postcard

Maker Okubo, Benji (1904 - 1975)

Maker Wong, Tyrus

Date1915-1930

Mediumpaper

DimensionsH: 5.5 in, W: 3.5 in

ClassificationsArchives

Credit LineGift of Chisato Okubo

Object number2003.159.67

Description1 b&w postcard of a section of a mural painted on the interior brick wall of the Dragon's Den cafe in Los Angeles' Chinatown. Mural painted by Benji Okubo and Tyrus Wong. The subject is a male figure clothed in historic Asian robes. His full body is depicted and he is showing his proper right profile. His face is shadowed and his features cannot be discerned. His ands appear to be folded together in prayer or supplication. His head is slightly bent downwards. His robes are flowing and patterned with a tiny flower motif. At his feet is painted a stylized pattern of waves created in a manner similar to Hokusai's woodblock prints. The painting is rendered in a calligraphy style with an emphasis on contour lines. Although it is difficult to interpret the subject out of context, it appears that it represents a scene from a story or myth.