Sign possibly indicating a herbalist, China, 1901-1950

Sign, in the form of a bunch of feathers and reeds, possibly indicating a herbalist, Chinese

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.