Liechtenstein's First Embroidery Stamp

Liechtenstein's First Embroidery Stamp

Although Liechtenstein has been inhabited for approximately 7,000 years, it wasn’t known as Liechtenstein until the 18th century.  The name can be traced back to a 12th-century castle in the town of Maria Enzensdorf in Upper Austria.  This castle is said to stand on a rock known as the light (German -‘Licht’) stone (German-‘Stein’).

To celebrate the 300th anniversary of the principality, on Jan. 23, 2020, Liechtenstein issued its first embroidered souvenir sheet.  The 6.30-franc self-adhesive souvenir sheet is shaped like a crown, known as a princely hat. 

Hammerle & Vogl from Lustenau, Austria designed this embroidery stamp.  Earlier they designed Austria's embroidery stamps.

Switzerland was the first country to issue an embroidered stamp, on 21st June 2000.

Some other embroidery stamp issues...

Edelweiss stamp was issued by Austria in 2005

Clusius Gentian issued by Austria in 2008

world's first embroidered "silhouette" stamp issued by Austria Post in 2016

Austrian Post issued Petit Point in the year 2010

More recently, in September 2018, Austria issued the Styrian Hat stamp.  I'm looking for it to add to my embroidery collection.

Brazil, Italy, Micronesia,  and Singapore also issued embroidery stamps.  I'm looking for them too.

World’s first embroidered silhouette stamp : Austria

The world's first embroidered silhouette stamp was issued by Austria Post on 22nd September 2016.

The above stamp depicts the dirndl gown.  It is a traditional outfit for women and girls in some parts of Austria and Germany.  It also features traditional colours and patterns specific to the region.    Each stamp is made from approximately 130 feet of thread in 3 colours: Red, Green, and White.

The stamp is unique because it captures the shape of the dress itself.

Hammerle & Vogel, a family-fun company that specializes in high-quality embroidery, has designed and manufactured the Dirndl stamp.

Petit Point - Embroidery stamp: Austria

Austrian Post issued a stamp in the year 2010 depicting a rose using the Petit Point embroidery. 

You all would be wondering what is "Petit Point"?  Well, Petit Point is a French word that means "Little stitch".  Petit Point embroidery is a type of embroidery on canvas ground, consisting of small 45-degree angle adjacent stitches. Usually, even a small embroidery rose like the one in this stamp consists of more than 1000 stitches.

     

Clusius Gentian: Austria, Embroidery stamp

Gentiana Clusii is a mountain flower that is mainly found in the Alpine mountains and is native to Europe.  It is commonly known as Clusius Gentian and got its name from the botanist who studied Alpine Flora.

It is a perennial herb.  Flowers are bell-shaped and blue in colour. It blooms from May to July.

Like Edelweiss this is also a protected flower.

Even though Poland, Switzerland, and other countries issued stamps of this flower, the one issued by Austria on 19 September 2008 is a special one because it is a self-adhesive embroidery stamp.

Edelweiss

While I am writing this article, the Edelweiss flower should be blooming in the mountains of Austria, Switzerland, etc.  July to September is the blooming season of this flower.  Edelweiss is a German word that means "Noble and White".

Edelweiss is a well-known mountain flower that belongs to the daisy or sunflower family.  The petals are unequally distributed.   This flower is becoming popular because it is not only used in the skincare industry but also used in folk medicines for abdominal and respiratory diseases. 

Throughout history, Edelweiss symbolizes courage, truth, and hope.  This white flower with the golden dusty middle is a National symbol of Austria and Switzerland.

It is a protected plant in many countries including Austria, India.

Embroidery is needlework done on materials with yarn or thread. Austria's embroidery work dates back to the 18th century.  To commemorate this artwork Austria Post has issued the below embroidery stamp of "Edelweiss flower" on 19th July 2005.