【Important notes】 ・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities. ・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee. ・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support. 【Product details】 This is an antique wooden pharmacy sign from the late Edo to early Meiji period, advertising a children’s medicine called “Sōryūgan (蒼龍丸),” sold by the shop of Yamazaki Bunzō (山崎文蔵) in Edo’s Hongō Kinsuke Cho district (江戸本郷金助町). The board is coated entirely in black urushi lacquer, with the characters finely carved and then finished using lacquer mixed with gold powder, creating a prestigious and visually striking appearance typical of high-status apothecary signage of the period. The inscription at the upper right reads “Shōni Shuyaku,” meaning “primary medicine for children,” indicating that the remedy was specifically formulated for childhood ailments. On the left is the product name “Sōryūgan,” literally “Blue Dragon Pills,” a strong and auspicious name commonly used in Edo-period medicine branding. The large central characters read “Mushi-osae,” referring to a traditional remedy believed to calm or expel the “kan-no-mushi,” a concept in Edo popular medicine used to explain children’s irritability, night crying, stomach discomfort, and nervous agitation. Such remedies functioned as both digestive treatments and soothing tonics. The address at the right side reads “Edo Hongō Kinsukechō,” corresponding to today’s Bunkyō ward in Tokyo, and confirms that the sign dates from before 1868, when the name “Edo” was officially changed to “Tokyo.” The name on the left side, “Honke Yamazaki Bunzō,” identifies the manufacturer and seller, a known pharmacy operating in the bustling Hongō area, historically frequented by samurai residences, scholars, and merchants. The edges of the board show wear, with lacquer losses exposing the wood beneath. There is rubbing, scratches, old wormholes, small losses to the wood, worn lacquer surfaces, and areas of discoloration consistent with age and its long commercial use. Overall, it remains in good antique condition. Please refer to the photos for details. Dimensions: approx. H 69.5 cm W 25.5 cm D 1.5 cm ・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. ・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance. Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!