Stamp Iconography : Japan And Haiti.

Little, sometimes obscure designs on stamps
always fascinate me. They are there oftentimes
for a particular reason, but hidden.

For example, what are the strange whirlygig designs
on the top corners of this Japanese stamp?


My recent book purchase solves one mystery,
and it is a Bell on stamps

It is the "Ekirei"
a bell that comandeered coolies and stage horses in Ancient Japan
seen top corners of the following stamp.
The Chrysanthemum is surrounded by 32 white pearls
which in later issues changes to an Ancient greek "fret"
design, which is almost universally used on all countries stamps,
most noticibly on the French Ceres and Napolean stamps.

No help at all in your quest, I'm afraid, Rod, but the character on the ekirei is rei/suzu, meaning ... 'bell'. Reminds me of those people who have name plaques on their desks. What for? In case they forget their names?

Moving along to Haiti,
In this classic design allegory of "Commerce"
we see the usual icons, Ms Commerce holding (usually in left hand)
the Caduceus (usually held by Hermes), barrels, Anchor, sail and steam (evidenced by horizon smoke) and sunrise, as the (dawning of a new era)

However, the Ionic Capital has me stumped,
Anyone have ideas the meaning behind the Ionic Capital in this illustration?
Does it mean some form of domination of trade as a country's wealth?
We see the Ionic Capital above the pillar, with the Abacus supporting what looks like to me to be a Sun Dial.

I'd interpret the sundial atop the column simply as a reference to Time, and its passage. What do others think?

Could the supposed sundial and wisp of steam or such on the horizon instead be some incense being burned for some reason?

First of all let me say, welcome back Rodney. Nice to see your smiling face.

Now, down to business. I don't see any abacus, just some beading around the top of column.
I'll suggest that the column might represent banking, or some form of institutional support of commerce. That's my 5c (they've just stopped making pennies here in Canada).

Interesting, cannot connect to "commerce" however (scratches head)



Thanks James,
The Abacus is the plate that sits on the Capital to spread the load
sort of a "top plinth"
In archaeology, the design of the Abacus can relate to dating of construction. (Hellenic etc)
Perhaps you see a sundial only, I may be mistaken seeing it as an abacus.

Lightbulb moment...
Perhaps the column / capital signifies "strength and support"
as Commerce relates to the backbone of a countries development.

Well, if we have the sailing ship and a steamship, and the Sun rising (presumably, rather than setting), I think the reference to Time would fit.

Hmmm, OK yep can see that, rather subtle methinks by the illustrator.
Nice to see him/her represent the anchor with the stock 90 degrees to the flukes, 3D animation.