Visual and textual materials from the Library Company's Asian American and Pacific Islander History Collection.

Pages

All together! Enlist in the Navy [graphic] / H. Reuterdahl.
World War One recruitment poster for the United States Navy and depicting a white man American sailor standing among five other men sailors from allied countries. Flags are underneath each sailor to denote their nationality (left to right): Japan, France, United States, White Ensign of the Royal Navy used for the British Commonwealth, Russia, and Italy. In the left, the Japanese sailor, depicted with a dark-colored skin tone and attired in a blue uniform, holds his cap in his right hand. Next to him, the brown-haired, white French sailor with a mustache, attired in a blue shirt with two medals, a black utility belt, white pants, and black shoes, carries a rifle and bayonet in his left hand. He holds his cap up in the air with his right hand. The blond-haired American sailor, attired in a white cap and a blue uniform, stands in the center with his left arm around a sailor of the British Commonwealth. The British Commonwealth sailor, depicted with a light-brown color skin tone, is attired in a brimmed, straw sennet hat and a white sailor’s uniform (possibly to be portrayed from the Caribbean). He holds a telescope under his left arm and smiles at the American. The Russian sailor beside him with a mustache and attired in a white cap, a white shirt, and black pants, puts his arm on his back and on the back of the Italian sailor. In the right, the black-haired Italian sailor with a mustache and his face depicted with dark tones, is attired in a white cap, a blue shirt, and white pants. He stands and holds a rifle and bayonet over his right shoulder. In the background, battleships with Allied flags on the masts are visible on the water., Title from item., Publication information inferred from the content., Date from the artist's signature on recto: H. Reuterdahl, U.S.N.R.F. ’17., Accessioned 1980., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., Henry Reuterdahl was a Swedish-born painter and illustrator who was well-known for his paintings of ships and nautical scenes. He served as artist-correspondent during the Spanish-American War and went on to develop a close association with the United States Navy.
[Asian decorative motifs]
Illustrated trade card depicting Asian decorative motifs, including bamboo, a crane, and a fan. In the left a dragonfly flies over a stalk of bamboo. In the center is a large Asian character, possibly meant to be Chinese, surrounded by a geometric border. In ther right, a crane stands on one leg among reeds and a hand-held fan is spread open., Title supplied by cataloger., Date based on medium and content., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Ask for Liebig Company's extract of meat. Annual sale, four million jars.
Trade card promoting the Liebig Company and showing three Japanese boys, depicted in racist caricature, bowing to an oversized container with a label inscribed: "Extractum carnis Liebig manufactured by the Liebig's Extract of Meat Company limited, London..." Shows the boys, attired in yellow pants; colorful tunics of blue, red, or green; and green and red cloth slip-on shoes, kneeling and bowing. The figure in the middle and in the right wear chonmage haircuts with a braid. In the left, a Japanese-style building and archway are visible. Von Liebig, a German-born chemist, who developed a manufacturing process for meat extract in 1840, established the Liebig Extract of Meat Company in 1865. The extract was marketed as an alternative to meat., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of advertising business., Advertising text printed on verso: Ask for Liebig Company’s extract of meat. Being the finest meat-flavouring ingredient. None genuine without the fac-simile of Baron Liebig, the inventor’s signature in blue color across the label. Avoid all imitation extracts. Directions. Beef-tea. Efficient tonic in all cases of weakness and digestive disorder. Dissolve a quarter of a tea-spoonful of Liebig Company’s extract in a breakfast cup of boiling hot water, and plenty of salt, this will make a strong and clear beef-tea. You may add according to taste a tea-spoonful of Madeira, Sherry or Port wine or the yolk of a fresh egg, or a trifle of fresh butter or some bread or a boiled potato. A slight addition of Worcestershire sauce is liked by many. This beef-tea acts as a pleasant tonic especially when taken in the morning, and may well be taken several times a day. Soups. A variety of excellent meat and vegetable soups may be made with the aid of the Liebig Company’s extract and any soup will acquire at once strength and fine flavor by a slight addition of extract. Vegetable soup. Potato, pea, rice soup, etc. Boil the vegetables, etc. sufficiently with a little fat, a few bones or some slices of meat, or some fresh butter, add extract and salt according to taste. Sauces. Both strength and flavor imparted by the extract. Night-cap. This beef-tea soothes and settles the stomach, allays brain excitement and induces sleep. “The most admirable and successful Night-Cap.” Dr. Harry Lobb., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized., RVCDC
"Bixby's Royal Polish." [graphic] : The perfection of blacking for ladies' and children's shoes.
Trade card promoting S.M. Bixby & Co. and depicting a racist caricature of a Chinese woman kneeling before Columbia holding up a woman's shoe. In the center, shows Columbia, depicted as a white woman attired in a blue Phrygian cap, white dress with a blue drape, and sandals, placing her left hand on an American flag crested shield. She holds aloft a black, woman's boot in her right hand, which emanates light. At her feet, a Chinese woman, wearing her hair up with decorative sticks and attired in a red dress decorated with a blue dragon, a white shawl, and red shoes, kneels on the ground with her right hand up as she looks up at the shoe and Columbia. The western-style woman's shoe is displayed as superior to and a critique of Chinese footbinding. In the right, a group of six women look on, many attired in crowns and crests, likely meant to represent European countries. In the left background is an oversized black bottle labeled, "Bixby's Royal Polish." Samuel M. Bixby began manufacturing and selling shoe blacking in 1860 and founded S.M. Bixby & Co. in 1862. F.F. Dailey Corporation acquired the firm in 1920., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of business advertised and active dates of the lithographers., Advertising text printed on verso: A new compound, producing a durable polish, elastic, waterproof and harmless to all kinds of leather, one coat of which is equal to two of any other. Bixby’s new bottle and combination stopper for sponge blacking is the most perfect package ever invented for forms of liquid blacking or shoe dressing. The wood top is of such size and shape as to form a convenient and firm handle; and the cork is inserted into the wood top, and fastened by the wire and glue, so that it is very much stronger than the old style. The bottle has a broad base and will not upset easily; the mouth has a wide projecting flange, and an air chamber below to prevent the overflow of the liquid in taking out and putting in the sponge, which perfectly insures cleanliness. “Royal Polish” is strictly a first class dressing, elegant in style, convenient for use, and is designed to retail at 15 cents per bottle, which in larger than the old square bottle. One trial will satisfy the most fastidious, that it is superior in all particulars to any dressing ever offered for ladies’ use. Patent applied for. S.M. Bixby & Co., New York., RVCDC
[B.L. Dai looking at books of the Nashi who inhabit the high mountains between China & Tibet several hundred years ago. Now in The Library of Congress] [graphic].
