Japanese Double-Sided Enamel “Tabi” Advertising Sign, 1940s

Characterful round enamel shop sign from Japan, made as an advertisement for tabi shoes with rubber soles, dating from the 1940s.

Dimensions: height 14 cm, width 14 cm, depth 0.1 cm.

At the centre sits a large red number “5” in a circle on a white ground, with a deep blue band below. The blue Japanese characters include the words “ippin” and “tenka” – a typical slogan meaning something like “top quality, the best under heaven”, combined with the brand name for these tabi.

The enamel surface is heavily weathered: rust spots, chips and scratches show that the sign hung outside for many years. These traces of use give it a pronounced wabi-sabi presence. Despite the wear, the graphic design remains strong: the large red numeral, circular composition and rhythm of Japanese lettering turn this piece into a bold, almost abstract statement in today’s interior.

In solid but heavily worn vintage condition, with visible rust, loss of enamel, edge damage and crazing in the glaze. Fully suitable as a decorative object – a tough, graphic accent for anyone who loves authentic Japanese advertising and mid-century industrial design.