Object Timeline

1969

  • Work on this object began.

1972

  • We acquired this object.

2023

2025

  • You found it!

Poster, Handling of Goods Symbols

This is a Poster. It was designed by Henry Dreyfuss. It is dated 1969 and we acquired it in 1972. Its medium is photomechanical print on illustration board. It is a part of the department.


Henry Dreyfuss’s Symbol Sourcebook was called the "first step towards a wordless world." Creating a visual language and system of symbols promoted peace and diplomacy. International standardization was critical for an expanding network of travelers and import-export industries. Symbols for the shipping and handling of goods as well as the poison symbol are among the most globally used and recognized.

This object was donated by Henry Dreyfuss. It is credited Gift of Henry Dreyfuss.

Its dimensions are

H x W: 27.9 × 35.6 cm (11 × 14 in.)

Cite this object as

Poster, Handling of Goods Symbols; Designed by Henry Dreyfuss Associates (United States); photomechanical print on illustration board; H x W: 27.9 × 35.6 cm (11 × 14 in.); Gift of Henry Dreyfuss; 1972-88-1-38

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols.

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-6.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318807730/ |title=Poster, Handling of Goods Symbols |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>