Photograph depicting B.L. Dai, attired in a suit and tie, standing in front of shelves of folio books at the Library of Congress's Oriental Division on Jan. 9, 1931. He holds open a book of pictographs, probably Dongba, the script of the Nashi language. The Nashi (or Nakhi, Naxi) people inhabit the foothills of the Himalayas., Title supplied by cataloger from manuscript note on verso: Books of the Nashi who inhabit the high mountains between China & Tibet several hundred years ago. Now in the Library of Congress., Corporate photographer and publisher from stamp on verso: This credit line should not be omitted, altered, or abbreviated: Underwood & Underwood Studios. This photograph is realeased for use in one publication only and must not be used for trade or advertising purposes, copied, loaned, syndicated or rented. Underwood & Underwood, Inc. 1230 Connecticut Ave, Washington, D.C., Label on the front, Underwood & Underwood, Washington., Identity of sitter from duplicate photograph in the collections of the Library of Congress., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Gift of William H. Allen.
Boston boot and shoe and gents’ furnishing house, also, a fine line of hats, caps, trunks, valises &c. At no. 253 South Clark St., near Jackson, Chicago. L. F. Shanovski, - proprietor. [graphic].
Trade card promoting L.F. Shanovski’s shoe store and depicting a racist caricature of a Chinese man upset that a cat has taken a rat from his plate. Shows the man, wearing a queue hairstyle and attired in red pants and brown cloth slip-on shoes, holding a large white plate across his chest and a pair of chopsticks in his right hand. He opens his mouth upset that a cat is taking a dead rat from his plate. Louis F. Shanovski was born in Germany and moved to Chicago in the early 1870s, opening a shoe store in circa 1877. The firm L.F. Shanovski and Bro. dissolved in 1899., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of business advertised., Gift of Linda Kimiko August., RVCDC
B.T. Creighton, chemist & pharmacist, N.E. cor. 3rd & Washington Ave., Phila. [graphic] : Prescriptions compounded at all hours of day or night, from pure drugs, at reasonable prices and only by graduates in pharmacy.
Trade card promoting druggist B.T. Creighton and depicting a rectangular paddle fan. In the left, shows the hand-held fan decorated in red, blue, white, and gold with a butterfly. Stems of leaves behind the fan., Title from item., Date inferred from active date of advertised business., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of William Helfand.
[Bust-length portrait of an unidentified Asian American woman] [graphic].
Bust-length portrait of a young unidentified Asian American woman. The woman, wearing her hair parted in the middle with tight curls close around her head and attired in a light-colored fur shawl and earrings, looks at the viewer., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred by the attire of the sitter., Gift of Joseph Kelly, 1982.
[Bust-length portrait of Li Hongzhang] [graphic] / F. Gutekunst, Philadelphia.
Bust-length portrait of Chinese statesmen Li Hongzhang, also known as Li Hung Chang. He wears a mustache and is attired in a beaded Chinese court necklace and a shirt with a Mandarin collar and decorated with an image of a crane., Title supplied by the cataloger., Date inferred from active dates of the photographer., Photographer's imprint printed on verso: F. Gutekunst, 712 Arch St., Philadelphia., Distributor's label on verso: 816 Chestnut Street, Earles' Galleries, Philadelphia., Gift of Dr. Milton and Joan Wohl, 1991.
Cathay Restaurant, 1221-23 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. [graphic] : Music, dancing, broadcasting.
Interior view of the Cathay Restaurant located at 1221-1223 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Shows the view from the second-floor staircase, looking down at the main dining room on the first level and the balcony sections that flank the main stairway. Depicts on the first floor, a line of red tray holders for waitstaff in the left and rows of white table-clothed dining tables and chairs. On the balconies are additional rows of white table-clothed dining tables and chairs. The edges of the balcony are lined with different-colored figurine lamps with fringed shades. Colored paper lanterns and a chandelier hang from the ceiling. The Cathay restaurant, also called the Cathay Tea Garden, was a Chinese restaurant that had a large dance floor where musicians and bands played. They also broadcasted a live radio show. The restaurant closed in 1973., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Numbered 95415 on verso., Sheet number: 112A03., Divided back.
C.C. Hughes, druggist & chemist, S.W. cor. 8th & Race Sts., Phila. [graphic] / A. Rosenthal, del. & litho.
Trade card promoting druggist C.C. Hughes in the style of trompe l'oeil depicting a landscape with ships and a vignette portrait of a Japanese woman portrayed in caricature. Shows a landscape view with people standing on a path leading to a pagoda on a cliff. In the right, ships sail on the water. In the background are mountains. In the left, shows the Japanese woman wearing her hair up and decorated with Kanzashi hair ornaments and attired in gold hoop earrings; a yellow, patterned kimono with red trim; and a black obi. A green parrot sits on her left arm. Decorated border surrounds the scene., Title from item., Date from copyright statement: Copyright 1881 by Geo. M. Hayes., Advertising text printed on verso: Alhambra hair restorer. Restores gray hair to its natural color with three or four application, making it soft and beautiful; removes dandruff and itching of the scalp; prevents premature baldness; stops hair from falling out; will not soil the finest linen: an excellent dressing, nicely perfumed. Price, 75 Cts., large bottle. Manufactured by C.C. Hughes, druggist & chemist, S.W. Cor. Eighth and Race Streets, Philadelphia. Hughes’ Corn & Bunion Plasters. Give instant relief and effect a cure. (They are not pads to relieve the pressure.) Each 25 cents per box; 12 corn or 6 bunion in each box. Sent by mail on receipt of price. C.C. Hughes, Druggist, Eighth and Race Streets, Philadelphia, Pa., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of William Helfand., RVCDC
The celluloid corset clasps side & dress steels.
