Zebra, from the Animals of the World series (T180), issued by Abdul Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century ephemera with *Zebra, from the Animals of the series (T180)*, a delightful commercial color lithograph issued by Abdul Cigarettes in 1881. This tiny treasure, measuring just 1 5/8 × 2 3/4 inches, was one of many cards tucked into cigarette packs to captivate collectors and promote the brand. Part of a broader series showcasing global wildlife, it reflects the era's fascination with exotic animals, blending education with everyday commerce during the height of the British Empire's influence on popular culture. Chromolithography, the medium here, was ...

About the Artist

Abdul Cigarettes · 1881–1881

Abdul Cigarettes, an enigmatic American entity active solely in 1881, stands as a fascinating footnote in the history of commercial art, best known for producing vibrant chromolithograph trade cards inserted into cigarette packages as promotional inserts. Little is documented about its origins or personnel, suggesting it operated as a short-lived publishing venture rather than the work of a singul...