postcard

Maker Wong, Tyrus

Maker Okubo, Benji (1904 - 1975)

Date1915-1930

Mediumpaper

DimensionsH: 3.5 in, W: 5.5 in

ClassificationsArchives

Credit LineGift of Chisato Okubo

Object number2003.159.66

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 dressed in historic Asian robes. He is bald with dark brows and his body is turned that a view of his proper left profile of his entire body is shown. His robe collar is trimmed with a pattern of chrysanthemum flowers and a money wallet dangles from his belt. He stands with his legs apart and his proper right arm above his head in a searching pose. His expression looks quizzical; a black shadow outline of a rake appears behind him. The mural is rendered in a flowing calligraphic style with a strong emphasis on contour lines. Although it is difficult to interpret the subject out of context, it appears that the man may represent a scene from a story or myth.