Trade card advertising celluloid corset clasps and depicting racist caricatures of Chinese men laundry workers comparing celluloid and traditional corsets. In the center, the laundry worker, wearing a queue hairstyle with the braid sticking straight out to the right and attired in gold hoop earrings, a red tunic, white pants, and blue and white cloth, slip-on shoes, smiles as he holds up a clean, white corset with celluloid clasps. In the left, the laundry worker, wearing a mustache and queue hairstyle and attired in a blue tunic, yellow pants, and blue and white cloth, slip-on shoes, holds a soiled and dirty corset as he opens his mouth in dismay looking at the clean corset. In the right background, the Chinese man, wearing a queue hairstyle and attired in a yellow tunic, blue pants, and white cloth, slip-on shoes, washes laundry with his hands in a steaming washtub. Also visible are a basket of laundry; a corset hanging on a line; and a table with an iron on top of it., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Contains advertising text printed on verso: Celluloid corset clasps. Side and dress steels. Perspiration proof. Elastic. Durable. In introducing these improved corset clasps, &c., let us call your attention to some of the points of their superiority over all others heretofore in use. 1st.--The inferior is finely tempered clock spring steel. 2d.--The exterior is celluloid. 3d.--The combination of the two unites the strength of the steel with the rust-proof qualities of the celluloid. 4th--The trouble of ripping out and sewing in the steels every time corsets are laundried becomes unnecessary as these steels need not be taken out for that purpose. 5th--They are warranted not to rust and thus stain the corsets or other garments. 6th--They are the best steels in every particular ever offered. Sold by all dry and fancy goods dealers throughout the country., RVCDC, Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Celluloid cuffs, collars & bosoms, water & perspiration proof [graphic].
Trade card advertising J.H. Richelderfer’s celluloid collars and cuffs and depicting a racist caricature of a Chinese man at the beach watching a white man demonstrate the waterproof qualities of his celluloid cuffs, collar, and bosom or bib. In the center, the white man, wearing a mustache and attired in a red robe, red-and-yellow striped shorts, and white celluloid cuffs, collar, and bosom, stands in the ocean with water dripping down his clothes, showing that they are waterproof. In the right, a Chinese man, wearing a queue hairstyle, a red tunic, blue pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes, carries two sacks of laundry and looks over at the man in the water. In the left, a white man, attired in a straw hat, a white collared shirt, a red vest, yellow striped pants, and red shoes, sits on the sand holding an umbrella and wipes perspiration from his face with a handkerchief. In the background, a white man swims in the water and a boat is visible., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Stamped on recto: J.H. Richelderfer, 1032 Chestnut St., Phila., Text printed on verso: Waterproof linen, patented. Ladies’ and gent’s cuffs, collars and bosoms, made from celluloid. Waterproof, elastic, durable. These goods are far superior to any Linen Goods yet placed before the public, and in recommending them, we would call attention to some of their remarkable features, which will commend their use to all who study economy, neatness and beauty. 1sr. The interior is fine linen. 2d. The exterior is celluloid. 3d. The unison of above, combines the strength of linen with the waterproof qualities of celluloid, 4th. The expense of washing is saved. If the goods are soiled, simply cleanse with soap and water. 5th. The goods never wilt or fray on edges and are perspiration proof. The best preparation to effectually cleanse them is celluline. For sale by all gent’s furnishing and fancy goods houses throughout the country., RVCDC
Celluloid waterproof collars, cuffs & shirt bosoms. [graphic].
Trade card advertising J.H. Richelderfer’s celluloid collars and cuffs and depicting a racist caricature of a Chinese boy smoking a pipe and carrying a cane. Shows the boy, wearing a queue hairstyle with a pink bow tied at the end of his braid and attired in a colorfully patterned Chinese robe with oversized celluloid cuffs, collar, and hat, and red, slip-on, cloth shoes. He holds the smoking pipe to his lips with his left hand and carries a walking cane in his right hand., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Stamped on recto: J.H. Richelderfer, Gent’s furnishing and over-gaiters, 1032 Chestnut St., S.E. Cor. of 11th., Text printed on verso: Celluloid (Waterproof linen.) Collard, cuffs and shirt bosoms. The following will commend the use of these goods to all who study convenience, neatness and economy. The interior is fine linen. The exterior is Celluloid – the union of which combines the strength of Linen with the Waterproof qualities of Celluloid. The Trouble and expense of washing is saved. When soiled simply rub with soap and water (hot or cold) used freely with a stiff brush. They are perspiration proof and are invaluable to travelers, saving all care of laundrying. Advice. In wearing the turn-down Collar, always slip the Necktie under the roll. Do not attempt to straighten the fold. The goods will give better satisfaction if the Separable Sleeve Button and Collar Button is used. Twist a small rubber elastic or chamois washer around the post of Sleeve Button to prevent possible rattling of Button, To remove Yellow Stains, which may come from long wearing, use Sapolio, Soap or Saleratus water or Celluline, which latter is a new preparation for cleansing Celluloid. Goods for sale by all dealers., RVCDC
Celluloid waterproof collars, cuffs & shirt bosoms. [graphic] : Economical, durable, handsome.
