Showa Enamel Sign "Akanawa Kikusui" During Japan's Showa era, when most of the country's industries were still supported by meticulous craftsmanship, beautiful enamel signs, a style now lost to history, shone brightly on storefronts. This unusually vertical enamel sign was created to promote the "Akanawa Kikusui" brand, a symbol of that golden age. The white typeface, printed against a crimson background, is powerful yet somehow warm. In Japan at that time, "trademarks" (brands) began to be used as a sign of quality for everyday necessities such as cotton, rope, and string. The name "Kandou" inscribed on the sign was beloved by merchants as a symbol of trustworthy cotton products. Just as enamel signs in Europe symbolize beer and oil companies, in Japan, sign culture was supported by "industries closest to daily life," such as textiles, agricultural tools, and daily necessities. This sign, too, was hung in small local general stores, farm barns, merchant warehouses, and other places, and has been beloved as a symbol of trust in the materials that support our lives. - The luster created using advanced baking techniques is the timeless beauty unique to enamel. - The lettering design is an "artisan typeface" unique to the Showa era, making it a valuable cultural resource that would be difficult to reproduce today. It blends surprisingly well with European industrial interiors and mid-century furniture, and emanates a striking presence as a "one-of-a-kind piece that symbolizes Japanese Showa design." [Size] 54x11.3cm [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.