Tove Jansson (1914-2001) is a Swedish-speaking Finnish author, most notably known for her Moomin character books, which she published starting in 1945. Though she is often remembered as a children literature author, she has published extensively also for adult audiences.
The popularity of the hippopotamus-resembling Moomin characters was undoubtedly due to the storyline, which was doubled by Tove Jansson‘s own illustrations. Since 1992, they have become a constant presence on stamps, from their native Finland and off to the world.
Åland Islands
Åland Isl. issued this stamp featuring the art of Tove Jansson in the year 2007.
Japan
I would be totally unaware of the popularity of the Moomin characters in Japan if it were not for their already two-time stamp issue representing the characters.
The first issue consisting of 20 stamps in 2 sheets dates from 2015.
While the second one was issued in the beginning of 2018.
Finland
Of course, the country holding the world record of the number of Moomin stamps is Tove Jansson’s native Finland.
Pictured above, the 1992 issue (for the advertising of the Nordia’93 event in Helsinki). Since 1992, Finland has issued new Moomin stamps more or less every two years.
Pictured above, the 1994 issue.
Pictured above, the 1998 issue.
Pictured above, the 2000 issue.
Pictured above, the 2003 issue. Since 2003, most of the Moomin stamps issued by Finland are self-adhesive.
This strange-looking stamp from 2004 is not a printing error – but the surface of the stamp is made from felt.
Pictured above, the 2007 issue.
Pictured above, the 2009 issue.
Pictured above, the 2011 issue.
Pictured above, the 2013 issue.
In 2014, Finland honored the 100th anniversary of birth of Tove Jansson with a beautiful block.
On the sheet, you can also see the ‘Tove 100’ logo, under which several cultural events, exhibitions, and book releases were planned.
The sheet also was featured on a first day cover, and in a presentation pack with information in English, Finnish, and Japanese.
Pictured above, the 2014 First Day Cover and the presentation pack insert.
Pictured above, the 2015 issue. Finland chose Moomin toys to illustrate the topic of the 2015 EUROPA series.
Pictured above, the 2017 issue.
Some information is also available on the official Moomin site. Click on the logo below for information.
Stamps featured in post: 95; Period: contemporary (1992-2018); Pricing: moderate; Availability: scarce.
Philately. Lately. 
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