Trade card advertising J.H. Richelderfer’s celluloid collars and cuffs and depicting racist caricatures of Chinese men laundry workers in shock when a white man holds up a box of celluloid collars and cuffs. In the left, a white man, attired in a black bowler hat, a white collared shirt, a red bowtie and waistcoat, a blue-and-white checked suit, and black shoes, stands holding and pointing his finger to a box labeled, “Wear Celluloid Cuff & Collars.” Four Chinese men laundry workers jump up in surprise on their tiptoes with their mouths open and grimacing and their queue braids flying straight up into the air. The men have long fingernails and are attired in gold hoop earrings, colorful clothes, including yellow, red, or green tunics, and yellow or blue short pants, and cloth, slip-on shoes. In the left, one laundry worker stands behind the white man with his hands in a steaming washtub. Also visible are two baskets full of laundry on the ground, a table with irons on top, and white sheets hanging on a line. The text, “The Last Invention” is printed on the bottom right., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Stamped on recto: J.H. Richelderfer, Gent’s furnishing and over-gaiters, 1032 Chestnut St., S.E. Cor. of 11th., Text printed on verso: Celluloid (Waterproof linen.) Collard, cuffs and shirt bosoms. The following will commend the use of these goods to all who study convenience, neatness and economy. The interior is fine linen. The exterior is Celluloid – the union of which combines the strength of Linen with the Waterproof qualities of Celluloid. The Trouble and expense of washing is saved. When soiled simply rub with soap and water (hot or cold) used freely with a stiff brush. They are perspiration proof and are invaluable to travelers, saving all care of laundrying. Advice. In wearing the turn-down Collar, always slip the Necktie under the roll. Do not attempt to straighten the fold. The goods will give better satisfaction if the Separable Sleeve Button and Collar Button is used. Twist a small rubber elastic or chamois washer around the post of Sleeve Button to prevent possible rattling of Button, To remove Yellow Stains, which may come from long wearing, use Sapolio, Soap or Saleratus water or Celluline, which latter is a new preparation for cleansing Celluloid. Goods for sale by all dealers., RVCDC
Celluloid waterproof collars, cuffs & shirt bosoms. [graphic].
Trade card advertising celluloid collars and cuffs and depicting a caricature of a Japanese woman. Shows the Japanese woman wearing her hair up and adorned with kanzashi hair ornaments and attired in a multi-colored kimono with a celluloid collar and cuffs and geta shoes with celluloid on the bottom. She walks with her right hand holding her kimono up and carries a parasol made of celluloid. She walks through grass with pink flowers in the background., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Text printed on verso: Celluloid (Waterproof linen.) Collars, cuffs and shirt bosoms. The following will commend the use of these goods to all who study convenience, neatness and economy. The interior is fine linen. The exterior is Celluloid – the union of which combines the strength of Linen with the Waterproof qualities of Celluloid. The Trouble and expense of washing is saved. When soiled simply rub with soap and water (hot or cold) used freely with a stiff brush. They are perspiration proof and are invaluable to travelers, saving all care of laundrying. Advice. In wearing the turn-down Collar, always slip the Necktie under the roll. Do not attempt to straighten the fold. The goods will give better satisfaction if the Separable Sleeve Button and Collar Button is used. Twist a small rubber elastic or chamois washer around the post of Sleeve Button to prevent possible rattling of Button. To remove Yellow Stains, which may come from long wearing, use Sapolio, Soap or Saleratus water or Celluline, which latter is a new preparation for cleansing Celluloid. Goods for sale by all dealers., RVCDC
Centennial Exhibition Souvenir Fan.
Souvenir fan commemorating the Centennial Exhibition held in Philadelphia in 1876. Folding fan with thirty blades including guards. Shows the Main Building at Fairmount Park, designed by Henry Pettit and Joseph M. Wilson. Numerous men and women visitors walk the grounds in front of the building. A Japanese woman, wearing her hair up with Kanzashi hair decorations, and attired in a pink, blue, and red kimono, stands holding a fan. Red roses grow at her feet. In the right, a Japanese woman, wearing her hair up and attired in a blue, red, and pink kimono, holds a red fan in her left hand, and in her right hand she holds the hand of a young Japanese boy, attired in a yellow and red kimono. The verso depicts a bird perched on a branch with pink and red flowers, and the silhouette of two birds against a blue background. Text printed across the top lists the names and addresses of Philadelphia hotels: “Irving House. 817 Walnut St.; Guy’s. Cor. 7th St. and Chestnut; Colonnade. Cor. 15th St. and Chestnut; St. Cloud. 709 Arch St.; La Pierre. Broad St. Below Chestnut; Girard. Corner Ninth and Chestnut; Continental. Corner Ninth & Chestnut; Bingham. Corner 11th St. and Market St.; American. 517 Chestnut St.; Merchant’s. 42 North 4th St.; Washington. 711 Chestnut St.; Markoe. 919 Chestnut St.” Additional text includes, “Main Building, International Exhibition. Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. 1876. Length 1880 feet. Width 464.”, Gift of Linda Kimiko August, 2023.
[Chas. McKeone & Son Soap Manufacturing Co. trade cards]
Series of illustrated trade cards for Chas. McKeone & Son Manufacturing Co. at 2518-2550 Callowhill Street in Philadelphia. Illustrations depict a dog biting and pulling the pants of a white boy carrying a basket of fruit while another white boy climbs a stone wall to escape; a white child sitting on a pile of blankets with their pet dog beside an open doorway; a white boy hanging with his shirt caught on a tree branch while another white boy looks on with a basket on fruit at his feet; a white woman cradling a baby on her lap. Racist card depicting white women, an African American woman, and Chinese men working in a laundry room. In the center, a white woman and an African American woman, portrayed in racist caricature and attired in an orange head kerchief, a red dress, and a white checked apron, stand beside a wash basin and hold up a white cloth. A well-dress white woman comes over to inspect the cloth. In the left, a Chinese man, wearing a queue and mustache and attired in a black cap, a blue shirt, tan pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes, holds up and inspects a box of "McKeone's Extract of Soap." Behind him in the background, another Chinese man, wearing a queue and attired in a yellow shirt, washes a white cloth in a steaming wash basin. In the right, a white woman carries a basket of clothes and another white woman washes laundry in a wash basin and looks on at the scene. Also visible are wooden crates, a basket of laundry, and a drying rack filled with clothes., Title supplied by cataloger., One print [1975.F.620] printed by E. Ketterlinus & Co., Advertising text promoting McKeone's "Crown Jewel Soap" and "Kalistine concentrated extract of soap" printed on versos., Gift of Emily Phillips, 1883., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
China. E.F. Keeler, druggist, Groton, Ct. [graphic].
