Ten Commandments
Date
Credits
- Yamada Shinkichi Designer
Format
- Poster 2371
- Advertisement 273
- Advertising 633
- Film/Video 34
Clients
Typefaces
Techniques
- lithography 237
- illustration 307
- painting 92
- printing 869
Dimensions
Locations Made
- Japan 560
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.