China, United Airlines

This 2004 travel poster created for United Airlines immerses the viewer in a rich tapestry of texture, tradition, and symbolic flight. Designed by Hong Kong–born artist Harvey Chan, the composition blends contemporary visual energy with the timeless iconography of Chinese folk art. A bold butterfly motif dominates the center, flanked by stylized dragonflies, paper-cut silhouettes, and layered patterns drawn from classical design. Chan’s background in illustration and fine art shines through in the complexity of the surface. Bright reds, glowing golds, and deep blacks collide across the canvas, evoking fire, fortune, and transformation. The butterfly, often seen in Chinese art as a symbol of joy, freedom, and the soul, becomes the perfect visual ambassador for travel — weightless, vibrant, and alive with possibility. More than a destination poster, this is a cultural invitation rendered with care and intensity. Chan captures not only the look of China but its emotional resonance, blending ancient craft with a modern painterly hand. A stunning addition to United’s acclaimed travel art series. Size: 28.0" x 21.0" Artist: Harvey Chan Condition: Very Good, Age-appropriate wear, fading and toning. Minor border wear. Please use the photo zoom feature to get a better understanding of overall condition. *Additional photos available upon request.