There's a particular alchemy in vintage advertising: familiar enough to trigger nostalgia, foreign enough to feel exotic. This enamel sign for Yomeishu—Japan's century-old herbal tonic—embodies that tension perfectly. Measuring approximately 30 x 45 cm, it's substantial without being overwhelming, a slice of Showa-era (1926-1989) commercial culture now elevated to collectible status. Enamel signs (horō kanban in Japanese) represent a lost art. Porcelain enamel fused to steel at extreme temperatures creates a surface that's weatherproof, fade-resistant, and luminously glossy when new. This sign shows honest age: rust patina around edges, minor scratches, surface wear consistent with decades of exposure. These aren't flaws—they're credentials, proof this hung in an actual pharmacy or shop, not a reproduction factory. Yomeishu itself carries fascinating history. Formulated in 1602, it predates Coca-Cola by nearly three centuries. The medicinal wine contains 14 herbs steeped in sake, marketed for digestive health and vitality. Mid-century advertising for tonics and patent medicines employed bold graphics and earnest claims, creating visual language that feels simultaneously quaint and confident. This sign's design—likely dating to the 1950s-1970s based on typography and layout—captures that aesthetic perfectly. For collectors of Japanese advertising ephemera, pharmaceutical signs occupy a special niche. They're rarer than soft drink or tobacco signs (which dominated streetscapes), making them more desirable. Internationally, Japanese vintage graphics have influenced everyone from Wes Anderson to contemporary streetwear brands—the clean lines, bold colors, and retro-futuristic optimism translate across cultures. In contemporary interiors, this sign punches above its weight. Imagine it in an industrial-chic loft: brick walls, steel beams, Edison bulbs. The sign's weathered patina complements raw materials, while its Japanese text adds intrigue—guests will ask about it, sparking conversation. Alternatively, place it in a maximalist eclectic space alongside other found objects and vintage curiosities. It holds its own without demanding thematic consistency. Condition is accurately described as "damaged with rust and small scratches." The enamel surface remains largely intact (no major chips missing), and the text is legible. This is a display piece, not mint-condition museum-quality, priced accordingly. For those who appreciate wabi-sabi—beauty in imperfection—the wear is part of the appeal. Authentic vintage Japanese enamel signs are increasingly difficult to source as urban renewal demolishes old shopfronts and collectors snatch up remaining examples. Domestic Japanese demand has pushed prices upward, particularly for recognisable brands. This sign offers entry into that market at a accessible level. If you're drawn to objects with history embedded in their surfaces—to things that have lived before you and will outlast you—this deserves wall space. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Metal signs are packaged between cardboard sheets for protection; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese vintage collectibles and guarantee this piece's period authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1100