Japanese Double-Sided Enamel Sign “Shio Tabako”, 1950s

Dimensions: height 91 cm, width 30 cm, depth 0.1 cm.

At the top you see the kanji character 塩 (shio) in white, meaning “salt”. On the red field below, the large hiragana letters たばこ (tabako) spell “tobacco”. Together they form the classic indication “shio tabako” – a traditional type of neighbourhood shop where salt and cigarettes were sold.

The sign has the same print on both sides and shows attractive signs of age: rust along the edges, small chips around the hanging holes and scratches in the enamel, all clearly visible in the photos. These details give the panel exactly the kind of lived-in look you expect from an authentically used advertising sign.

As a wall object this sign immediately adds a graphic, industrial accent to your interior. Hang it on its own as a statement piece, combine it with other enamel signs or use it as an eye-catching decorative element in a shop, bar or restaurant with a Japanese or vintage atmosphere.