Lot 264

A RARE 19C. SIGN FOR THE 'BRAIN-HEALING PILL' KENNOMARU

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A RARE 19C. SIGN FOR THE 'BRAIN-HEALING PILL' KENNOMARU

Estimate: $600 - $900

Starting Bid: $300

(0 Bids)

by Soulis Auctions
June 27, 2026 11:30 AM CDT
Live Auction
529 West Lone Jack-Lee’s Summit Rd
Lone Jack, MO, US 64070

The rare late 19th century Japanese carved wood advertising sign features a bald Buddhist monk-like man's head in profile with the words Kenno-marua in bas-relief and a lower panel with the incised words An Excellent Medicine for Brain Illnesses washed in green. Below that the lettering reads The Tanpei Company, Osaka, Tokyo.

Kenno-maru was first formulated and launched in 1896. Heavily marketed as a miraculous 'nervine' and brain panacea, it claimed to completely cure brain congestion, dizziness, nervous headaches, insomnia, memory loss and hysteria. The ingredients included gentian powder, rhubarb powder, aloe powder and, for good measure, a healthy dose of the sedative sodium bromide. In late 19th century Japan the entire country was industrializing at breakneck speed after two hundred years isolated from the Western world. Not unlike today, this contributed to a massive societal spike in stress, overwork, and exhaustion. The makers of Kenno-marua addressed this in their promotions: '' Therefore, after considering the pathology, the medicinal properties, and much deliberation, we have created 'Kenno-gan' (Brain-Healing Pill). We do not merely boast about its efficacy, but we hope that by taking this medicine, you will strengthen your body and be able to address Japan's urgent needs and contribute to the welfare of the nation and its people.Take one to two doses daily as a regular remedy to completely cure brain diseases and strengthen the body.''

Measures 35.75 x 7.5 inches.

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  • Provenance: The estate of John Adair Jr. (1942-2025), founder and proprietor of Kurofune Antiques in Tokyo (est. 1978), a world-renowned destination for Japanese basketry, prints and furniture featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal.
  • Dimensions: Measures 35.75 x 7.5 inches.
  • Medium: Advertising
  • Condition: Very good original untouched condition with wear and the effects of age as shown.

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Shipping

SHIPPING: After verifying that payment has been made and or all funds have cleared, Dirk Soulis Antiques LLC DBA Soulis Auctions will, as a courtesy to the client, undertake the packing and shipping of most purchases. Large items, Furniture, International Shipments and items deemed excessively fragile by Soulis Auctions may require special handling by a third party. Soulis Auctions will coordinate with the buyer's chosen shipper in these instances and will endeavor to provide as much assistance as possible. The cost for shipping handled in-house starts at $16 per box and or the actual cost of wood crate construction, in addition to the cost of insurance and postage or carrier charges. The cost of crates range by size; the majority fall into the range of $50 to $150.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $99,999 $2,000
$100,000 + $10,000