Vintage Japanese Signboard - 1930s Showa Era (25D-443)

Vintage Japanese Signboard, Showa Era (SKU 25D-443)

Showa-era wooden kanban with carved sakura crest and bold shop lettering

A vintage Japanese wooden kanban (shop sign) with deeply carved and gilt-lettered text, centered by a bold red sakura (cherry blossom) crest, symbolizing prosperity and seasonal renewal. The surface shows a rich, dark patina with visible grain and age wear, reflecting long-term outdoor or storefront display.

• Top inscription: 「内外国博覧会共進会 金銀賞牌受領」
  Indicates receipt of gold and silver awards at a domestic and international exposition.

• Right side: 「本舗 東京 株式会社 竹内商店」
  Main shop, Tokyo – Takeuchi Shoten Co., Ltd.

• Left side: 「大阪売所 松本商店」
  Osaka sales office – Matsumoto Shoten.

The combination of award text, company locations, and the central sakura emblem suggests a Meiji–Taishō era commercial sign, made to signal credibility, quality, and prestige. A strong historical object suited for wall display, retail interiors, or as a graphic focal point in a Japandi or wabi-sabi setting.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Showa period (20th century)
• Material: Carved hardwood with lacquer and gilt detailing
• Use: Exterior shop signboard (kanban) for a traditional merchant
• Features: Central sakura crest trademark, bold carved kanji and kana lettering, original brown finish with red and black lacquer, gold-painted award inscriptions, twin battens to the reverse, attractive vintage patina ideal for Showa-era or wabi-sabi display
• Dimensions: 36"W x 1 1/2"D x 17"H
• Condition: Very good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear, small scratches, and color mellowing consistent with outdoor use

A characterful Showa kanban that brings the atmosphere of an old Japanese shōtengai directly into your space.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.