Light of India: A Conflagration of Indian Matchbox Art [Paperback]

Warren Dotz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2007

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

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

* 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.

About the Author

WARREN DOTZ is a pop culture historian and the author of eight books on advertising art. As an authority on product label art, his commentary has appeared in Advertising Age, Brandweek, and the New York Times Magazine. He lives and works in Berkeley, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press (October 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580088570
• ISBN-13: 978-1580088572
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #500,061 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A conflagration of fascination, October 22, 2007

By 

H. Grove "Errant Dreams Reviews" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Light of India: A Conflagration of Indian Matchbox Art (Paperback)

Warren Dotz's "Light of India: A conflagration of Indian matchbox art" is a fascinating little gift or coffee table book. It starts out exploring the origins of the matchbox industry in India, its practical and cultural place in history. From there it branches into an impressive exploration of the art that adorns Indian matchboxes--starting with those imported from other countries, and progressing through those made in India by Indian artists in later years.

While the images themselves are beautiful and fascinating to look at, every bit as fascinating is the discussion that goes with each section. The images on matchboxes changed with the times, reflecting cultural trends, history, politics, national hopes and fears, and more. What started out for me as a fun look at matchbox art became an engrossing read on Indian cultural heroes, Gandhi's work, religious beliefs and iconography, and even Indian wildlife, foods, and architecture.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Visually Delightful, September 30, 2008

By 

A. Sandhu (IL, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Light of India: A Conflagration of Indian Matchbox Art (Paperback)

This is small but bold little book. The collection of images of matchboxes are colourful, humourous, curious and extremely entertaining. A must have for anyone interested in Indian graphics.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Fun, Fun!, June 30, 2010

By 

Bouganvillea (California, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Light of India: A Conflagration of Indian Matchbox Art (Paperback)

Wonderful photos and information on Indian matchbook pictures through the years, including development of the art form. When I looked at the chapter titles in the table of contents, I said "that makes sense" again and again, as each chapter highlights a theme very tightly related to Indian culture, like Hindu gods, mangoes, tigers, elephants etc.

If you don't know Indian culture or history, you'll still enjoy the great and unusual pictures. It shows how much art can be squeezed into something so small, cheap and mundane!