{"product_id":"shiga-prefecture","title":"Misugie Paper Store, Hikifuda Japanese Ad","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Meiji-era hikifuda was created as an advertising handbill for Misugie Store, a paper and stationery merchant with locations in Shiga Prefecture near Lake Biwa. Hikifuda were a uniquely Japanese form of commercial advertising, distributed by merchants to customers as both promotional material and decorative gifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe design features a pair of \u003cem\u003eshishi\u003c\/em\u003e, traditional guardian lions associated with protection and good fortune, surrounded by colorful peonies. The pairing is particularly auspicious, as peonies symbolize wealth, prosperity, and honor in East Asian culture. Together, the lions and flowers created an image of protection and prosperity well suited to a merchant wishing success for both his business and customers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe central calligraphy advertises Misugie Store's selection of paper, account books, and stationery supplies. These were increasingly important goods during the Meiji period as literacy, education, modern business practices, and record keeping expanded throughout Japan. Shiga Prefecture itself had a long commercial history, with nearby Ōtsu serving as an important stop along the historic Tōkaidō route connecting Kyoto and Edo, present-day Tokyo.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe piece reflects the fascinating transformation of Japanese commerce during the Meiji period (1868–1912). As Japan rapidly modernized and adopted new approaches to business and advertising, merchants continued to rely on familiar artistic traditions and symbols to appeal to their customers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOriginally created as everyday commercial material rather than fine art, this hikifuda transforms an advertisement for something as practical as paper and stationery into a colorful decorative print and a wonderful record of regional commerce in Meiji-era Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14.5\" x 9.75\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good to Very Good, Age-appropriate wear. Paper toning in accordance with the print's age. Marks\/stains as per photo. Wear around the edges and minor paper loss might be present in some prints. Please refer to each print's image to get a better understanding of the condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Authentic Vintage Posters","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45234616336499,"sku":"AP8284","price":131.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0088\/3005\/8556\/files\/edited_1e6fd77c-971a-4006-a68c-fb039a0ac1a9.jpg?v=1784922020","url":"https:\/\/www.authenticvintageposters.com\/en-nl\/products\/shiga-prefecture","provider":"Authentic Vintage Posters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}