World first glass stamp from Austria

Issue date 10 June 2016

Austria Post has issued the first self adhesive glass stamp of the world featuring the “Sandlbilder” – a reverse glass painted Pietà from the Upper Austrian municipality of Sandl.

In reverse glass painting the design is painted on the back of the glass, enabling the front to be cleaned easily.

The traditional design of the Pietà shows the Virgin Mary weeping over the dead body of her crucified son, Jesus. She is usually depicted alone, cradling the body of her son in her arms. The seven swords in Mary’s heart symbolise the seven sorrows of the Mater Dolorosa, the Mother of Sorrows, Mary, whilst the tendrils of flowers below the cross represent the hope which Jesus’ sacrifice brings to all people.

The stamp has been produced by the Viennese porcelain manufacturer Augarten with each glass blank stamp handcrafted with the design screen printed on the back of each stamp and finally heat treated to allow the colours to bond with the glass.