An Idol of Siam, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-2) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. 1888

This is ‘An Idol of Siam’ a chromolithograph, made around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a cigarette card. These cards, inserted into cigarette packs, were immensely popular and offer a glimpse into the cultural attitudes of the time. The image presents Siam, now Thailand, through the lens of European exotification and commercial interest. The white elephant, a symbol of royal power and purity in Siam, is depicted as a coat of arms, framed by palm trees. Below, the text boldly proclaims the company as the "largest Cigarette Manufacturers in the World," linking the allure of the exotic with the marketing of tobacco. The card reflects an era of increasing globalization and colonial power dynamics, where Western companies sought to expand their markets by capitalizing on fascination with foreign cultures. It raises questions about cultural appropriation, the construction of identity through advertising, and the emotional appeal of the ‘other’ in shaping consumer desires.