Ten Commandments
Date
Credits
- Yamada Shinkichi Designer
Format
- Poster 2463
- Advertisement 278
- Advertising 652
- Film/Video 36
Clients
Typefaces
Techniques
- lithography 243
- illustration 321
- painting 101
- printing 922
Dimensions
Locations Made
- Japan 562
This is a movie poster for the 1924 Japanese screening of The Ten Commandments ("十誡"), designed by Yamada Shinkichi for the prestigious Shochiku-za Theater (松竹座) in Osaka. As cinema gained popularity in Japan during the Taisho period, Yamada created numerous posters for films such as Crime and Punishment and Don Q, Son of Zorro. He was also actively involved in stage design and contributed to the overall visual experience of the theater.
This poster shows bold composition and a dignified atmosphere that reflect the religious themes of the film. The yellow and red colors of the lettering on the black background effectively draw the audience's attention. The lettering is also bold and unique, particularly the kanji for 十誡. The character 誡 features a shining graphic motif (a sparkle effect), and also 十 visually resembles the Christian cross, which reinforces the theme of the film.