– Authentic Japanese enamel advertising sign from the Showa period – Bold blue and white colour scheme with traditional Japanese branding – Good vintage condition with period-appropriate patina and character This is a charming piece of everyday Japanese commercial history – an enamel advertising sign that once hung outside a grocer's shop or wholesaler, announcing the availability of salt. In post-war Japan, such signs were ubiquitous in shopping streets and market districts, guiding customers to essential household goods. The simple, bold design reflects the utilitarian aesthetic of mid-century Japanese retail, where clarity and legibility mattered more than ornament. The sign is executed in vitreous enamel on steel, a technique widely used in Japan from the 1920s through to the 1970s for outdoor advertising. The colour palette is straightforward – a deep cobalt blue background with white lettering – ensuring visibility even in poor weather or fading light. The large characters "塩塩" (salt, salt) dominate the composition, with smaller text below indicating the distributor or manufacturer. This directness is typical of Showa-era commercial design, which favoured impact over subtlety. Enamel signs of this type were manufactured by specialist workshops, often in regional centres such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya. The process involved fusing powdered glass to a metal substrate at high temperature, creating a surface that could withstand decades of sun, rain, and urban pollution. Signs that survive today bear the marks of their working lives – fading, chipping at the edges, surface rust where the enamel has worn through – all testament to their authenticity and age. This particular example shows honest wear consistent with outdoor display, including minor surface scratches, edge wear, and traces of oxidation where the protective enamel layer has thinned. Such signs are increasingly sought after by collectors of Japanese advertising ephemera, interior designers looking for authentic industrial accents, and anyone with an interest in the material culture of mid-century Japan. They work particularly well in loft-style interiors, café settings, or displayed alongside other vintage Japanese objects. The graphic simplicity means they sit comfortably in modern spaces without overwhelming the eye. Overall in good vintage condition with natural patina, edge wear, and minor enamel loss typical of age and outdoor use. No major structural damage. Ready to hang. If you are looking for an accessible way to introduce genuine Japanese design history into your home, this piece is an easy one to live with. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese design and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1163