A tall, narrow black wooden sign with green Chinese characters, leaning against a white wall next to a potted green plant and two small ceramic pots.
A tall, narrow black wooden sign with green Japanese characters leans against a white wall in a corner, next to a potted green plant and two small ceramic pots.
A tall, narrow black wooden sign with green Japanese characters leaning against a white wall in a styled room setting, next to a small potted plant and a rustic wooden table.
A dark wooden vertical sign with green Japanese characters, leaning against a plain white wall.
A vertical black wooden sign with green Japanese calligraphy characters, styled next to a potted monstera plant and two small ceramic pots against a plain white wall.
A black rectangular decorative sign featuring large green Japanese calligraphy characters, styled next to a potted green plant in a black ceramic pot.
A close-up of a dark wooden sign featuring a large hand-painted green Japanese character, with smaller green characters at the lower left, set against a light gray wall.
A dark wooden plaque featuring a large green Chinese character painted on it, photographed against a plain light background.
A close-up of a glossy green painted wooden character or calligraphy piece against a dark black background.
Close-up of a black wooden sign with green painted Chinese characters, partially framed by green variegated houseplant leaves against a light gray background.
A close-up of a green painted wooden surface with bold, stylized characters or markings against a dark background.
A close-up of a hand-painted green Japanese kanji character on a dark wooden background.
A tall, rustic rectangular wooden board with visible grain and knots, leaning against a plain white wall in a corner with a small potted plant and two small vases on the floor.
A close-up of a dark brown wood panel with prominent grain texture and two small black metal hooks mounted on it.

Vintage Japanese Keyaki Wood Kampo Pharmacy Kanban Sign with Carved Kanji

£220.00
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SKU: ITEM-3181
Availability : In Stock In Stock Out of stock
Categories: Decorative, New Stock, Signage, Stock
Description
A striking piece of Japanese medical history, this vintage vertical wooden shop sign (Kanban) makes a powerful artistic statement. Handcrafted from solid native Zelkova wood, the sign features prominent, deeply carved kanji characters finished in a vibrant jade-green lacquer. The inscription proudly displays "Kampoyaku", denoting traditional herbal medicine. To the lower left, smaller carved katakana and kanji identify the specific establishment as the historic "Senrima Pharmacy".
For centuries, Kampo—Japan’s traditional herbal medicine system adapted from ancient Chinese practices—was the bedrock of healthcare. Apothecaries used these robust wooden signs to signal their expertise in raw roots, dried plants, and therapeutic blends. This particular sign hails from the famous Senrima Pharmacy, a historic drugstore institution rooted in Nagoya. Its name translates to "Thousand-Li Horse," a legendary winged creature from East Asian mythology capable of travelling immense distances without fatigue.
With its rich patina and deep historical roots, this incredible sign provides the perfect organic focal point for a modern interior. It is an exceptional choice for anchoring a Japandi or Wabi-Sabi living room, or serving as a conversation starter in a minimalist entryway.

The dimensions are as follows: H: 149.5cm - W: 3cm - L: 48.5cm 

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