Selling Happiness in China: Advertising Posters from Early 20th Century ShanghaiSelling Happiness in China: Advertising Posters from Early 20th Century Shanghaihttp://www.haverford.edu/calendar/details/10941/1201363200WCC Art Gallery2008-01-26T11:00:002008-01-26T17:00:00
January 26, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
WCC Art Gallery
Chinese Posters
Description
Hours & Information
Monday Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday until 8 p.m.
Saturday Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
(610) 896-1287
The early 20th Century in China was a period of extensive political change and economic expansion with Shanghai operating as the country’s greatest commercial port. Much as they do today, the world’s industrial powers saw China as a boundless market for their goods. As the consumer market grew, so did the use by Chinese and foreign companies of what had been a typically Western advertising technique -- the poster. Though posters were for the most part giveaways to distributors and retailers, they became so popular that Chinese consumers bought them to use decoratively in their homes. After 1938, and China’s declaration of the War of Resistance Against Japan, and the Chinese Civil War, China's economy went into decline, and so too did the art of the advertising poster. Decades after these materials achieved widespread popularity, Chinese collectors have been unfurling posters long stashed away in closets and boxes. Today, these old posters are rare and highly valued by art collectors.
This exhibition is made possible with support from the Robert Brown
Gallery, Washington, DC www.robertbrowngallery.com
For More Info
Matthew Callinan
610-896-1336
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