Trade card promoting druggist E.F. Keeler and depicting a racist caricature of a Chinese woman, symbolizing China, attired in a dress of the Imperial yellow dragon flag. Shows a Chinese woman, wearing her hair in a long braid and attired in a conical hat, a yellow dress with a green dragon on the front, yellow gloves, and white dress shoes. She stands on her toes with her hands up., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Gift of William H. Helfand.
China. J.M. Jellison, registered druggist, B. & M. Drug Co., Haymarket Street, Boston. [graphic] : Keep this card.
Trade card promoting druggist James M. Jellison and depicting the Chinese Imperial yellow dragon flag. Shows the triangular, yellow flag decorated with a blue dragon on a bamboo flag pole., Title from item., Date from active dates of advertised business., Series no. on recto: 360., Text printed on recto: Buker Press, Advertising Novelties, Providence, R.I., Gift of William Helfand.
Chinatown by moonlight Philadelphia, Pa. [900 block Race Street] [graphic].
View of Chinatown on the 900 block of Race Street in Philadelphia. In the right, shows the exterior of the Far East Chinese Restaurant at 907-909 Race Street built after the designs of Thomas Ustick Walter in ca. 1827 and later altered with 907 raised one story and 909 raised two stories. There are Chinese architectural details on the balcony and awning which reads, 907 Far East Chinese Cafe. A white man police officer and a white woman stand under the awning and face the viewer. Buildings extend on both sides of the street including another restaurant with a sign that reads, 917 Cafe. Light emanates through windows and from the signs on the buildings, and the moon shines from above. Men and women pedestrians walk on the sidewalks. The Far East Chinese Restaurant operated from circa 1906 to 1952., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Divided back., Library Company copy has manuscript message and address written on verso and is postmarked, Philadelphia, Pa. Jul 17, 1915 1[0] A.M., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
Chinatown. Looking north on Hutchinson Street which dead ends into Race Street [graphic].
View from Hutchinson Street towards the 900 block of Race Street, Philadelphia. Shows in the foreground a partial view of a car and the buildings flanking Hutchinson Street. In the center, depicts an exterior view of the four-story building at 919-921 and the three-story building at 923 Race Street. Part of the sign for the Shanghai Garden Restaurant at 919 is visible. The neighboring business has a storefront glass window which reads, "Hong Tai & [Co.] 921 Chinese Good[s]" with a display of merchandise. The adjacent building reads, "Fook Lee Co. 923" on the storefront glass window, and a seated man is visible inside., Title and date from label on verso., Photographer's imprint stamped on verso: Photo by Phila. Inquirer, Oct. 2, 1955., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
Chinatown, Philadelphia, Pa. [900 block Race Street] [graphic].
View of Chinatown on the 900 block of Race Street in Philadelphia. In the right, shows the exterior of the Far East Chinese Restaurant at 907-909 Race Street built after the designs of Thomas Ustick Walter in ca. 1827 and later altered with 907 raised one story and 909 raised two stories. There are Chinese architectural details on the balcony and awning which reads, 907 Far East Chinese Cafe. A white man police officer and a white woman stand under the awning and face the viewer. Buildings extend on both sides of the street including another restaurant with a sign that reads, 917 Cafe. Men and women pedestrians walk on the sidewalks. The Far East Chinese Restaurant operated from circa 1906 to 1952., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Divided back., Library Company copy has manuscript message and address written on verso and is postmarked, Philadelphia, Pa. Jul 13, 1911 4:30 P.M., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
Chinese Gent and Lady.
Full-length portrait of a Chinese man and Chinese woman seated at a table. In the left, the woman, attired in a decorative headdress and a dress with large, full sleeves, sits on a carved, wooden chair with her feet on a wooden footrest. In the right, the man, attired in a cap, a traditional robe with fur at the cuffs, and cloth slip-on shoes, sits with his legs crossed and faces the viewer. A vase of flowers and possibly a tea set are on a tablecloth-lined table in-between the man and woman., Title from publisher's printed series list on verso with thirty other titled views (No. 1-36)., Date inferred from content., Series number (No. 28) also written in manuscript note on mount below image., Photographer's imprint printed on verso above titled series list., Publisher's imprint printed on mount., Orange mount with rounded corners., Manuscript note on verso: S.R. Marrines., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Ms. Jane Carson James., Indianapolis photographer D. R. Clark was included in one of eight observation parties sponsored by the United States government to gather information about the December 8, 1874 Transit of Venus. His party traveled to Vladivostock, Russia.
A Chinese laundry in Philadelphia [graphic].
