Russian Matchbox Labels

Found some matchbox labels that commemorated Russia's success in the space race (late 1950s onwards). An example of beautiful design; composition, colour, shape. They really appealed to me as I think they work well aesthetically and are quite charming.

What's nice is that these designs are completely optional - they don't have an immediate function (unless advertising something?) and that makes them even better to me. Pictures for the sake of pictures.

There's a lovely extensive gallery of these labels, all of varying origins here.