Showa Enamel Sign "Authorized Miso and Soy Sauce Dealer" This enamel sign for a miso and soy sauce dealer conveys the essence of Japanese food culture and distribution during the Showa period. The highly visible red background with white lettering was designed to be recognizable from a distance, even at dusk or in the rain, a design unique to practical advertising of the time. The large vertical letters "Authorized Miso and Soy Sauce Dealer" indicate that this store was not simply a retailer, but had a formal contract with a specific brewery, providing miso and soy sauce of consistent quality, a sign of trust. Until the 1950s and 1960s, miso and soy sauce were not available everywhere, as they are today. The "flavor of the brewery" and "the store where you bought it" were important factors in determining the taste of the product in the home. For this reason, the manufacturer only lent "authorized dealer" signs to trusted stores, and this enamel sign symbolized the relationship between store and brewery. The enamel has faded in luster over the years, and small chips can be seen, but these are mere proof that for decades, it has continued to advertise the basic seasonings that support daily meals in the eaves of local stores. It also pairs well with modern interior decor, Japanese modern, Showa retro, and displays related to restaurants and fermented foods, and has a strong presence as a piece that quietly speaks to the "original landscape of Japanese flavors." [Size] Approximately 76x15cm [Condition] Good vintage condition. Although it shows signs of use, the letters and designs remain clearly visible. Please check the photos. Any taxes related to international shipping must be borne by the purchaser. Occasionally, customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you for customs clearance via phone or email. Kindly ensure you are available to respond. Failure to do so may result in the parcel being returned to me, incurring additional shipping fees for reshipment. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. I will pack the item securely, but there may be cases where the item is repackaged at customs or damaged upon arrival due to a mistake by the shipping company. If this happens, please contact me immediately. Please promptly send me a photo of the item when it arrives and a photo of the damage to the item. We will provide refunds depending on the situation.