98 / 254
PAUL COLIN (1892-1985)
116
●
GHAM - BO. Circa 1930.
22
1
/
2
x14
1
/
4
inches, 57
1
/
4
x36
1
/
4
cm. Arrington, Paris.
Condition A- / A: minor repaired tears and restoration at edges; minor creases in image. Framed.
At first glance, this image appears to promote a magic act. In reality, Gham-bo is a board game. Based
on a fortune-telling principle, it is played with little numbered sticks that are pulled out of a cylinder.
The numbers correspond to a list in a booklet, and whenever a stick is pulled, a horoscope-like story
is read. The game was introduced to Paris by Juliette de Gamboa (most likely a pseudonym), who
contended that she discovered it in China. Along with the booklet came a host of printed celebrity
endorsements from some of Juliette’s famous friends. Josephine Baker is quoted as saying “With your
game, dear Madame, children remain children and grow up to become children again!” Maurice
Chevalier could only add “To Juliette de Gamboa with sincere greetings for her game of Gham-bo.”
The poster Colin created for this obscure product is a mysteriously intriguing balance of Art Deco and
Dada, perfectly suited to the arcane allure of the game’s pretense. The manner in which the hand,
letters, numbers and eyes are rendered is reminiscent of work by Francis Picabia. The Hand 31, MoMA
78.1990.
[800/1,200]
PAUL COLIN (1892-1985)
117
●
NE GRAISSEZ PAS EN MARCHE. Circa 1940s.
23x15
1
/
4
inches, 58
1
/
2
x38
3
/
4
cm.
Condition B+: time-staining in margins; foxing in image; minor repaired tears at edges.
This poster was commissioned by a workplace safety agency that was founded in 1947. The slogan,
“Do Not Grease,” does not leave a lot of room for creative interpretation. Colin simply delivers the
message via basic visual symbols. The number “9” in the bottom margin suggests the poster may have
been part of a series.
PREVIOUSLY UNRECORDED
-
RARE
.
[600/900]
116
117