Double-sided wooden advertising signboard
Price: € 900,00
An uncommon double-sided wooden advertising signboard 看板 (kanban) for the Tomimatsu pharmacy (Tomimatsu Yakkan 富松藥館 / Tomimatsu Yakubô 富松武助藥房), executed in black lacquer with gilt inscriptions and polychrome decoration.
One side features a painted portrait of a gentleman holding a sign advertising Kenisan 健胃散, a digestive powder or stomach medicine. It centers on a bust portrait of a gentleman in Western-inspired attire, holding a placard inscribed KENISAN in Roman letters and 健胃散 (Kenisan). Below is the name and location of the pharmacy in Kan’onji, Awa Province (present day Kagawa Prefecture).
The reverse advertises Jôchieki 上池液, an eye medicine, beneath the registered trademark emblem. The large gilt inscription is flanked by the pharmacy name and identifies Tomimatsu as the exclusive distributor (tokuyaku hanbaisho 特約販賣所) of the product. Both sides advertise medicines from the same pharmacy, making the sign an attractive example of early Japanese pharmaceutical advertising.
The sign retains its original iron suspension loop at the top and is fitted with a pair of elegant wrought iron carrying handles with scrolling terminals, allowing it to be transported or suspended outside a pharmacy or merchant’s shop.
Period: Japan – late Meiji to Taishô period (early 20th century).
Dimensions:
Height: 144.3 cm; Width: 56 cm; Depth: 5 cm.
The kanban is in good condition with traces of wear, rubbing and minor losses to the lacquer and paint consistent with age and use. The iron fittings have developed an attractive surface patina. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
