5 Cent Ned. Indie Postage Stamp (Rural Scene)

This item is a postage stamp from 'Ned. Indie', which refers to the Netherlands East Indies, indicating its origin from a former Dutch colonial territory in Southeast Asia. The stamp has a denomination of '5 CENT' prominently displayed in a vertical orientation on the left side. The primary color scheme is a deep blue print against a lighter background, likely white or off-white paper. The central image depicts a rural scene, characteristic of the region. In the upper left background, there are mountains or hills. Below them, a human figure appears to be guiding an animal, possibly a water buffalo, which is a common draft animal in agricultural settings in Asia. To the right, there are prominent trees, and another human figure is depicted tending to what appears to be a field or a water-based activity, perhaps rice paddy farming. The overall impression is one of agricultural life. The stamp exhibits perforation around its edges, a standard characteristic of most postage stamps, though the full extent of the perforation is not visible on all sides due to the cropping of the image. The condition shows some signs of wear and age, including what might be a faint, partially obscured postmark or disturbance in the upper central area of the design, suggesting it may have been used. The colors remain relatively vibrant, indicating good preservation despite any usage. The style of the illustration suggests an early to mid-20th century production. The craftsmanship appears competent for a mass-produced item like a postage stamp, with clear lines and detail in the engraving or lithography.