{"product_id":"signboard-antique-1874-s-japanese-soy-sauce-brewery-kanji-calligraphy-wood-carved-symbol-437635142","title":"Signboard- Antique 1874s Japanese Soy Sauce Brewery, Kanji Calligraphy, Wood Carved Symbol","description":"\u003cp\u003eA hand-carved kanji panel, with weathered white pigment and traces of gold leaf, represents an antique Japanese signboard from a Meiji-era brewery. Measuring approximately H121.5 cm by W22 cm by D2.3 cm and weighing 3.1 kg, the wood panel retains a faded, whitish surface that gives it a compelling, rustic wall hanging presence. Hand carved wood kanji characters read \"最上醤油醸造場 Saijo Shoyu,\" a designation tied to high-quality soy sauce and the piece's origin as an 1874 brewery sign from Ama in the Owari region. It suits collectors and interiors seeking authentic wood sign, vintage wall decor, and Meiji era decor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"margin-left: 20px;\"\u003e * Dimensions: H 47.8 in × W 8.7 in × D 0.9 in (about H121.5 cm × W22 cm × D2.3 cm)\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"margin-left: 20px;\"\u003e * Weight: 109.1 oz (3100 g \/ 3.1 kg)\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"margin-left: 20px;\"\u003e * Material: wood, hand carved wood with traditional Japanese pigment base\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"margin-left: 20px;\"\u003e * Inscription: 最上醤油醸造場 Saijo Shoyu (Kanji wood plaque \/ Japanese calligraphic text)\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"margin-left: 20px;\"\u003e * Origin \u0026amp; date: Brewery sign dated 1874, Meiji era; region: Ama, Owari\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"margin-left: 20px;\"\u003e * Condition: good vintage condition with scratches, dirt, and faded gold leaf consistent with age\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvenance and history\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe carved inscription declares \"Saijo Shoyu,\" historically reserved for the highest-grade soy sauce after mid-19th-century regulations. The signboard originated from a long-established brewery founded in 1874 that continues producing miso and soy sauce in the Owari area. As an 1870s brewery sign, it connects directly to regional food-production history and Meiji era decor sensibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesign and materials\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrafted entirely from wood, the piece shows hand-carved kanji strokes over a traditional white pigment base; nearly all original gold leaf has worn away, leaving subtle traces. The overall faded, whitish aesthetic and visible wear create an authentic wood sign character suitable for Japanese wood art collections, statement wall art installations, or Asian home decor arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eDisplay and care\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis sign functions as vintage wall decor or a collectible signage accent. Mount on a secure wall hook or a display rack that supports its 3.1 kg weight and long, narrow profile. Avoid direct, prolonged sunlight and high humidity to preserve the remaining pigment and carved surface. Clean gently with a soft, dry brush to remove loose dirt; do not use solvents or water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAuthenticity and collectible value\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a hand carved wood artifact with specific kanji denoting \"Saijo Shoyu,\" this piece is an authentic example of regional brewery signage from the late 19th century. Its measurable dimensions, material, and documented origin (Ama, Owari) support its identification as a collectible Kanji wood plaque and a rare example of Japanese calligraphic commercial signage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp data-pasted=\"true\"\u003e🌐 ーーー SHOP POLICIES ーーー\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🌐 International Buyers: Standard DDU terms. Custom duties\/taxes are the buyer's responsibility upon delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e✈️ SHIPPING\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e• Free Shipping: To US, Europe, and most areas. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e• Surcharges: May apply to Australia, NZ, or remote areas for heavy\/large items only. We will contact you before shipping (Full refund if canceled). Small\/light items always ship free worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e• Courier: Securely shipped via DHL, FedEx, EMS, or Japan Post with tracking. Carrier is selected by the shop; buyers cannot specify. Urgent upgrades available (please message us before buying).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e📦 COMBINED SHIPPING\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e• We combine shipping for multiple purchases whenever safe. Any realized shipping savings will be promptly refunded to you after packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🛡️ RETURNS \u0026amp; CONDITION\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e• Returns: Accepted within 7 days. Buyer pays round-trip shipping costs and processing fees for buyer's remorse.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e• Condition: Our items are authentic antiques\/vintage. Naturally, they carry signs of age (scratches\/wear). Please examine all photos carefully before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eFAQ\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eQ: Is the signboard suitable as vintage wall decor in a home?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA: Yes—its size and weight make it suitable as a rustic wall hanging or statement wall art piece in residences or curated commercial spaces, especially those favoring Asian home decor or Japanese wood art.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eQ: What is the condition of the wood and pigment?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA: The signboard is in good vintage condition with scratches, dirt, and extensive fading; original gold leaf is mostly gone while the white pigment base remains visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eQ: Does the inscription translate or indicate provenance?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA: The kanji \"最上醤油醸造場 Saijo Shoyu\" identifies the brewery's designation of highest-grade soy sauce and links the sign to a brewery founded in 1874 in Ama, Owari—making it a documented 1870s brewery sign and collectible signage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eQ: How should I mount or care for the sign?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA: Use a secure support rated for at least 3.5–4 kg to allow for safe display; clean only with a soft, dry brush and avoid water, solvents, or abrasive cleaners to protect the remaining pigment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eQ: Is this an authentic collectible or a reproduction?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA: The hand-carved nature, traditional pigments, era-specific wear, and recorded origin identify it as an authentic antique Japanese signboard appropriate for collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese wood art and Kanji wood plaques.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wabisabi Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68058053607556,"sku":"25068","price":485.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/6593\/8820\/files\/91cbc70e-ff79-4250-b3f5-7132c8c636b3-copy.jpg?v=1794446467","url":"https:\/\/wabisabiantiques.com\/en-us\/products\/signboard-antique-1874-s-japanese-soy-sauce-brewery-kanji-calligraphy-wood-carved-symbol-437635142","provider":"Wabisabi Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}