Japanese Enamel Sign – “HAGURUMA SAUCE” (Showa Era) When Japan entered the modern age, Western flavor arrived not through fine restaurants— but through sauces. This bright enamel sign once stood outside a small grocery or diner, inviting customers to try something thrillingly new: a Worcestershire-style condiment that transformed croquettes, tonkatsu, and fried vegetables. At the top, a winged gear—part machine, part myth— looks like a symbol from early aviation or industrial fantasy. It represents speed, progress, and the romance of machinery. This was Japan dreaming of Europe, borrowing flavors, images, and aspirations. The deep lacquer-red field was chosen to evoke appetite and heat. White characters burn through with clarity, designed to call out across a busy post-war street. This is industrial graphic art at its most honest— made not to be collected, but to survive rain, humidity, steam, and sunlight. And yet here it is, decades later, still alive. [Size] 45x11.5cm [Condition] Good vintage condition. Although it shows signs of use, the letters and designs remain clearly visible. Please check the photos. Any taxes related to international shipping must be borne by the purchaser. Occasionally, customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you for customs clearance via phone or email. Kindly ensure you are available to respond. Failure to do so may result in the parcel being returned to me, incurring additional shipping fees for reshipment. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. I will pack the item securely, but there may be cases where the item is repackaged at customs or damaged upon arrival due to a mistake by the shipping company. If this happens, please contact me immediately. Please promptly send me a photo of the item when it arrives and a photo of the damage to the item. We will provide refunds depending on the situation.