Air India - Rome Spaghetti

This original vintage Air-India poster, titled "Rome," features the airline's iconic Maharajah mascot indulging in a quintessential Italian dining experience. Seated comfortably, the Maharajah enjoys a plate of spaghetti, with the word "Rome" cleverly spelled out in pasta extending from his fork. A bottle of wine and a glass accompany the meal, set against a rich blue, striped background that enhances the vibrant colors and playful design.

The Maharajah, created in 1946 by Bobby Kooka and artist Umesh Rao, has been a central figure in Air-India's advertising, symbolizing luxury and hospitality. In this poster, his relaxed embrace of Italian culture and cuisine reflects Air-India's commitment to providing immersive travel experiences, blending cultural humor with vivid artistry to inspire tourism.

This poster exemplifies Air-India's mid-20th-century advertising strategy, which utilized whimsical and culturally resonant imagery to captivate audiences and promote international travel. Such posters were instrumental in establishing the airline's global identity and appeal. Air India was founded in 1932 by Bharat Ratna, the first Indian to receive a commercial pilot's license. It began as an airmail route, and was nationalized into a commercial airline in 1953.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed, and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.