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Light of India: A Conflagration of Indian Matchbox Art
With all the zany vibrancy of a Bollywood musical, the colorful matchbox labels of LIGHT OF INDIA present a fascinating confluence of popular culture and a sophisticated graphic arts tradition that stretches back for centuries. Populated with pouncing Bengal tigers, regal jungle elephants, and Hindu gods and goddesses, these miniature masterpieces are worlds unto themselves, skillfully illustrated with a naive yet irresistible charm. This delightful art book is sure to fire the imagination of all who wish to study, preserve, and celebrate India's more humble, but no less brilliant, visual arts heritage. A dazzling collection of more than 300 vintage matchbox labels from India, dating from the turn of the century through the 1950s. Includes a discussion of Hindu iconography, recurring visual themes and symbols, and the cultural and historical significance of matchbox art. A great resource for graphic artists and designers, collectors of paper ephemera or advertising art, and students of Indian culture. Gift edition slipcase includes a textured novelty "striker strip" along the spine.Reviews"Masterpieces pop up where you least expect them, as revealed in Light of India."-East Bay Express
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 29, 2024
Fascinating glimpse into this complex culture via the 'snap-shot' of matchbook art. There are so many different themes here; religion and history seem to have a very strong representation here. This was a very early kind of 'product placement' strategy; getting people to see what you wanted them to see every time they lit a match.
April 24, 2016
India is known for many things: tea, the Taj Mahal, elephants, trains, etc. More than likely, you haven’t associated matchboxes with India. Surprisingly enough, India is prominent in match production/usage complete with symbolic and esthetically beautiful art work. Warren Dotz presents a collective view in, “Light of India: A Conflagration of Matchbox Art”.
Warren Dotz is known for offering whimsy, colorful, coffee table books exploring nostalgic and collectible subjects. “Light of India” fits this mold as a handy art book depicting various matchbox works of art (labels) divided by subject category (I.E. animals, fruit, transportation, Gods, etc). Graphically, the pages pop and although not overdone; are still a visual treat.
The great thing about “Light of India” is Dotz’s description of the matchbox subjects explaining the history and symbolism of the pieces. Readers will genuinely learn a lot in a small space not only of matchbox art but of India, itself making the book memorable and strong. This is a positive supplement as some of Dotz’s other works are more of a visual collection with little to no text.
Dotz also excels with his prose and language which isn’t dummied down even for the general coffee table book audience. Again, Dotz informs and educates with few words on little space.
The flow and layout of “Light of India” makes sense while the final presentation wraps the text up well with some summary lines.
“Light of India” is a charming but also educational collection covering a nice topic that will certainly open the eyes of readers. Being a quick read; “Light of India” is suggested for nostalgic art lovers, those interested in symbolism, and readers with their hearts in India.
Warren Dotz is known for offering whimsy, colorful, coffee table books exploring nostalgic and collectible subjects. “Light of India” fits this mold as a handy art book depicting various matchbox works of art (labels) divided by subject category (I.E. animals, fruit, transportation, Gods, etc). Graphically, the pages pop and although not overdone; are still a visual treat.
The great thing about “Light of India” is Dotz’s description of the matchbox subjects explaining the history and symbolism of the pieces. Readers will genuinely learn a lot in a small space not only of matchbox art but of India, itself making the book memorable and strong. This is a positive supplement as some of Dotz’s other works are more of a visual collection with little to no text.
Dotz also excels with his prose and language which isn’t dummied down even for the general coffee table book audience. Again, Dotz informs and educates with few words on little space.
The flow and layout of “Light of India” makes sense while the final presentation wraps the text up well with some summary lines.
“Light of India” is a charming but also educational collection covering a nice topic that will certainly open the eyes of readers. Being a quick read; “Light of India” is suggested for nostalgic art lovers, those interested in symbolism, and readers with their hearts in India.
November 27, 2016
One of the most vivid images from my childhood years which concerns literature was Rudyard Kipling's "The Elephant Child." I remember reading it when I was in pre-school, although I distinctly recall making the words up because I wasn't a good reader back then. However, the image of a baby elephant whose trunk was bitten by an alligator was engraved in my mind's eye.
And so, reading through this visually tasteful work was an enjoyable and a fast one. What I love about this book is that there is a rich collection of match box art which takes a significant amount of inspiration from their religions and societal structures. In addition, the book is organized by prevalent images found in their commercial matchboxes--from Vishnu to Brahma, to their beloved prince and princesses, down to the landscapes which characterized India between then and now.
And so, reading through this visually tasteful work was an enjoyable and a fast one. What I love about this book is that there is a rich collection of match box art which takes a significant amount of inspiration from their religions and societal structures. In addition, the book is organized by prevalent images found in their commercial matchboxes--from Vishnu to Brahma, to their beloved prince and princesses, down to the landscapes which characterized India between then and now.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews