Singapore
Who's That in the Sarong and Kebaya?
I found this advertisement from Singapore from around 1930 for Bayer aspirin. I can’t figure out who this woman is supposed to be. The guy
A Chinese Man’s Smoke-Filled Day
This is an advertisement from 1929 Singapore. It says at the bottom that “There is no time in the day when you can do without
Condensed Milk and a Happy Patrilineal Family
Although this advertisement from Singapore in 1930 states that everyone in the family (grandparents, son, daughter-in-law, and grandson) drinks this condensed milk, the text talks about
Die-(v)ing for Cigarettes in Colonial Singapore
This is from 1930. The text in the bubble says “What a pity to lose them.” I came across an advertisement for this brand a
A Shanghai Singer, Durian, Happy Water, and a Happy Bowel Movement
“When one indulges ones bodily desire for food and drink, it is difficult to avoid unexpected illnesses.” This advertisement from 1929 tells the story of
Driving Under the Influence. . . of Ovaltine
This advertisement from Singapore in the early 1930s more or less says the following: “When going for a drive, your energy and mental capacity must
From Lactogen to Cod Liver Oil
Singapore in the 1930s was a place where the young could literally drink and eat their way to health. Both of these advertisements are from
Firestone Tires in the Tropics
What a great advertisement for colonial-era economic relationships! Firestone secures in Singapore “the best rubber in the world with the least waste” (and also the
Hupmobiles at Borneo Motors
When I first saw this ad I thought it said “Humpmobile” and I couldn’t stop laughing. “Why would someone name a car a Humpmobile?” I
Smokin' Cheap in Malaya
Could someone help me out with the line at the bottom? “I love/she loves Capstan.” Then I have trouble with the next line. Something never
Yet More Cool Smokers in Colonial Singapore
It’s been a while since I last posted an image of hip Chinese smokers in colonial Singapore. So here is another good looking couple. This
Coffee Essence in Colonial Singapore
“Coffee essence” are what the three big characters at the top say. The bottle, however, just has “cold coffee.” This coffee could quench your thirst
Itu baik! This is good!
Someone pointed out that none of the advertisements from Singapore have Malay language in them. To be fair, I have been looking at Chinese newspapers,
Tobacco Imperialism in Colonial Singapore Continued
“Coming from England, they’re always fresh.” This sure looks like a coup de grace to me – a certificate from the Institute of Hygiene verifying
Tobacco Imperialism in Colonial Singapore
“Coming from England, they’re always fresh.” I think this advertisement from 1930 needs to be seen in relation to the one below on “Tobacco Nationalism.”
Tobacco Nationalism in Colonial Singapore
“Produced by Chinese – Suitable for Chinese to Smoke” That’s what the main caption says here. In the 1930s there were similar ads in China.
Health Secrets from 1932 Singapore
If your lacking in vital energy, drink some Bournville cocoa. It will make you strong and healthy. Then you can head off to the beach
Tonic Wine in Colonial Singapore
Wincarnis is a tonic wine which apparently is still produced. It was popular in places like Singapore where Chinese used it to give women a
Fashionable Smokers in Colonial Singapore
“Fashionable folks toke fashionable smokes” might be a way to translate this advertisement from 1932 and still capture the rhyme (folks and smokes). Fashions may
The Benefits of Cocoa
If you drink cocoa, your kids will be healthy and your family will be happy. Those are the benifits of drinking cocoa according to this
