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"RARE 1990 ARTIST-CREATED PHILATELIC CHRISTMAS POSTCARD - FINAL CARD #5 OF 5 IN LIMITED SERIES!
You're viewing a truly special artistic treasure where the worlds of postcard collecting and philately beautifully intersect. This mint condition never-used postcard is the coveted final card (#5 of 5) from the sought-after 'Philatelic Christmas Series 1' created by artist Mike Boyar in 1990.
What makes this card extraordinary is the clever mixed-media approach that incorporates actual international Christmas postage stamps as artistic elements within a charming folk art winter scene. This unique artistic concept makes it a must-have for both serious Christmas postcard collectors and stamp enthusiasts alike.
DESCRIPTION
This captivating folk art piece features a cheerful yellow church with a bold red steeple set against a vibrant blue sky. A cozy brown house with a snow-covered roof appears to the left creating a peaceful Christmas village scene.
The artistic genius lies in how actual postage stamps are incorporated as design elements: a 5¢ U.S. Christmas angel stamp crowns the top while two religious New Zealand stamps (showing Madonna and Child imagery) serve as 'windows' in the brown structure. A British 11p stamp depicting Christmas carolers is positioned at the bottom of the scene.
Hand-lettered in festive red the words 'Xmas' and 'Joy' frame the church while a radiant yellow starburst sun illuminates the upper left corner. The entire scene rests on a blanket of white snow completing this whimsical Christmas vignette that celebrates both artistic creativity and philatelic appreciation.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Created in 1990 this card represents an innovative intersection of multiple collecting interests during a period when specialized artist-created postcards were gaining recognition. The artist has cleverly merged the worlds of folk art postcard collecting and philately (stamp collecting) to create something truly distinctive.
The incorporated stamps themselves tell a story of international Christmas traditions featuring religious imagery from New Zealand and carol-singing from Britain alongside an American Christmas angel. This global approach to Christmas imagery creates a card with universal appeal that transcends national boundaries.
As self-published ephemera created in limited quantities these specialized artist cards were never mass-produced or widely distributed making surviving examples increasingly difficult to find. Their specialized appeal has allowed them to survive primarily in the hands of dedicated collectors who recognized their unique artistic value.
CONDITION
This postcard is in exceptional near-mint condition - a pristine example that appears virtually as it did when first created over three decades ago. The colors remain bright and vibrant throughout the artistic image with no fading whatsoever.
The cream-colored cardstock shows minimal aging/yellowing and the edges and corners remain sharp with negligible wear. There are no creases bends tears or damage to either the front or back surfaces and the card has never been written on or mailed.
The printing remains crisp and clear with all text perfectly legible on both sides. This is truly a museum-quality example that has been carefully preserved since its creation in 1990.
AGE/ERA
This postcard dates precisely to 1990 as confirmed by the copyright notice '©1990' clearly printed on the front of the card. It represents a fascinating era when artist-created postcards were beginning to carve out their own specialized niche in the collecting world.
The 1990s saw increased interest in limited-edition artist postcards as both affordable art and specialized collectibles. This card as part of a numbered series exemplifies how artists were creating work specifically for the collector market during this period.
The merged interest in both postcard and stamp collecting (philately) demonstrates the creative cross-collecting approaches that emerged during this era. As the final card (#5 of 5) in the 'Philatelic Christmas Series 1 ' it represents the completion of the artist's vision for this specialized collection.
RARITY
This is a genuinely scarce collectible for several compelling reasons. As a self-published artist card produced in a numbered limited series it was created in small quantities for specialized collectors rather than mass distribution.
The fact that this is card #5 of 5 - the final card completing the 'Philatelic Christmas Series 1' - makes it particularly desirable for collectors seeking to complete the set. Many limited series cards were separated over time making complete sets or final cards increasingly difficult to locate.
The unique artistic approach combining postcard art with philatelic elements creates appeal across multiple collecting categories increasing demand from diverse collector groups. With each passing year fewer of these specialized artist cards from the early 1990s remain available in mint unused condition.
COLLECTOR'S NOTE
There is something genuinely magical about owning a piece that so perfectly bridges multiple collecting worlds. This card speaks to the creative spirit of artists who found innovative ways to celebrate both the tradition of Christmas postcards and the specialized appeal of stamp collecting.
Imagine displaying this unique piece as part of your holiday collection - its vibrant colors and folk art charm instantly communicating the joyful spirit of Christmas while also showcasing its philatelic significance. The card tells a story of artistic innovation and specialized collecting interests that continues to resonate with today's collectors.
This would make a spectacular addition to any Christmas postcard collection philatelic display or folk art assemblage. Its unique artistic approach and limited availability make it a standout piece that visitors will inevitably comment on and appreciate for its creative merging of different collecting traditions.
A DISAPPEARING PIECE OF COLLECTING HISTORY
With each passing year fewer of these specialized artist-created cards from the early 1990s remain available to collectors. Unlike mass-produced postcards that were created in the millions these limited series art cards were produced in small numbers for specialized audiences.
Most examples have already found permanent homes in dedicated collections or have been lost to time. This mint condition example preserved for over 30 years represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire this distinctive Christmas collectible.
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! Expand your collection while saving on shipping.
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY
Secure this unique philatelic Christmas art card before it disappears forever! As awareness grows of these creative crossover collectibles that appeal to both postcard and stamp enthusiasts the remaining examples are being rapidly acquired by specialized collectors.
Add this exceptional piece to your collection today and own a perfect example of innovative artistic creativity that celebrates both the Christmas spirit and the joy of stamp collecting in one beautiful card!"
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.