Interior view of a Chinese owned and operated laundry in Philadelphia. In the center, shows the owner of the business attired in a top hat, white collared shirt, bowtie, suit jacket, waistcoat, and pants. He sits in a wooden chair with his legs crossed and smoking a cigarette as he supervises the workers. The four Chinese men laundry workers wear queue hairstyles and are attired in tunics, pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes. In the left, two men stand behind the counter and iron, one of whom spits water from his mouth onto the laundry. In the right, the man stands facing the viewer with his hand on top of his head while a man irons from another countertop. Steam rises up from the irons. There is a storage closet with the door partially open revealing shelves with folded laundry. More stacks of folded laundry sit on the countertops. In the right foreground, there are five irons warming on a heater and two baskets of laundry. A clock hangs on the wall., Title from item., Date and publication information from original source., Published in the June 3, 1876 issue of the Graphic, a British weekly illustrated newspaper., Text description of the engraving from the Graphic, p. 542: A Chinese Laundry in Philadelphia. Though not nearly so numerous as in California, where their presence has recently excited extreme hostility among the white working classes, the Chinese are to be found, though few and far between, in the Eastern States. There are several Chinese laundries in Philadelphia, and as they have only been recently introduced from California, they are almost as much objects of interest to Philadelphians as to foreigners. Our artist came across the laundry shown in our engraving unexpectedly. As soon as the Chinamen perceived him sketching it through the window, they rushed out and shouted after him, whereupon he made off, thinking it prudent to avoid a scene. The Celestial in European dress is the "boss," or master, who owns several laundries, and who attends to the customers and business arrangements. The manner of damping the clothes preparatory to ironing is peculiar, the operator fills his mouth with water, and squirts it over the linen., Gift of Linda Kimiko August., RVCDC
Chinese prisoner. [graphic].
Full-length portrait of an unidentified Chinese man with his queue tied to a ladder. The man, wearing a queue hairstyle and attired in a blue robe, belt, and cloth slip-on shoes, stands facing to the left with his hands inside his sleeves at his waist and his right foot forward. His hair is tied to a ladder that leans against the wall in the right. The manuscript inscription labels the man as a "Chinese prisoner.", Title from manuscript note written on recto under the image: Chinese prisoner., Date inferred from content., Gift of S. Marguerite Brenner, 1984.
Columbia trading with all the world.
Allegorical print depicting "Columbia" (i.e., the United States) as a white woman with brown hair, on the deck of a ship. She holds a caduceus and disperses treasures from a horn of plenty held by "Wisdom," who is portrayed as a white woman attired in a helmet, armor, a skirt, and sandals. Wisdom holds a spear in her left hand and gives the treasures to three male figures representing the country's international trade partners. Figures depicted are: Africa as a Black man attired in a headpiece shaped like an elephant's head and leaning on a tusk of ivory; Asia as a bearded man with a light-brown color skin tone attired in a turban; and South America as a man in a feathered headpiece carrying a bow., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Possibly published in London and not the United States., Revised state. Previous title and imprint faintly visible and illegible below image., Gift of Dr. Mary DeWitt Pettit, 1965., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Compliments J.C. Rushton, Rushton's Pharmacy, Racquet Club Building, New York. [graphic].
Trade card promoting J.C. Rushton's pharmacy. Shows a blue and white porcelain vase and bowl decorated with flowers in front of red grass. In the bottom are three flying cranes. Decorative geometric border surrounds the card., Title from item., Dare inferred from content., Advertising text printed on verso promotes various products made and sold by J.C. Rushton from his business in the Racquet Club Building, 6th Avenue, cor. 26th Street in New York, including Rushton's celebrated cold cream of roses, fine toilet colognes, lily white, sachet powders, perfumed camphor ice with glycerine, glycerine lotion, tonique de ricine a la quinine, glyco bayline, sweet hyacinth pomade, floral tooth paste, saponine, Peruvian saponaceous, and indelible ink., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of William H. Helfand., See related: Berman Trade Card Collection - Patridge's [P.2015.56.662]
Compliments of R.B. Porter, druggist, St. Johnsville, N.Y. [graphic] / Bufford.
Trade card promoting druggist Reuben B. Porter and depicting a white woman attired in a kimono dressed as a character from the opera The Mikado or, The town of Titipu, by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. Shows the woman wearing her hair up and decorated with fans and attired in a red and gold kimono. She sits on the branch of a red flower and holds a blue fan in her left hand. A white butterfly flies in the left., Title from item., Date inferred from active dates of advertised business., Series no. on recto: 686., Manuscript written on verso: Nora Enlenmarks., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of William H. Helfand., See related: P.9828.332; P.9828.5299; P.9828.5852-5854., RVCDC
[Construction of the Ridge-8th Street Subway.]
Aerial views of the Ridge-8th Street Subway (later known as the Broad-Ridge Spur) under construction. The approach to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge at 5th and Race Streets and the adjacent Franklin Square are visible, as is the area bounded roughly by Callowhill to the north, Market Street to the south, Front Street to the East and 10th Street to the west. The Ridge-8th Street Subway opened in 1932., Title supplied by cataloger., Date from manuscript note on negative sleeve: Eighth st. Subway, Frank. Square; Phila. Pa.; June 13, 1931., Negative numbers: 14407n.
Costume guerriers Japonais.
Interior view of the Japanese display, including samurai armor, at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. Shows a mannequin attired in Japanese samurai armor, carrying a bow, and mounted on a horse. In the left is another mannequin attired in samurai armor stands and holding a spear. A sign reading "Couvernement Du Taichiou De Satsousma" rests at the foot of the display. In the right is a norimono, a Japanese palanquin or litter. Nets hang down from the ceiling. In the left background is a partial view of more objects, including another mannequin. The Exposition, held April 1-November 3, 1867, celebrated the technological and economic progress of the Second French Empire, as well as originated the classification system followed by proceeding international exhibitions. It was the first time Japan exhibited in a national pavilion at a world’s fair., Title printed on mount., Date inferred from content., Blindstamped on mount: Concession Unique., Yellow mount with rounded corners., Photographer's imprint printed on verso: M. Leon & J. Levy Ferrier, Sucrs. de Ferrier pere et fils et Soulier, 113, Boulevard de Sebastopol, 113 Paris. Vues sterescoptique sur verre de L'Exposition Universelle de 1867 ainsi que de tour les Pays, Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
A cup for His Excellency [graphic].
