Antique Japanese Hand-Carved Wood Signboard Vtg Noodles Restaurant Kanji JK961
Antique Japanese Hand-Carved Wood Signboard Vtg Noodles Restaurant Kanji JK961
Antique Japanese Wooden Signboard — A Visual Riddle for Business Prosperity
This hand-carved Japanese wooden signboard conceals a cheerful message behind its startling imagery. The design is understood as a hanji-e (判じ絵), a traditional visual riddle that uses pictures and wordplay to convey a phrase.
The sickle-and-neck imagery expresses being “head over heels” or passionately devoted to one’s business. Rather than a sinister scene, it carries a playful sentiment: “We’re madly in love with our business!” Such visual puzzles brought humor and auspicious wishes into Japanese shop culture.
The dark wooden surface features a central figure picked out in white, with red-painted details and lettering. A metal handle at the top allows the board to be carried or hung. Wear, scratches, and marks on the reverse add to its character.
- Brown, white, red
- Wood
- C1880 (Meiji)
- Item weight: 901 grams
- Packed weight: 1300 grams
- Approx: 38 cm long (without metal handle) x 35 cm wide x 1.8 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 by Japan Post. Adding this item to your cart shows you the shipping prices and options. We do combine shipping and if the cart does not give you a discount, we will refund any extra shipping paid in the case of overpayment.
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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