Vintage Chinese Advertising From The 1920-30s Republican Era

Republican Era Chinese Advertising Posters.

Despite an era marked by persistent war and disorder, the Republican period in Chinese history witnessed a remarkable boom spanning industry, commerce, and culture. From the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Shanghai to the rapid industrialization of Manchuria under Japanese occupation, 1930s China was a shining contrast to the rest of the world going through the Great Depression.

Through the portrayal of women and from the obvious Western influences, these advertising posters below reflected this uncertain period of openness and prosperity on the eve of impending war.  Perhaps from these vintage posters, we can be reminded of a once thriving face of China that is not much different from today.

Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Company

Nanyang Brothers Tobacco Company

Japanese-Manchurian Flour Milling Company

Japanese-Manchurian Flour Milling Company

Harbin North Manchurian Tobacco Company

Harbin North Manchurian Tobacco Company

Shanghai Huiming Flashlight Company

Shanghai Huiming Flashlight Company

Hangchow Wanyuen Silk Bureau

Hangchow Wanyuen Silk Bureau

The Wing On Company Discount Advertising

The Wing On Company Discount Advertising

Advertisement for Dragon Foot Powder Medicine

Advertisement for Dragon Foot Powder Medicine

Shanghai Xu Shengji Printing Factory Advertisement

Shanghai Xu Shengji Printing Factory Advertisement

China Fuchang Tobacco Factory

China Fuchang Tobacco Factory

Victoria Soap

Victoria Soap

Sunlight Soap

Sunlight Soap

Kwong Sang Hong Ltd.

Kwong Sang Hong Ltd.

Source: Photographs are from Zhang Jibo’s blog on Sina, of 1920s-1930s Chinese advertising posters displayed at the Guan Shanyu Art Museum in Shenzhen.

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