Box

Indian popular religious prints have been published for nearly a century, first by German presses, later by Indian ones. The prints may take the form of calendars, posters, or simply images. They are also used as book covers, cards, and packaging labels. The style of the representations is European. In the beginning they were Hindu images, but are now acquiring elements both of folk art and a romantic secularism. It is a living art currently influenced by the movie industry and non-Hindu religions. The images are a vehicle for advertising and are also used for religious purposes. This packaging for safety matches was made in Sweden for distribution in India.

popular religious art

Part a: Exterior box. One length of thin wood, bent to form four sides. Brown gritty surface on two longest sides. Blue paper covers base. Top has paper illustration. Part b: Interior box has wood sides, paper base, and is covered by blue paper. Slides out either end of exterior box. Top illustration of exterior box is male and female holding hands and facing one another by side of lake. Female has long black, wavy hair and wears gold-trimmed white sari. Male in red tunic, gold crown, and green waist sash, has arrow-filled quiver strapped to back and holds bow in hand on right. Light blue and orange background. Black lettering states: 'Santanu and Ganga Safety Match', 'Made in Sweden'.