Day of the Sea · Zionism · Tel Aviv Extremely Rare An Iconic Maritime VINTAGE ISRAELI Poster from the British Mandate Period — 1930s

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Day of the Sea · Zionism · Tel Aviv — 1930s | Extremely Rare

An Iconic Maritime Poster from the British Mandate Period

An exceptionally rare and visually striking Zionist poster created for “Day of the Sea” (Yom HaYam), a public celebration held annually in the Jewish Yishuv during the 1930s, most often in late May (23 Iyar / 24 May). These celebrations were designed to promote Hebrew maritime consciousness, the development of a Jewish port, and Jewish control over shipping, trade, labor, and immigration.

The central image is dominated by a monumental anchor, symbolizing stability, sovereignty, and national grounding, combined with a flowing flag bearing a Hebrew maritime emblem. In the background, ships cross the sea—clear references to commerce, connection with the world, and the vital role of maritime routes in Zionist settlement and immigration. The Hebrew slogan proclaims the vision directly and unapologetically: a Hebrew port, independent and free from foreign control.

“Day of the Sea” was not merely a cultural event. It was a Zionist statement, closely tied to economic independence, maritime labor, and the strategic importance of ports during the British Mandate—especially at a time when immigration restrictions and political pressure made access by sea a national priority.

The poster was designed by Franz Kraus, one of the leading graphic designers active in Eretz Israel during the 1930s. Kraus is known for his bold modernist language: strong symbolic imagery, dramatic contrasts, precise composition, and powerful Hebrew typography. In this work, his style is unmistakable—transforming ideology into a clear, iconic visual message where design, propaganda, and national aspiration converge.

Rendered in a restrained palette of blue, black, and white, the composition reflects international modernist influences while remaining deeply rooted in local Zionist symbolism. The result is a poster that functions both as a historical document and as a compelling work of graphic art.

This is an extremely rare original poster of outstanding historical, Zionist, and artistic significance—capturing a moment when the sea, design, and national vision became one.

Technical Details

• Title: Day of the Sea – Hebrew Port

• Designer: Franz Kraus

• Date: 1930s

• Occasion: Day of the Sea (Yom HaYam), 23 Iyar / 24 May

• Place: Tel Aviv, Mandatory Palestine

• Language: Hebrew

• Dimensions: 100 × 70 cm (39.4 × 27.6 inches)

• Period: British Mandate, pre–World War II

• Condition: Original vintage poster

  יום הים שנות ה־30 כרזה ציונית נמל עברי פרנץ קראוס תקופת המנדט הבריטי ציונות ימית תל אביב המנדטורית פוסטר וינטג׳ מקורי לפני השואה פוסטר כרזה וינטג