China Post has issued a set of two stamps with augmented reality (AR) features to welcome the Year of the Rat. When customers scan the stamps with their mobile phone, the rats can be seen “jumping” from the stamps.

Since rats are known to bite, one stamp with a rat looking upward symbolizes it biting the sky and letting light come down to Earth. Another stamp featuring a rat family and peanuts on the ground symbolizes a rich harvesting year.

The stamps were designed by Han Meilin, a prominent artist and designer whose zodiac sign is also the rat. The two stamps show Han’s signature playful style.

China Post began issuing an annual set of postal stamps in 1980 designed after the zodiac animal to which the year belongs.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the introduction of the zodiac stamps, China Post has also launched a series of merchandise, including a colorful album featuring Year-of-the-Rat stamps and photos of rat-themed artifacts from museums across the country, envelopes, and sets of gold leaves in the shape of the rats Han designed.(SD-Agencies)