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Christian Plat

Industrial poetry written in enamel and time, this authentic Showa-era signage piece captures the raw essence of Japan's post-war industrial boom. The stark bureaucratic language—"Class 4, Grade 3 Petroleum Heavy Oil, Maximum Quantity 1707.52L"—transforms utilitarian necessity into unexpected art. This is where function meets form in the most honest expression of mid-20th century Japanese industrial design.

Discovered in a storage facility that housed decades of industrial equipment, this enamel sign bears witness to Japan's extraordinary economic transformation. During the Showa period (1926-1989), such signs were mandatory fixtures at fuel storage facilities across the archipelago, part of the rigid safety protocols that enabled Japan's manufacturing miracle. Each sign was hand-crafted by specialized enamel workshops that treated these utilitarian objects with the same attention to detail reserved for traditional crafts.

The enamel-on-steel construction represents a fascinating marriage of ancient Japanese metalworking traditions with imported European industrial techniques. The process required multiple firings at temperatures exceeding 800°C, fusing powdered glass to the steel substrate through intense heat. This creates the distinctive surface that resists weathering, maintains color integrity, and develops the subtle patina that collectors prize. The precision of the lettering demonstrates the craftsman's skill—each character meticulously applied and fired to create text that remains crisp after decades of exposure.

The specific petroleum classification reflects Japan's sophisticated approach to industrial safety regulation. "Class 4, Grade 3" refers to heavy fuel oils with specific flash points and viscosity ratings, while the precise quantity notation (1707.52 liters) suggests this marked a standardized storage tank capacity. Such attention to exact measurement typifies Japanese industrial culture, where precision became a national obsession that eventually drove the country's reputation for quality manufacturing.

For contemporary interior designers, this piece offers unparalleled authenticity in the industrial aesthetic movement. The weathered enamel surface provides textural interest that no reproduction can match, while the stark typography creates visual impact reminiscent of Bauhaus design principles. Whether mounted in a minimalist loft, industrial-themed restaurant, or collector's study, it serves as both artwork and historical document—a tangible connection to the era that shaped modern Japan.

The sign measures 60cm high by 30cm wide, proportions that command attention without overwhelming domestic spaces. The original mounting holes remain intact, facilitating display options ranging from traditional wall mounting to contemporary floating installations. The enamel shows appropriate aging with minor chips and surface wear that enhance rather than diminish its authentic character—battle scars that speak to decades of honest service.

Condition assessment reveals typical signs of age and outdoor exposure: surface oxidation consistent with decades of industrial use, minor enamel loss at stress points, and the overall patina that collectors specifically seek. These imperfections tell the story of Japan's industrial transformation, making each mark a badge of historical significance rather than a flaw to be concealed.

This represents an increasingly rare category of collectible as Japan's old industrial infrastructure disappears beneath urban redevelopment. Original Showa-era industrial signage commands growing respect among collectors who recognize these pieces as the last tangible remnants of the period that created modern Japan. Museums now actively collect such items as representative examples of post-war industrial design.

The cultural significance extends beyond mere industrial heritage. This sign embodies the Japanese concept of shokunin—the craftsman's dedication to perfection in even the most mundane tasks. The careful enamel work and precise lettering reflect values that transformed Japan from wartime devastation to economic powerhouse within a single generation.

Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Industrial signage receives protective wrapping with corner guards and sturdy packaging to prevent transit damage. Combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility.

Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Showa-era Japanese industrial artifacts and guarantee this piece's authenticity and period-correct manufacture. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours with detailed condition assessments and provenance information.

976

1960-1970 - Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Enamel sign - Enamel

Vintage & Industrial Furniture

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2010-2020

Vintage & Industrial Furniture

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Enamel sign - Enamel

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