USPS Bonsai Tree Forever First Class Postage Stamps

Forever First Class Postage Stamps Featuring Bonsai Tree Designs

With these five Bonsai (Forever) stamps, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates the beauty of bonsai. The word "bonsai" (Japanese for "plant in a pot") refers to the art of cultivating plants — usually trees — in trays, pots, or other containers. Favorite bonsai plants include evergreens, maples, and azaleas, but many other trees and shrubs are also suitable. One of the common styles of bonsai is shown on each of these five stamps. The first stamp depicts a Sierra juniper in semi-cascade style, in which the tip projects over the pot rim but does not extend below the base. Second is a trident maple in informal upright style, in which the trunk bends slightly to the left or right. Third is a black pine in formal upright style, with the trunk straight and tapering evenly, with symmetrical branches, from base to apex. Fourth is an azalea plant in multiple-trunk style, with several trunks emerging from one root system. The fifth and final stamp shows a banyan in cascade style, in which the trunk evokes a stream flowing down a mountainside, with the tip extending below the pot's base. The plants depicted are roughly 15 to 20 inches tall. Although no one knows when the first bonsai was created, it is generally accepted that Buddhist monks brought the practice from China to Japan about a thousand years ago. The bonsai collection at the National Arboretum began in 1976 when the Nippon Bonsai Association in Tokyo, Japan, presented the people of the United States with 53 plants as part of the U.S. bicentennial commemoration. A bonsai master begins with seeds, cuttings, a naturally stunted tree, or a very young tree. Over time, he or she prunes the roots and branches, uses wire to shape and "train" the branches, and sometimes scrapes or peels bark to achieve desired effects. The plant is watered and repotted when necessary, and can live a hundred years or more. Art director and stamp designer Ethel Kessler worked with artist John D. Dawson on the "Bonsai" stamps.

Beautifully Crafted Designs

The USPS Bonsai Tree Forever First Class Postage Stamps showcase stunning artwork that captures the essence of these beautiful trees. Each stamp highlights intricate details, ensuring that both collectors and casual users appreciate the beauty of bonsai trees. Therefore, they make an excellent addition to any philatelic collection, celebrating both nature and art in one compact design.

Convenience and Versatility

These Forever Stamps are not only visually appealing, but they also offer great convenience. With these stamps, you can mail letters and packages without worrying about price increases. Because they are forever stamps, you pay for the First-Class rate regardless of future postage rises, making them a smart choice for anyone who sends mail regularly.

Perfect for Gifting and Collecting

The Bonsai Tree Forever First Class Postage Stamps are an ideal gift for nature lovers and avid stamp collectors. You can use them for sending postcards, invitations, or simply as a delightful addition to a stamp book. Their unique design and functionality make them a memorable choice that blends practicality with appreciation for nature.