King Kalakaua I, Sandwich Islands, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-1) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. 1888

Editor: This lithograph from 1888, “King Kalakaua I, Sandwich Islands,” from a series by W. Duke, Sons & Co., presents the Hawaiian king in full regalia. It reminds me of Ukiyo-e prints, with its stylized composition. What stands out to you when you look at this piece? Curator: I am immediately drawn to the symbolic density within such a small space. This image is not merely a portrait but a carefully constructed presentation of power and cultural identity during a period of intense change. Look at how the King's portrait is flanked by the Hawaiian coat of arms and flag. They are not simple decorations. Editor: They frame him, almost like icons in a religious painting. Curator: Precisely. The coat of arms, guarded by the figures with spears, speaks to Hawaiian sovereignty and the protection of tradition. Then there is the flag. Consider how the British Union Jack is incorporated alongside the Hawaiian stripes. What does this juxtaposition tell us about the islands' political reality in 1888? Editor: It suggests a complex relationship with Western powers – a desire to maintain identity while acknowledging foreign influence. It's almost as if he's claiming both. Curator: Exactly. The small "view in Sandwich Is" functions as a miniature Arcadia. Tobacco cards like this one become fascinating artifacts reflecting cultural exchange and imperial dynamics. Notice also the "Honest Long Cut" caption under the King's name. Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn’t considered the impact of cultural exchange embedded within something as ordinary as a tobacco card. Curator: Indeed, the layered symbolism invites us to reconsider how visual culture transmits cultural values and encodes political narratives, sometimes in the most unexpected places.