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Ephemera: Home

Introduction

In the context of publication, ephemera refers to printed materials that are produced for a specific, often short-lived purpose, typically intended to be used and then discarded. Examples of ephemera are Advertisements, flyers, and posters promoting products or services. Tickets. brochures, and receipts.
Ephemera is significant in publication studies as it reflects the cultural, social, and economic contexts of the time it was produced. These materials capture the everyday experiences and interests of people, providing insights into historical moments and trends that more permanent publications may overlook. Collecting and studying ephemera can reveal patterns in consumer behavior, advertising strategies, and societal values, offering a unique perspective on history.

M+ Reference Library

M+ Collection: Highlights

2018.20

Unknown (East Asia), Imperial Hotel Tokyo 

Luggage label, Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan

1950s

2018.21

Jan Lavies 

Luggage label, Bali Hotel, Scheveningen 

1940s–1950s

2018.19

Cathay Hotels Ltd., Unknown (mainland China)

Luggage label, Cathay Hotel, Shanghai 

1935

2019.497

Cahyono Abdi 

Catalogue, IPGI GRAFIS'83 Exhibition 

1983

M+ Collection Archives: Highlights

CA70/5/2/4/2

Alan Chan 

Coaster, Wines & Spirits, Canton Disco Canton Disco

1985–1986

CA59/8

Tai Wah Electrical Mfg. Co. (now Twemco Industries Ltd.) 

Advertisement flyer, TWEMCO automatic calendar wall clock TWEMCO 

1970s–1980s

CA64/11/1/13

World Theatre, Nanmei Film Company

Synopses, 'Murder Case in Chinatown' 

1960

CA48/1/1/10

Studio Alchimia

Envelope, Progettazioni di immagini per il XX secolo Progettazioni di immagini per il XX secolo

1979

CA80/4

Freeman Lau 

Invitation, Opening Ceremony of 'Coronation of Gods', HKDA Design 1996 Exhibition, Hong Kong Designers Association, Hong Kong

1996

CA20/1/1/4

Nam June Paik, Charlotte Moorman

Flyer, Charlotte Moorman Playing "Opera Sextronique" by Nam June Paik 

1967

CA28/2/4

Onorato, Umeda Masanori 梅田正德

Sales catalogue, Gemini, ashtray 雙子座(煙灰缸)銷售目錄

1970

CA61/13/2/9

House of Tai Ping

Product catalogue, Minix Collection 「Minix Collection」

1960s–1990s

CA48/1/4

Studio Alchimia

Postcard, Museo Alchimia Museo Alchimia

1985

CA33/1

World Design Conference in Japan Executive Committee

Programme, World Design Conference 1960 in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan 

1960

CA30/5/1/1

Dahong Wang & Associates

Business card, Dahong Wang & Associates 

1950s–1990s

M+ Exhibitions