This is a rare original vintage Japanese enamel advertising sign produced for Atariya Farm (Atariya Noen / アタリヤ農園), a long-established Japanese seed company founded in 1922. The sign features the distinctive red Atariya logo together with the English words “Special Seed” and the Japanese slogan “良いたね” (“Good Seeds”). At the bottom, the sign is marked: “アタリヤ農園” Atariya Farm “千葉県小見川町” Omigawa Town, Chiba Prefecture, Japan ### Estimated Period Based on the design, typography, company/location markings, and comparable surviving examples, this sign is estimated to date from approximately 1955–1970, corresponding to the mid-Showa period in Japan. The exact manufacturing year is unknown. During Japan’s post-war Showa period, enamel advertising signs such as this were commonly installed outside shops and agricultural-related businesses. Their durable enamel-coated metal construction made them particularly suitable for long-term outdoor advertising. This example advertised seeds produced or distributed by Atariya Farm. ### About Atariya Farm Atariya Farm is a historic Japanese seed company founded in August 1922 (Taisho 11). The company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022 and remains active today, developing and selling vegetable and flower seeds as well as other gardening products. This makes the sign particularly interesting as an authentic piece of Japanese agricultural and commercial history connected with a company that has operated for more than a century. ### Design The strong red, white and blue graphic design is characteristic of Japanese commercial advertising from the mid-Showa era. The large circular Atariya logo, bold Japanese lettering and the English phrase “Special Seed” give the sign a distinctive appearance. The visible wear, enamel loss and oxidation accumulated over many decades create an attractive aged appearance that is highly characteristic of genuine Japanese vintage enamel advertising signs. ### Size Approx. 26 × 14 cm Weight: approx. 200 g Material: Enamel-coated metal Country of origin: Japan Estimated period: circa 1955–1970 ### Condition This is an authentic vintage item that shows substantial signs of age and use. There are areas of rust, scratches, staining, enamel loss, paint deterioration and wear, particularly around the edges and mounting holes. The reverse also shows considerable age-related wear and discoloration. These traces are consistent with decades of use and storage and form part of the historical character and patina of the piece. Please carefully examine all photographs for the exact condition. ### Collector’s Note Original Japanese enamel advertising signs connected with regional agricultural and seed companies are becoming increasingly difficult to encounter, particularly examples retaining distinctive company logos and historical location markings. Unlike modern reproductions, this piece shows extensive natural aging and wear consistent with a genuinely old advertising sign. The combination of the Atariya logo, the “Special Seed / 良いたね” advertising slogan and the historical “千葉県小見川町” marking makes this an especially appealing piece of Showa-era Japanese advertising memorabilia. A fascinating collectible for enthusiasts of Japanese enamel signs, Showa-era advertising, agricultural memorabilia, vintage shop displays and Japanese industrial design. ■Please Note■ Shipping Information: Items are shipped from Japan. As this involves international shipping, please be sure to check the shipping costs before placing a bid. Items are packed with great care to prevent damage during transit. Shipping costs are calculated based on the net weight of the item, packaging materials, and the weight of the shipping box. Depending on the situation, items will be shipped via DHL, FedEx, or Japan Post. Delivery typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. Import duties, taxes, and fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. You may be contacted by phone or email by customs authorities in your country or the shipping carrier regarding customs clearance procedures. Please ensure you are available to answer the phone. If the carrier is unable to contact you, the package will be returned to us, and you will be charged double the shipping fee for re-shipment. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. ■Please Note■ Shipping Information: Items are shipped from Japan. As this involves international shipping, please be sure to check the shipping costs before placing a bid. Items are packed with great care to prevent damage during transit. Shipping costs are calculated based on the net weight of the item, packaging materials, and the weight of the shipping box. Depending on the situation, items will be shipped via DHL, FedEx, or Japan Post. Delivery typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. Import duties, taxes, and fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. You may be contacted by phone or email by customs authorities in your country or the shipping carrier regarding customs clearance procedures. Please ensure you are available to answer the phone. If the carrier is unable to contact you, the package will be returned to us, and you will be charged double the shipping fee for re-shipment. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.