Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This colorful commercial print depicts a glamorous 1920s–1930s 'modern girl' holding an ostrich feather fan alongside cosmetics from the 'Twin Beauties' (Club Cosmetics) line. Rendered in the classic Shanghai calendar girl aesthetic, it blends traditional Chinese portraiture with Art Deco commercial design.
Story
In 1930s Shanghai, 'calendar girl' posters redefined modern glamour, blending Western fashions with Chinese elegance to sell everything from cigarettes to luxury face creams.
Maker / Origin
The bottom text references Zhongshan Taiyang Tang (Nakayama Taiyodo), the Japanese parent company behind the hugely popular 'Club' brand cosmetics founded in Osaka, which expanded heavily into the Chinese market during the early 20th century. Renowned artists like Zheng Mantuo popularized this soft-shading watercolor and lithographic style specifically for commercial advertising.
Condition & Value
The framed print shows mild edge wear, paper toning, and subtle surface creasing. Period originals command significant sums, whereas modern reprints hold primarily modest decorative value.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.