Japanese Wooden Signboard, Kanban – Tea Ceremony, 1930s

This authentic Japanese wooden signboard is hand-painted with bold black calligraphy and has developed a beautiful, warm patina over the years. It is a classic kanban: a signboard that was traditionally displayed on or near a shop, studio, or school to be instantly recognizable from a distance.

Dimensions: height 75 cm, width 16 cm, depth 3 cm.

The text refers to Japanese tea culture. It includes “Dai Nippon” (大日本, “Great Japan”), “Sadō gakkai” (茶道學會, “tea ceremony association”), and, in large characters in the center, “Sadō kyōju” (茶道教授, “tea ceremony instructor/teacher”). At the bottom is the name 北智仙, likely read as Kita Chisen (name readings can vary), and the carved seal in the upper right repeats the same reference to the tea ceremony association and the name.

Today, this makes a striking interior piece: mounted cleanly on the wall, casually leaning in a corner, or used as a statement object in a shop, gallery, Japanese tea space, or restaurant. It is also highly appealing to lovers of Japanese calligraphy, kanban collectors, and anyone with an eye for graphic design.

In very good condition, with light signs of age and use that only enhance its character and authenticity.