Air France - Japan - Vintage Poster by Nathan - 1959

A sublime visual synthesis of Japanese tradition and modern graphic design, this travel poster created by Nathan in 1959 for Air France invites viewers to a serene and evocative escape. Printed in Paris by Courbet, this linen-backed lithograph, measuring 39.2 x 24.6 inches and in B+ condition, perfectly embodies the minimalist, colorful aesthetic of the late 1950s.

At the center, a large glowing lantern stands like a suspended sun. It illuminates a geometric composition where Mount Fuji, a red torii set against a tranquil lake, and graphic forms reminiscent of calligraphy or traditional sliding screens are delicately juxtaposed. The palette - deep reds, radiant yellows, and calming blues - conveys a stylized and respectful vision of Japan.

Nathan delivers here a poster that is both restrained and vibrant, where each element plays its part in a flawlessly orchestrated visual symphony. The work evokes the refinement, spirituality, and quiet mystery of a country the West was then discovering with wonder.