Japanese enamel sign, forest fire prevention, squirrel mascot, Yamanashi Prefecture, circa 1960–1970 - Enamel sign - enamel advertising sign - Enamel, Steel

Charming and rare enamel sign from Japan, produced by Yamanashi Prefecture and issued by the National Forest Insurance (森林国営保険) in the context of forest fire prevention. At the top, in red, it reads 山火事注意！(Beware of forest fires!). In the large speech bubble is the poetic message 消さないで 小さな命の 帰る場所, loosely translated: "Don’t extinguish the fire, for the forest is the home of small lives." The text is spoken by a cute squirrel mascot in traditional clothing with a staff, with an illustration of green mountains and trees at the bottom. The sign is heavily curved and three-dimensional, equipped with mounting holes at the top.

Dimensions: 60 x 30 cm. The sign is in good vintage condition with light signs of wear appropriate to its age. A rare and visually striking piece of Japanese government and nature conservation history, extra appealing due to the charming illustration.

Shipping from the Netherlands. Within the EU there are no additional customs duties or costs, delivered quickly to your door."