Art-Tune Company (China) / c. 1957
Corporate background:
Thanks for info to Lum Kat (Justin) Theing,
who notes:
“The Art-Tune Company, which appeared
in the late 1950s, was one of the newest companies to produce
records for Teochew Opera. The records were packaged in sets of
5. A complete set brings out its high-standing value for
Chinese opera. The sound quality is one of the best and the
texture of the mould is one of the best also.”
See Justin’s website at
Design: A
mix of stylized and traditional lettering, both extended (at
foot, in border) and condensed (upper area), with traditional
calligraphic lettering at the centre.
An unusual placing of the record company's
name, around the spindle-hole, and a distinctive outer
stamper-ring (compare with the China Record).
The thin, flowing lines of the angel (?)
playing a harp (?) contrast strongly with the bold,
double-lined border.