Group portrait photograph showing Japanese ambassador to the United States Hiroshi Saitō receiving an award from representatives of the Northeast High School located at 8th Street and Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia. The men, attired in suits and ties, stand in a line, from left to right: Dr. Theodore Rowland, Principal of Northeast High School; Ambassador Saito; Charles A. Yahn, Director of Assemblies; Briggs Kaesshaefer, President of the "A" class; and Charles P. Malloy, Assistant Director of Assemblies. A silver, two handled trophy cup is presented. In the right, Kaesshaefer holds the handle; in the center, Yahn holds the base; and in the left, Saito grasps the base and looks down towards it. A framed painting hangs on the wall, and coats and fedora hats are visible on a table in the right. Hiroshi Saitō (1886-1939) was the Japanese ambassador to the United States from 1934 to 1938. The Washington Naval Treaty was an agreement to prevent an arms race by limiting naval construction signed by the Allies of World War I in 1922. On December 29, 1934, the Japanese government gave formal notice that it intended to terminate the treaty., Title and date from label on verso., Typewritten label pasted on verso: P 285546. A Cup for His Excellency. Students of Northeast High School, Philadelphia, Pa., Shown presenting Hiroshi Saito, Japanese Ambassador to the United States, with a loving cup, during his visit there on November 22. From left to right, are: Dr. Theodore Rowland, Principal of the School; Ambassador Saito; Charles A. Yahn, Director of Assemblies; Briggs Kaesshaefer, Presidents of the "A" class, and Charles P. Malloy, Assistant Director of Assemblies. Saito predicted that Japan will termiate the Washington Naval Treaty "regardless of the developments at the preliminary conference at London." Credit line (Acme). 11/22/34., Stamped on verso: Ref. Dept. Nov 27 1934 N.E.A., Manuscript note written on verso: A30474., Gift of Linda Kimiko August, 2024.
Danl. S. Dodge, druggist and apothecary, and dealer in toilet articles, perfumery, &c., 2 Remsen St., one door north of post office, Cohoes, N.Y. Physician’s prescriptions a specialty. [graphic].
Trade card promoting druggist Daniel S. Dodge and depicting a caricature of an Asian woman carrying a parasol walking down a path. Shows an Asian woman, attired in a patterned dress and hat or headdress, holding a flower in her left hand and a parasol in her right hand. She walks down a path and looks at a planter full of flowers that hangs from an arch attached to a decorative column., Title from item., Date finferred from active dates of the pharmacist., Gift of William H. Helfand., RVCDC
Day's soap does it. [graphic] : Washee, washee, see him rub on his washboard in the tub; see him wash and smile with glee for he's from hard labor free; with Day's soap his work is done when his rivals just begun. / Avil & Co. lith.
Title from item., Date from copyright statement: Copyrighted 1887 by Day & Frick., Racist metamorphic trade card showing a caricaturized Chinese man laundry worker washing a sheet on a wash board in a washtub. Includes a tab that when pulled lifts the washer's arms up and down to reveal the text "Day Soap" on the wash board. The man wears his hair in a queue and is attired in a long-sleeved, blue collared shirt with buttons down the front, blue pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes. He smiles and looks to the right. The tub rests on a table beside a bar of soap, labeled “Day’s Soap.” On the ground behind the table is a basket of laundry. Sheets hang on a drying line. In the background, the wall has Chinese-stylized decorations including a gold wallpaper depicting birds and fish and a purple and gold wall hanging that reads, “Day’s Soap.” Peter Day founded the Day & Frick soap manufactory firm in 1886. He retired as president of the firm in 1917., Purchased with funds from the Walter J. Miller Trust for the Visual Culture Program., RVCDC, John D. Avil founded the Avil Printing Company (also known as John D. Avil & Co.) in West Philadelphia and managed it from the early 1860s until his death in 1918.
[Eiichi Hirose collection of bookplates].
Collection of seventeen Japanese bookplates owned by Eiichi Hirose. Sixteen bookplates were designed and created by Yumimaro Ohmori, and one was created by Koson Nakayama. The bookplates depict scenes of Japanese landscapes, flowers, insects and animals, and people, including a person on a bridge over water and looking at a mountain; a man leading a horse; two people at a camp fire; a Japanese woman attired in a kimono; a young man farmer riding backwards on an ox; a potted plant; cherry blossoms; dragonflies; and a bird flying over bamboo. Two type-written letters are included describing some of the bookplate designs and gifting the bookplates to the Library Company of Philadelphia., Title supplied by cataloger., Date from letter of gift., Partial transcript of letter accompanying the gift: I enclosed my ex-libris in use, designed and engraved by Yumimaro Ohmori, a graduate of the Tokyo College of Fine Arts, and would be glad to make an exchange of ex-libris with you. Because of my great interest in which I have been collecting ex-libris for three years, I shall appreciate very much if you can favor me with some of your specimens. I desire to extend this collection all over the world, and any information in this connection will be deeply appreciated. With best wishes, I am yours very truly, Eiichi Hirose. Oct. 8th, 1935., Text of accompanying letter: The design of this ex-libris represents a tombstone characteristic of 12th century Japan. This plate is designed and used by Koson Nakayama of Tokyo. The design of this plate is symbolical of dramatic art, the three colors, perhaps of curtains, representing the three largest theatres that existed in Yedo (present Tokyo). This plate is used by Shuzan E. Hirose. The design show a youthful farmer rising an ox. From this one may infer that the owner (Hirose) is a collector of books on agriculture and rural problems.
