Vintage Republican Era Chinese Dye Tin - Gong Sheng Pigment Factory - Litho Advertising

This is a remarkable piece of Chinese industrial history: an original vintage lithographed tin for "150 Blue" Indigo Dye, produced by the Gong Sheng Pigment Factory (公勝顏料廠). Dating likely from the 1920s to the 1940s, this tin features beautiful traditional "Republic style" illustrations and detailed Chinese typography.

Art & Design

• Front Panel: Features a classic lithographed scene depicting a story from the "24 Filial Piety" (賢孝圖), showing traditional Chinese figures in a garden setting.

• Side Panels: Large vertical calligraphy identifying the manufacturer and the origin. One side notes "German Pigment Factory Product" (德國顏料廠出品), suggesting the factory used imported German chemical formulas, which were highly prized for their colorfastness at the time.

• Back Panel: Detailed instructions for use, highlighting that the color is "Boil-proof and Non-fading" (不退色煮青).

During the early 20th century, the Chinese textile industry transitioned from natural dyes to synthetic chemical pigments. Tins like this were essential household items for dyeing silk and cotton fabrics at home. The inclusion of German branding was a common marketing tactic to signify high quality.

• Diameter : H : 14cm x W : 10cm x D : 8cm