Description
This extraordinary vintage Chinatown poster from 1938 represents a pivotal moment in American business history and Chinese-American cultural documentation. Lee Mon Wine & Liquor Co., founded in June 1937, was among the first established Chinese import businesses in New York’s historic Bowery district, and this 1938 Asian-American poster is one of the earliest known advertisements for the company—possibly the only surviving document of its original marketing materials.
The design brilliance lies in its East-meets-West Art Deco aesthetic. A woman rendered in traditional Chinese dress anchors the composition, seated with imported bottles displayed prominently. Decorative Chinese symbols frame the poster’s borders, while the overall layout follows Western Art Deco principles of geometric balance and bold visual hierarchy. This fusion speaks to Lee Mon’s mission: bringing authentic vintage Chinese wine and imported spirits to New York’s growing Chinese-American community while appealing to broader American audiences discovering Asian culture.
Lee Mon’s location at 22 Bowery positioned the company at the heart of Manhattan’s Chinese neighborhood, a hub of commerce, culture, and community. This New York Bowery memorabilia piece captures that moment when vintage Chinese import businesses were establishing themselves as legitimate, respected enterprises in American commerce. The company’s telephone number (WORTH 2-0563) and professional advertising approach demonstrate serious business operations—not a casual venture.
For collectors of Asian-American ephemera, vintage New York posters, or 1930s advertising art, this piece is exceptionally rare. Authenticated as an original lithograph with archival linen backing, it arrives ready for immediate framing. The poster’s historical significance—documenting the early era of Chinese-American business visibility—combined with its artistic merit and scarcity, makes this a cornerstone acquisition for anyone building a collection centered on American diversity, urban history, or vintage advertising excellence.
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