Up for auction is this exceptionally charming and highly collectible original Japanese advertising cardboard sign, promoting a traditional women’s hair oil and cleanser, likely dating to the early-to-mid Shōwa period, circa 1930. The sign features a beautifully illustrated smiling woman in a patterned kimono holding a bottle of the product. It is a lithographs in colours and typical of pre- and post-war Japanese commercial art. The design combines a warm yellow background with bold red and white typography, creating strong visual impact. A hanging loop at the top and an easel to the back, shows it was intended for display in barbershops, beauty salons, pharmacies, or general stores. The easel back looks like it has never been pulled out, suggesting the sign has never been used. This piece exemplifies the golden era of Japanese advertising, when Western marketing influence merged with traditional aesthetics. RU ORIKA (ルーオリカ) – a high-grade household hair cleansing oil, promoted as effective for washing hair, preventing dandruff, and reducing hair loss. Key selling points: • Authentic vintage Japanese commercial display • Classic bijin-ga (beautiful woman) portrait style • Scarce surviving example of early Japanese beauty product advertising • Ideal for collectors of Japanese ephemera, retro design, salon décor, or mid-century graphics ⸻ Translation of Visible Japanese Text Top arc (green text): ご落垢斯・き抜ミシ “Prevents dandruff and hair loss” Vertical black text: お髪洗ひに！ “For washing your hair!” Red vertical text: 新専売 “New exclusive product” 発賣特許 “Patented and specially released for sale” Centre green text: 液浄清級高用家庭家 “High-grade household cleansing liquid” Main brand name (large white text): ルーオリカ “RU ORIKA” (product name) Black horizontal text: はに庭家御へ國おはツハキ “To households throughout the nation” Small bottom text (manufacturer information): Indicates factory and distribution details, suggesting certified production and commercial approval, typical of regulated cosmetic products of the period. Please view my other items on Catawiki for more quality original posters, antiques, and collectibles. Condition: Very good condition, with strong fresh colours, and a few dust marks and light staining to hhe reverse side. Measurements. 30 cms x 22 cms approximately. I am an experienced seller of original signs and posters, and this item will be well wrapped, and packed with care for delivery.