【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 impressive antique wooden pharmacy sign dates from the Meiji period and features the chrysanthemum crest prominently at the top. The entire surface is coated in black lacquer, and the carved characters are finished with lacquer mixed with gold powder, giving the sign a prestigious appearance. The top metal fitting and the side handles are made of iron, further emphasising its weight and status as a high-ranking shop sign. The chrysanthemum crest above, known as the sixteen-petal chrysanthemum, is traditionally the emblem of the Japanese Imperial family. During the Meiji period, this crest was authorised only for exceptional merchants or highly esteemed medicines, including suppliers to the Imperial Household Ministry or remedies considered extraordinarily effective. The scale and craftsmanship of this sign clearly indicate that it belonged to a very influential pharmacy. The large central inscription reads “Kannōen,” the name of a famous traditional remedy used since the Edo period. It was regarded as a powerful restorative medicine believed to revive fainting, ease exhaustion of the internal organs, soothe children’s irritability and digestive discomfort, and support recovery before and after childbirth. The word “en” refers to a round pill, while the character “en” (圓) also symbolises harmony and the idea that the medicine “works on all conditions.” Authenticity Note: The original furigana (reading aid) next to the characters is written in the historical kana orthography as "Ka-n-wo-u" (かんをう). This archaic spelling, pronounced "Kannō," is a definitive proof of the signboard's genuine age from the 19th century. On the left side appears the name “Inoue Gentatsu (井上玄達),” a historically recognised name associated with prominent medicine sellers, including those linked to the well-known pharmaceutical tradition of Toyama. The smaller inscription “Nippon Musō, (日本無双)” meaning “peerless” or “unrivalled,” serves as a bold advertising statement. The right side includes a place name referring to the Hokuriku region. The sign shows wear consistent with age, including rubbing, scratches, minor losses to the wood, worn lacquer, small chips, areas of lacquer abrasion, and surface dirt. The iron fittings have light rust. Good antique condition overall. Please refer to the photos for details. Dimensions: approx. H 85.5 cm W 32.5 cm D 2.4 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!