Posted 3 years ago
Doctorzen
(3 items)
Two Rare Vintage Chinese Restaurant and Marketplace
Serving Trays.
These vintage Chinese red and white enamel tin advertising trays originate in 1920s-30s Shanghai. This was a unique method of reaching customers as other media failed to provide the same focused direct to customer contact these trays delivered. Vendors and retailers were happy to have such a useful item and customers were often gifted with trays for home use. For example Aquarius Water was served in food stalls and restaurants. It was also available to purchase for home consumption. And imagine the impression gained by the kerosene stove (burner) maker from their ad being seen on the diners’ table while eating. These were acquired in Shanghai and I think you’d have to go to China to find one of these.
A Shanghai. Goods Factory Kerosene Burner advertising tray. Front reads: "Always Keep Kerosene Lamp Ready At Hand.” Reverse: “SM trademark, Shanghai. Goods Factory, Iron and Copper Kerosene Burner.” 9”, (22 cm) diameter. Very common home product in this period.
Vintage Chinese Aquarius water tin/metal serving tray. Front reads: “Aquarius Water” and emphasizes the quality and purity of the product. The premiere safe drinking water in Shanghai China. Excellent vintage condition. 12.5", (32 cm) diameter.
Aquarius water was originally founded in 1893, producing “water both still and sparkling, for the table”, as noted in Shanghai in 1894. Their motto was “every drop is distilled” shows the attention for water purity and safety just like today. One of the main drinks on offer, to the upper classes, in the Shanghai heat of mid June was Aquarius Grapefruit Squash, to be drunk with Gin as a refresher.
