Description: This Japanese commemorative stamp features a reproduction of the "Azure Dragon" (Seiryu) mural, one of the four divine guardians found on the walls of the Takamatsuzuka Tomb. The design captures the ancient, weathered texture of the 7th-century plaster wall, with the dragon depicted in sinuous motion using mineral pigments of malachite green and red. The vertical text on the left reads "Nippon Yubin" (Japan Post), while the inscription at the bottom, "高松塚東壁青龍," identifies the subject as the "Takamatsuzuka East Wall Azure Dragon." The denomination "20+5" indicates a postage value of 20 yen plus a 5-yen surcharge dedicated to the preservation of the tomb's fragile frescoes.
Circa: 1973
Condition: MNH
Notes:
The discovery of this tomb in Asuka Village was one of Japan's greatest archaeological finds, confirming the strong artistic influence of the Goguryeo Kingdom (modern-day Korea) on Asuka-period Japan.
The murals themselves were designated a National Treasure in 1974, shortly after this stamp was issued.