Found this delicate 1969 Japanese stamp that instantly drew me in — it features “Kami (Hair)” by Kobayashi Kokei, a master of Nihonga painting. The art shows a nude woman combing her long black hair, but there’s nothing provocative here — just a sense of stillness, grace, and introspection.

It was part of Japan's Philatelic Week series, honoring traditional art. I love how this stamp celebrates a quiet, personal ritual — something timeless and deeply human.

For collectors: Scott: Japan #988 Stanley Gibbons: SG #1160

But beyond the numbers, it’s a window into a moment — soft brushstrokes, flowing lines, and a sense of calm that’s rare in today’s designs.

Today, I went to one of my favorite stores that I previously only went to because they sell rocks, but they also sell stamps. I had been looking for the Luna Moth US postal stamp for a while and completely forgot to go to this place, but I got the chance and went today. I ended up having a long chat with the guy who runs the shop and bought about 400 ish random stamps for a little under 17 bucks. Did so somewhat on impulse, but I've been meaning to get into stamps because I love the history and stories behind each one. A while back, I had a collection passed down to me which contained stamps from all over the world, one from every place the previous owner traveled to. There are maybe 150 or so from his collection, plus all the random stuff I bought today. Does anyone have any tips on how to get started or where to find information on stamps (either physically or online)? I don't know how to properly take care of them either and am doing my own research both on this subreddit and other places, but anything would be helpful. I'm also just interested to hear how other people got into collecting and their personal advice, so anything at all is appreciated.

TDLR; I'm new to collecting, love the history behind stamps, have a ton, and don't know where to start and how to store/take care of them. Also interested in hearing about others journeys with collecting and searching.

New stamps issued this Saturday, April 5.

Issue : Eastern Cantons - Europa Archaeology - Famous Person: Ernest Slovay

Hi, I would like to start collecting stamps and I would like to catalogue them by genre (horse, art, cat etc.) should I dedicate an album only to one genre or can I put more in an album? If so, how? Thanks

The stamp emissions from SPM seem to have been halted between, the years 1976-1985 (checked online listings as well); so far could not find any reasons for it.

Does anyone have clear info on it?

I really want to enjoy my collection but I am finding it impossible to know where to start. I’m not sure if I’m just not made out for it, it’s a lot more complicated than people give it credit for. I have a lot of stamps, probably 20+ folders and I think I’ve just become a stamp hoarder. Most of the folders I have are pretty generic but I have a couple of books that I inherited a few years back that I think might have some nice stamps in. Though this is only based on one page being penny reds, so I although little value, I assume some of the other stamps might be of more interest. I’d like to start with these but there’s so many countries as so many stamps and it’s a bit overwhelming.

How do I identify them with any confidence?

I’ve added some pics just for interest.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I'm a grandchild of a bigtime philatelist, and love the community and joy of philately. I also know that you guys really know your stuff when it comes to materials and preserving document integrity.

I'm getting into art and using my ipad as a lightbox (I make the design digitally, then trace the big parts onto real paper and finish it IRL). The trouble is, my paper keeps moving on the screen, so I can't get a good trace. I

I'd use washi tape, but I'm allergic to glue and adhesives!

Does anyone have ideas are there for temporarily sticking my tracing paper to the lightbox, without adhesive tapes? I'm sketching flat on the table so it just needs to be thin enough for the paper to lay flat and not move around for a few minutes.

Thanks if you guys have any ideas!

I want to reduce my collection drastically (give it away to someone who will appreciate it), but I haven't seen any major stamp shows that happen in my area.

I have some random boxes I won at an auction, lots of animal and plant stamps, first day covers, and a few newer ones from traveling. I also thought I was going to open an Etsy shop with cute stamp buttons and things like that. So I have a lot of buttons I already made and full sheets of stamps.

TBH I could mail a button or two if anyone is interested (for free). I'll add a picture of what they look like. I have a few varieties of those.

Let me know! :)

I recently bought some stamps online to add to my collection that I have recently started, the stamps arrived today in almost mint condition and near perfect perforations but upon closer inspection I realise that the backing has been removed leaving only the gum residue on the back I know removing stamps from envelopes is a common practice(off paper)but why would someone do it to a seemingly perfect block of new stamps?.

So many questions but I'm new at this, and my specialty is coins so any advice would be greatly appreciated!