Belarus postage stamps set year 1992 Ceramic Pottery Handicraft Art

Belarus postage stamps set year 1992 Ceramic Pottery Handicraft Art

In 1992, Belarus issued a beautiful four-stamp set titled “Ceramics” (often referred to as Pottery or Handicraft Art). This was one of the earliest sets issued by the Republic of Belarus following its independence from the Soviet Union.

Set Details (Scott #41–44)

The set features traditional Belarusian earthenware, showcasing the country’s rich history of folk handicraft.

• Release Date: December 21, 1992
• Catalog Numbers: Scott #41–44 (Michel #17–20)
• Format: Perforated (there are also rarer imperforate varieties)
• Denomination: Each stamp has a face value of 1.00 Ruble.

The Designs

The four stamps illustrate different styles of traditional pottery found in Belarusian archaeological and ethnographic history:

1. Scott #41: Ceramic jug and a wide basin/bowl.
2. Scott #42: A tall pot with a thin, tapered throat.
3. Scott #43: A collection of wide-mouthed jugs and pots.
4. Scott #44: A decorative wine jug and a smaller vessel.

Collector Value

Because these were printed in high quantities during the early transition period of the Belarusian postal service, they are very affordable for collectors today.

• Mint Never Hinged (MNH): Approximately $1.00 – $2.50 for the complete set of four.
• Used: Roughly $0.50 – $1.50.
• Sheets: Full sheets (usually 50 stamps) are often available and can be found for $10 – $20 depending on the seller.

Historical Context

These stamps are part of a broader “Folk Art” initiative by the newly independent Belarus. Shortly after this set, in 1993, they followed up with a similar popular set featuring Straw Figures (Scott #47–50), which many collectors pair with the ceramics set to complete the “Handicrafts” theme.