Mandate of Heaven

An unusual piece of original Vic Fair hand-drawn painted artwork for a foldout brochure (13"x 22" max) for an unidentified film "Mandate of Heaven" c' 1970's-80's.

Although Vic Fair occasionally took on non-film advertising briefs, the vast bulk of his work was concerned with cinema advertising & we are pretty sure this work was a similar film related commission. However, the design is clearly not for a film poster. Rather we believe this was destined for a promotional flyer/brochure, possibly to be used in a pitch for financing (Tom Chantrell created many similar pre-production pieces for Hammer Studios). The artwork (dragon type creature, sailing junk) & the "Mandate of Heaven" script indicates a Chinese setting. The text to the front, "so priceless they wrapped it in a million US dollars" also suggests an adventure-thriller genre of film but as of yet we cannot specify the film. Many film projects in the 1960's-80's were mooted: some were never made, others were re-titled & a few would finally make it to the Big Screen.

An interesting & intriguing dragon-serpent/bejewelled crown cover opens to reveal the Chinese junk to the centre with an action scene to the left & a montage of mysterious/exotic characters on the right, the whole ensemble being boldly coloured. The artwork appears to be on tracing paper affixed to card. Certain elements, like the inside script, are painted cut-outs which have been overlaid. Minor split to one edge foldline. The artwork is a mixed media piece with pen & ink, colour wash & magic marker. A fine example of Vic Fair artistry!

Please note this item is sold without copyright, reproduction rights, licensing agreements or any other type of legal release.

Price: £275.00

Film Category: Thriller / Adventure
Director: NA
Actor / Actresses: Unknown
Poster Type: Original Artwork
Poster Artist: Fair Vic
Condition: Excellent
Year: 1980
Reference: 62102

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