Footwear of Nations, 10 Designs - No. 4 India

Footwear of Nations, 10 Designs - No. 4 India

1906
Publisher No.: 
4
13.95x
8.90cm

An American card distills the perfect poise between East and West that a sophisticated advertising card can contain. The 1906 card by a rubber manufacturer shows rubber shoes facing off with Mughal footwear. In the distance is a palace. The woman’s dress flutters. Something unknown passes between them. Rubber soles may be better than handcrafted ones, but wish to be associated with traditional wealth and power. Does she convince?

The Woonsocket Rubber Mill Co. plant still stands and was recently added to the US National Register of Historical Places. At the turn of the century, advertising postcards for sewing machines, tea and other goods helped products and brands globalize.