Ethnographic tableau
Chart showing racist depictions of fifty-four, bust-length, portraits of men and one woman of different "races" from eight geographic regions to emphasize contrived differences in cranial characteristics. The “Geographical Distribution” includes I. Arctic, II. Asiatic, III. European, IV. African, V. American, VI. Polynesian, VII. Malayan, and VIII. Australian. With each region, six depictions of individuals of that race are shown, some facing forward and some in profile. Many of the individuals are depicted as racist stereotypes. Many are attired in hats, turbans, or headdresses custom to their country of origin. In the left, under the caption “Cranioscopic Examples,” nine different skulls in right profile are depicted. In the right, chart sections include “Mankind, Grouped Physiologically” and “Linguistic Distinctions.”, Title from item., Folded plate removed from Josiah C. Nott and George R. Gliddon's Indigenous races of the earth (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co.; London: Trubner & Co., 1857) (LCP *Am 1857 Nott (1)2733.Q (Rush)). See "Explanations of the tableau" pages 618-638., Captions below images on recto: Artic: Eskimo, Tchucktchi, Koriak, Aleoutian, Aino, Samoyede. Asiatic: Kamtschadale, St. Laurent Islander, Tartar, Chinese, Kalmuck, Tuda. Euro[pean]: Finn, Icelander: Cuvier, Bulgarian, Greek, Caucasian. [Euro]Pean: Syrian, Arab, Fellah, Berber, Uzbek Tatar, Affghan (sic). African: Ababdee, Sahara Negro, Yeboo Negro, Mozambique Negro, Caffr, Hottentot. American: Kutchin Indian, Stone Indian, Ottoe Indian, Yucatan Indian, Boroa Indian, Fuegian. Polynesian: New Zealander, Samoa Islander, Tikopia Islander, Vanikoro Islander, Tana Islander, Viti Islander. Malayan: Malay, Javanese, Marianne Islander, Hindoo, Mintira, Negritto. Australian: North Australian, West, Australian, South Australian, Tasmanian, Tasmanians (Men, Women)., Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Famous Japanese Prima Donna arrives in Philadelphia to make her American debut. [graphic].
Portrait photograph showing Philadelphia Grand Opera Company manager Kathryn O'Gorman Hammer greeting Takane Nambu arriving by train. In the left, Nambu, attired in a kimono, a fur coat, and dress shoes, steps down the stairs of a train and looks at the viewer. She shakes hands with Hammer, attired in a hat, a dress, a fur coat, and heeled shoes, who stands on the tracks. Takane Nambu performed as Cio-cio-san in Madame Butterfly for the Philadelphia Grand Opera Company at the Academy of Music on January 12, 1928. She also performed for the Company as Ah-Joe in L'Oracolo at the Academy of Music on November 15, 1928., Title and date from label on verso., Distributor's imprint stamped on verso partially covered by label: [illegible] photo is supplied by [Ac]me News Pictures, 461 Eighth Ave, New York City, not to be used for syndication or advertising purposes without written permission., Typewritten label pasted on verso: P82244. Famous Japanese Prima Donna arrives in Philadelphia to make her American debut. Philadelphia. Takane Nambu, Japanese Prima Donna of the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo arrived here for her American debut, which will be on January 12th, at the Academy of Music, with the Philadelphia Grand Opera Company. She will appear in "Madame Butterfly." She is shown being greeted upon her arrival by Mrs. William C. Hammer, assistant manager of the Philadelphia Grand Opera Company. Your credit line must read [illegible]., Stamped on verso: Refered-E. Dept. Jan 18 28 CAM. N.E.A., Manuscript note written on verso: A20389., Typewritten note on verso: Same subject used N.Y.
“The Far East” Chinese Restaurant, Yuen Doon Low, 907 Race St. Phila, Pa. A refined first class restaurant. [graphic].
Menu depicting an exterior view of the Far East Chinese Restaurant at 907-909 Race Street, Philadelphia built after the designs of Thomas Ustick Walter in ca. 1827 and later altered with 907 raised one story and 909 raised two stories. There are Chinese architectural details on the balcony and awning which reads, 907 Far East Chinese Cafe. The balconies are decorated with lanterns and plants. Two American flags and a Chinese Republic National Flag are on flagpoles on the restaurant. The cover has a border of bamboo plants. The menu is in English and organized with numbered dishes from 1 to 106 and “to avoid mistakes patrons are requested to order by number.” Categories are: “Soups”; “Chicken Specialties”; “Chop Suey”; “Boiled Soft Noodles”; “Beef Specialties”; “Pork Specialties”; “Chow Main”; “Omelettes and Eggs”; “Fried Rice”; “Sandwiches”; “Miscellaneous”; “Preserves, Cakes and Candies”; “Teas”; “Special Dishes”; and a prix fixe “Table d’Hote” with five different options and prices from 85 cents to $3 dollars per person. Menu notes that dining on the third floor incurs “an additional charge of five cents.” The menu also includes the hours of service and telephone number. The Far East Chinese Restaurant operated from circa 1906 to 1952., Title from item., Date inferred from content and active dates of the publisher., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
F.P. Louderbough, graduate in pharmacy, cor. Tenth & Jefferson Sts. Philadelphia. [graphic].
Trade card promoting pharmacist F.P. Louderbough and depicting racist caricatures of Japanese acrobats. Shows four barefooted, Japanese men, attired in red patterned kimonos, balancing, swinging, and flipping on two bamboo beams., Title from item., Dare inferred from content., Series no. on recto: 1700., Gift of William H. Helfand., RVCDC
F.P. Louderbough, graduate in pharmacy, cor. Tenth & Jefferson Sts. Philadelphia. [graphic].
Trade card promoting pharmacist F.P. Louderbough and depicting racist caricatures of two Chinese men and a crane. In the left, shows the Chinese man, attired in a yellow robe with a red sash around the waist, standing and holding a pot by the handle in his right hand. To the right, the Chinese man, wearing a mustache and goatee and attired in a black hat, yellow robe, and a pink shirt with long sleeves, holds a bowl towards a crane. Decorative border surrounds the scene., Title from item., Dare inferred from content., Series no. on recto: 1700., Gift of William H. Helfand., RVCDC

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