The collection, designed by artist Nguyen Quang Vinh and issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, comprises two stamp designs and one souvenir sheet. Presented in a contemporary folk style, the collection prominently features the image of the nine-maned horse. In the 'Son Tinh, Thuy Tinh' legend, this horse was one of the rare and difficult-to-find betrothal gifts demanded by King Hung, alongside 'nine-tusked elephants and nine-spurred chickens'.

The first design depicts a white horse with a long mane, curved eyelashes, and slender legs, carrying a set of small drums, symbolizing yin. The second design features a bay horse with a short mane, thick eyebrows, strong legs, and a broad chest, carrying a large drum, representing yang. The large and small drums are traditional Vietnamese folk percussion instruments. Artist Nguyen Quang Vinh aimed to convey the idea of a new year's symphony, blending the sounds of drums, horse hooves, and bells.

The stamp collection creates yin-yang harmony, conveying a message of breakthrough and success. *Image provided by subject*.

The souvenir sheet illustrates a herd of 8 galloping horses, embodying the wish for family reunion during Tet. At its center is a mythical thousand-mile horse, adorned with phoenix wings, symbolizing wishes for advancement and triumph in the new year. One horse among the herd turns back, offering encouragement and reinforcing the 'may success come swiftly' message.

Souvenir sheet design by artist Nguyen Quang Vinh. *Image provided by subject*.

The artist draws inspiration from traditional horse imagery, such as pairs of white and red horses or horses carrying phoenixes found in temples. However, he expresses these through a new aesthetic, employing modern colors to align with current trends. His portrayal of horses also has a youthful quality, featuring long, curved eyelashes and red hooves for mares, and black hooves for stallions. The peach and apricot blossoms on the animals' flanks resemble the silk brocade ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) embroidered by Vietnamese people for Tet, distinguishing them from the cloud, dragon, and phoenix patterns seen on ancient horses.

Artist Nguyen Quang Vinh, born in 1974, graduated from the Graphic Design department, Fashion major, at the University of Industrial Fine Arts. He has 7 years of experience designing Vietnamese Tet stamps. The artist stated that he faces significant pressure to develop fresh content that does not repeat previous years. To maintain his creativity, he consistently researches folk traditions and cultural knowledge.

In 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology issued 4 stamp collections commemorating major events. These included two designs and one souvenir sheet marking the 50th anniversary of national reunification, one stamp for the 100th anniversary of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism, two stamps celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Day, and two stamps commemorating the 80th anniversary of the first General Election for the Vietnamese National Assembly.

Phuong Linh