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Les objets les plus raffinés présentés par {name}

Evan Lacey

We are pleased to introduce a fire safety sign（火の元点検,Fire source inspection), an enamel sign from the Showa period preserved in astonishingly good condition. This is a miraculous mint-condition piece that has survived without ever being used commercially, offering an unparalleled opportunity to glimpse mid-20th century Japanese commercial design. Measuring 30cm by 8.5cm, this sign's status as an unused vintage item makes it extremely rare and holds exceptional significance for serious collectors of Japan's commercial heritage.

Its immaculate state suggests it is a "dead stock" item, manufactured but never installed for commercial service and likely kept in storage. This extraordinary preservation allows for the examination of the original enamel colors, surface texture, and graphic details exactly as they left the factory—an extreme rarity in the world of vintage signage, where decades of exposure to the elements typically cause significant wear and patina.

Japanese enamel signage reached its technical and aesthetic pinnacle from the 1930s to the 1960s. During this period, domestic manufacturers developed superior glazing formulations and firing techniques that achieved greater durability and more vibrant results than their European counterparts. This sign perfectly demonstrates those achievements with its crisp graphic lines and saturated colors that retain their original intensity.

Its compact dimensions suggest it was designed for interior display—perhaps for a countertop or shelf in a small retail establishment—rather than for large-format outdoor mounting. Such intimate signage required a different design approach than signs intended to be viewed from a distance.

The manufacturing process employed state-of-the-art porcelain enamel techniques, where multiple thin layers of powdered glass were applied to a steel substrate and fired in a precisely controlled kiln. Each color required a separate application and firing cycle, making multi-color signs like this significantly more expensive to produce than single-color alternatives.

The graphic design reflects a sophisticated understanding of the commercial psychology of the period, calculated to maximize visibility and recognition within Japan's increasingly competitive retail environment. An unused example such as this is an invaluable primary source material for design historians studying the evolution of Japanese commercial and graphic design.

The rarity of unused vintage enamel signage cannot be overstated. It is estimated that examples that avoided their intended commercial service represent less than one percent of the original production run. This makes an unused sign exponentially more significant than its weathered counterparts.

Design museums worldwide, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Design Museum in London, actively seek to acquire unused examples of mid-century commercial graphics as they serve as uncompromised testaments to the design philosophy and manufacturing quality of the period.

Given their historical significance and rarity, the investment potential for unused vintage Japanese enamel signage continues to strengthen globally, with similar examples achieving substantial appreciation in international auction markets over the past decade. It is a perfect piece for adding a touch of authentic vintage character to a sophisticated interior without being visually overwhelming.

873

1960-1970 - État assez bien - utilisé intensivement & représentant d’éventuelles manques mineures

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Automobilia et motobilia

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dimanche

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23 janvier

27 janvier

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Très bon

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Bon état - quelques usures et tâches dues à l’âge

Comme neuf, inutilisé

Excellent état, à peine utilisé avec des signes minimes d'usure

1: Excellent/ Comme neuf

Raisonnable

2: Très bon - signes minimes d’usure et du temps

Excellent état

3: Bon - Traces visibles d'usure et de vieillissement

Comme neuf

Neuf ou comme neuf, inutilisé, avec ou sans l’emballage d’origine

État assez bien - utilisé intensivement & représentant d’éventuelles manques mineures

Automobilia et motobilia

Cet objet n’est plus disponible, mais il en reste beaucoup d’autres à découvrir

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