"Cawston Ostrich Farm, South Pasadena, California"
ca. 1900
Medium
containers
Classification
containers
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Stephen W. Brener and Carol B. Brener
Accession Number
1978-146-68
About this artwork
Rectangular, with rounded corners, featuring printed advertisement for Cawston Ostrich Farm. The front displays image of man in tan suit and black bowler hat sitting astride an ostrich, both facing left; below image is the inscription "Cawston Ostrich Farm," "South Pasadena, California." Reverse with image of six ostriches standing before or behind a shrub in an open field, with rail fence and trees in background. Lid hinged at side. Striker in recessed groove on bottom.
Art Historical Context
Step into the whimsical world of early 20th-century advertising with this charming rectangular container from the Whitehead & Ho Company, circa 1900. Produced as a promotional match safe—complete with a hinged lid and striker groove on the bottom—it features vibrant printed images celebrating the Cawston Ostrich Farm South Pasadena, California. front depicts a dapper man in a tan suit and black bowler hat an ostrich to the left, evoking the thrill of this exotic tourist attraction. The back shows six ostriches gathered near a rail fence in an open field, capturing the farm's allure amid shrubs...