Japanese Enamel Sign – “Kagome Sauce” (Showa Era) At a time when Japan was rapidly reinventing its culinary identity, one company brought a Western flavor to the Japanese table: Kagome. This enamel sign once hung outside a small grocery or diner, inviting customers to taste something new— tomato sauce, Worcestershire-style seasoning, and a world beyond rice and soy. The bold red surface is more than advertising. It represents Japan opening itself to global culture, absorbing European flavors and turning them into something uniquely Japanese. The geometric emblem at the top resembles a hexagram— a shape associated in Europe with mysticism, protection, and ancient symbolism. In Japan, however, this motif is known as the Kagome crest, a woven lattice pattern drawn from the bamboo baskets used for centuries to strain vegetables. It became Kagome’s trademark— a bridge between old Japanese agriculture and modern Western-style cuisine. Displayed in a modern kitchen, an industrial loft, or next to vintage French or British enamel plates, it creates an irresistible dialogue: East meets West, tradition meets modernism, appetite meets design. Most Kagome enamel signs were exposed to rain, humidity, and decades of light. Few survive in presentable condition. This vertical format—tall, minimalist, and visually aggressive— is especially collectible, and an iconic representation of mid-20th-century Asian advertising design. It is not simply an object. It is a fragment of cultural exchange, appetite, and graphic history. [Size] 45x8.5cm [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.