Antique Japanese Hand-Carved Wood Signboard Meiji Noodles Restaurant Kanji JK962
Antique Japanese Hand-Carved Wood Signboard Meiji Noodles Restaurant Kanji JK962
Antique Japanese Wooden Signboard — “May Your Business Flourish”
This hand-carved Japanese wooden signboard carries a clever wish for business prosperity. Its inscription, 春夏冬 弐升半, is a traditional word puzzle read as akinai masu masu hanjō: “May your business flourish more and more.”
The meaning unfolds through three puns:
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春夏冬 — spring, summer, and winter: autumn (aki) is missing, making aki nai, which sounds like akinai, “business.”
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弐升 — two measures: two masu become masu masu, meaning “more and more.”
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半 — half a measure: hanjō, echoing the word for “prosperity.”
Two carved figures at the center, possibly Ebisu and Daikokuten—deities associated with good fortune and prosperity—reinforce the welcoming message. Red, white, and green painted details stand out against the dark wood, and a metal handle allows the board to be carried or hung.
- Brown, Green, red, white
- Wood
- C1880 (Meiji)
- Characters: 春夏冬弍升半 May your business flourish even more
- Item weight: 903 grams
- Packed weight: 1300 grams
- Approx. 39 cm long (without metal handle) x 35 cm wide x 1.5 cm thick
- Good condition considering age. Scratches and dents. Marks and nail marks on the back. Wear and tear due to use. Please see the photos.
- We acquired this item from the famous Osu Antique Market in Nagoya, Japan.
Shipping: We ship worldwide via Japan Post. Adding this item to your cart shows you the shipping prices and options. We combine shipping, and if the cart doesn't apply a discount, we will refund any extra shipping you paid if you overpaid.
About Us: We are Dan and Maiko. Since moving to Japan in 2001, we have gained a vast knowledge of Japanese antiques and vintage items. We are excited to offer you a delightful glimpse of the beauty that Japan has to offer. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
Why Buy From Chidori?
At Chidori Vintage, we source all products directly from Japan. We have lived and worked together here since 2001, carefully selecting every item and shipping it from our warehouse in Ama-Gun, Aichi Prefecture. We combine shipping on multiple orders, and every purchase includes a small omiyage (お土産), a little gift from Japan, as a thank you for shopping with us. Questions? We're always happy to help — just get in touch.
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