A late 19th-century wood crate panel advertising 'Royal Brand California Raisins' features three crowns around the font, a leaping tiger with bamboo stalks in the background, and grape leaves in the foreground. It is tastefully framed in a matte black wooden frame.

This artful piece of Americana showcases a time in history when California fruit producers were in high competition for East Coast export via the trans-continental railway network, so they began implementing artistic and imaginative brand logos and imagery to set themselves apart from one another. Unfortunately, the artwork on fruit crates like this traveled far and endured much handling. We have not found another example of this graphic to place the exact origin, though similar raisin crates and labels came from Fresno and Lodi, California, in the late 1800s.

A label remains on the frame and is partially covered by the paper backing. What is visible refers to Kodak developing, photos, pictures, postcards, and Woodburn, suggesting the frame originated from a framing shop or photography business in Woodburn, Oregon, in the early 20th century. The framing of the crate panel was later done by an Oregonian from who we purchased it as-is.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Design Modified
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good vintage condition. The wood crate panel is darkened, typical of its age. A few vertical cracks run partially through it, but it is reinforced and stabilized by the sturdy frame.

Origin:
United States

Materials & Techniques:
Wood

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Original Design Modified; Some Imperfections; Good vintage condition. The wood crate panel is darkened, typical of its age. A few vertical cracks run partially through it, but it is reinforced and stabilized by the sturdy frame.