A great wooden kanban 看板 (shop sign) advertising ‘aka shiro miso’ 赤白味噌 (red and white soybean paste). The sign is carved in the shape of a traditional miso storage jar, referring directly to the large ceramic vessels in which miso was fermented and kept sealed with wooden lids. The surface is worked in low relief, with bold calligraphic characters reading “red and white miso,” highlighted in red, white, and gilt against the warm brown ground of the wood. Crafted from solid keyaki (Zelkova) wood, the sign has a fine grain and a good, even aged patina. It is surmounted by an iron hirute shaped handle, allowing it to be hung. Period: Japan – Meiji period (1868–1912) Dimensions: Height 80 cm, Width 54.5 cm, Depth 3.8 cm In very good original condition, with minimal wear consistent with age and outdoor use. Such signs were typically displayed outside for many years, and this natural weathering supports its authenticity and original function. Please refer to the photographs for a clear condition reference.