Antique Japanese Meiji Lawyer Law Office Kanban Nakamura Carved Keyaki Lacquer 32"L

Japanese kanban (看板) — carved and gold-lacquered keyaki signboard for the Nakamura Legal Affairs Office (中村法津事務所)

Antique Japanese Meiji Era, late 19th–early 20th century

A professional office kanban of considerable presence, carved in keyaki (Zelkova serrata) and finished with gold lacquer on a deep dark ground. The central and dominant text reads 中村法津事務所 (Nakamura Hōritsu Jimusho — Nakamura Legal Affairs Office), with 中村 (Nakamura) rendered in large bold characters occupying the primary register. The flanking smaller text identifies the practice areas: 民事 (minji — civil matters) and 商辯護 (shō bengo — commercial litigation and advocacy), with additional characters indicating specialist public practice. The Meiji period saw the formal establishment of Japan's modern legal system under Western influence, and professional office kanban of this type — carved keyaki with gold lacquer, commanding in scale — were the standard mark of a licensed attorney's establishment.

The keyaki ground has developed a rich dark patina consistent with extended outdoor display. Carving is deep and confident, the gold lacquer retaining strong presence throughout.

• Type: Kanban (看板) — professional office signboard
• Inscription: 中村法律事務所 (Nakamura Hōritsu Jimusho — Nakamura Legal Affairs Office); civil and commercial practice specializations
• Construction: Carved keyaki with gold lacquer on dark ground
• Dimensions: Approx. 32" L × 18" H (81 × 46 cm)
• Period: Meiji, late 19th–early 20th century

Condition: Very Good