Striking a Light

In October 2007, two fascinating books were published which revealed the impressive and attractive world of Indian matchbox and matchbook art: Tara Books released Shahid Datawal's Matchbook (which is actually in a slipcase in the form of a giant matchbox, with a striking edge and everything...

..while Ten Speed released Warren Dotz's similar Light of India, also in a matchbox-shaped slipcase.

Now Penguin is following this lead with 2011's Kipling re-releases, all of which are decorated with groovy Indian matchbox labels.

For more of this matchbox art, see this impressive collection.