksin was made of wood. These shoes came with or without heels. Heels were added to avoid water or mud being splashed onto the feet. Sturdy and light wood, usually from paulownia trees and willows, was used to make the shoes. Beeswax was also applied to waterproof the shoes. Namaksin was worn regardless of social status and age. Namaksin for children was colored and embellished.

Stamps Information
Title - Traditional Culture Special (1st)
kind - Four kinds
Date of Issue - March 19, 2003
Quantity - 800,000 stamps each
Denomination - 190 won
Design - Unhye, Mokhwa, Jipsin, Namaksin
Printing Process and Colors - Intaglio, two colors (Octagonal stamp)
Size of Stamp - 35mm x 35mm
Image Area - 35mm x 35mm
Perforation - 13
Sheet Composition - 4 x 4 (four stamps setenant)
Paper - White Unwatermarked
Engraving - Shin, Hyun-tae
Designer - Kim, So-jeong / Kim, Chang-hwan (Photography)
Printer - Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation