India Kathakali

This original India travel poster from 1960 promotes Kathakali, the celebrated classical dance-drama tradition of Kerala in southern India. It was produced by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, for the Department of Tourism, Government of India, New Delhi.

The striking design depicts a Kathakali performer in elaborate traditional costume, with the highly stylized make-up, magnificent headdress, jewelry and sweeping white skirt characteristic of this traditional art form. The figure is dramatically isolated against a deep blue background, allowing the brilliant red, gold, green and white colors of the costume to stand out.

Kathakali combines dance, acting, music, facial expressions and highly codified hand gestures to tell stories traditionally drawn from Indian epics and mythology. The poster uses this distinctive cultural tradition to promote India as a fascinating and visually rich travel destination and is a beautiful example of mid-century Indian tourism advertising.

Printed in Calcutta by The Eagle Lithographing Co. Private Ltd.

Condition: Mounted on linen. In excellent condition.