Sign possibly indicating a herbalist, China, 1901-1950
Before numbered street buildings became commonplace, houses and commercial properties in many cultures were known by their name or by the signs hanging over them. For example, businesses advertised their products could be bought at ‘the sign of the dragon’ in a particular street. This Chinese sign is in the form of a bunch of coloured feathers and reeds. It possibly indicates a herbalist shop. It is made of peacock feathers, dried barley stalks and reeds.
Object number:
A645082
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: shop sign
Use broadly for signs identifying places of business.
Glossary: Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical tradition originating in China, but now used worldwide. Treatments include herbal medicine, massage and acupuncture, which are combined to create a therapy tailored to the patient.