This wooden shop sign or Kanban was for the famous sake “Fukumusume", roughly translated as "Many charms”. The kanban must date after 1900, because Fukumusume was first produced in 1900.
The name comes from the Otafuku character in comic Kyogen theater performed in the interval of Noh dramas. Lady Otafuku was derived from the Shinto godess of mirth and she came to represent good luck. As well as the kanji for fukumusume, the sign also has lots of pictures of different coins on it as another sign of good fortune.
The kanban is in good condition and has a strong presence, a striking decorative piece.
Approximately 51cm wide, 56cm high and 5cm thick