During Myanmar's colonial period (1826–1948), millions of people all over the world collected trading cards, on a wide variety of subjects, making them an ideal vehicle for the spread of images, ideas and information, both true and false. Often dismissed as colourful but essentially worthless ephemera, such cards can provide modern scholars with a fascinating and often illuminating perspective on Myanmar's history, economy and culture.

Over the centuries, popular perceptions of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, have been remarkably consistent. The mental pictures of the country formed in Europe, North America and elsewhere have invariably been of a land of golden pagodas, swaying palms and rich gemstones, populated by demure “Burma girls” and colourful “hill tribes”. Even when various wars painted a darker picture, and the crimes of Myanmar's military regimes became well known, such romantic notions were hard to shift.

These idealised images developed over many years and in many ways. Particularly during the colonial period (1824–1948), Western populations relied heavily on picture postcards and illustrated magazines for their knowledge of Burma and its people. They also drew on stories in newspapers and, to a lesser extent, novels and artworks. Others heard about it through popular entertainments, such as musical revues, and formed their views accordingly.

The impact of popular culture on international attitudes towards Myanmar is now receiving greater attention from scholars. However, one source of stereotypical views is often overlooked, namely trade and trading cards. These small illustrated slips of pasteboard have been powerful vectors of images about Myanmar, its people and place in the wider world. They have not only reflected views of the country commonly held by Westerners, but have also helped shape them.

Trade cards have a long history. Before the advent of daily newspapers and national magazines, they were a common form of advertising. They came into their own in the 1800s, when the development of lithographic printing techniques made it possible to mass produce cards in colour. They typically had an illustration on one side and a printed text on the other, and were included in containers of produce.