Rare Japanese Pre-War Insurance Company Sign – Minato-Ei Life Insurance Mutual Company (c.1920–1940)
Key design highlights…
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Gilded Minato-Ei (湊榮) company emblem over deep black lacquer
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Hand-painted pre-war Japanese calligraphy in exquisite detail
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Authentic Taishō–early Shōwa period signage (circa 1920–1940)
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Solid timber board with original natural wood finish to the reverse
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Dimensions: 89.5 × 14.5 × 2 cm
A striking and rare survivor from pre-war Japan, this tall hand-painted wooden sign once advertised the Minato-Ei Life Insurance Mutual Company (湊榮生命保險相互會社)—a regional life insurer active during the Taishō and early Shōwa eras (circa 1920–1940). The vertical characters read “Minato-Ei Life Insurance Mutual Company – Agency", indicating it originally hung outside a licensed insurance agent’s office.
Rendered in luminous gilt paint against a deep black ground, the calligraphy is a work of art in itself: beautifully formed strokes, careful brushwork, and classical pre-war kanji forms such as 保險, 會社, and 榮, all of which were replaced with simplified forms after 1946. This alone helps confirm the age of the piece.
The emblem at the top—an elegant, circular design incorporating the old-style character 生—was commonly used by Japanese life insurers prior to WWII. Hand gilded, it provides a bold, decorative crest to the composition.
Crafted on a substantial timber panel, the sign retains its original natural wood colour to the reverse and its black lacquered front surface. The gold lettering has aged gracefully, giving the entire piece a deeply atmospheric presence.
A captivating example of early 20th-century Japanese commercial art (発見美術 / “hakken bijutsu”—discovered art), and almost certainly a one-of-a-kind survivor.
Perfect for collectors of Japanese antiques, interior designers seeking statement wall art, or anyone drawn to authentic historical signage.
Period: Circa 1920–1940 (Taishō–early Shōwa era)
Material: Wood. gilt and paint
Approximate Dimensions:
89.5cm high
14.5cm wide
2cm deep
Condition: As you can imagine, our products have had a life before we got them, been used and cherished by many others before we received them. Therefore, you will see signs of ageing, natural wear, fading & marks which create their unique look. Overall the condition is good and the condition is commensurate with its age. Unless specified ornaments or props shown are not included.
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One last thing! Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
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