Matchbox Labels

Images via Maraid

Everybody needs a treat on Monday, so here are some incredibly beautiful matchbox labels from Eastern Europe in the 1950s and 1960s.

There's something about the limited use of colour within each, and the very modernist, simple images which draws me back to these time and again.

I think most of these could be very attractive posters above a sideboard in a living room, yet they're tiny matchbox labels, which only adds to their charm even more. Imagine crafting such interesting and striking images only to have them on small, ephemeral matchboxes. Makes it all the more amazing that these have survived.

As an aside, as a big nerd, I love the Russian space program commemoration ones below, and the odd happy baby in the stroller in the last panel. What's that about?!

Images via Maraid

Here are some gorgeous modern updates from Designista from Go Go Abigail. I love them dearly.

Designista