Why was a Chinese designer asked to create Hans Christian Andersen stamps for Denmark?

The project was just one part of a months-long cooperation between the postal systems of Denmark and China.

The Danes have a long tradition of quality stamp design and intaglio printing, a centuries-old technique in which steel plates are engraved to produce a stamp with raised outlines you can feel with your fingertip. The art and technology exchange has included special training for Chinese graphic designers, engravers and printing press operators.

That may sound like your grandpa's idea of making stamps, but the ever-hip Scandinavians are giving stamps like the fairy-tale set a very modern twist.

These colorful bits of paper are multi-media. The designs - and Andersen's own artwork - are inspired by traditional paper-cut craftsmanship. If you scan one of the new stamps with a smartphone, you will be able to see a video of a paper-cut artist making a smiling and happy image of Andersen.

Download the app "Post Denmark Intelligent Stamp" from App Store or Android Market, and enjoy the demonstration.