Edo furniture was created during a flourishing time for the decorative arts owing to the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate rule in Japan. Spanning from 1603 to 1867, this era of peace and economic growth supported artistic advancements in lacquer, woodblock printing, porcelain and other artisanal trades. Because the country was largely isolated, there was little outside influence, leading to centuries of exceptional attention to the design of its furnishings and the quality of its traditional arts.
Unlike during the Meiji period that followed, with an increase in domestic and international markets, furniture during the Edo period was predominately commissioned by the ruling class, although people from across social groups benefited from the burgeoning metropolitan hubs for artisanal trades. For instance, Kyoto became a major center for lacquer art. Most furniture pieces were made from wood such as cedar or ash, including the era’s sashimono cabinets, which involved fine joinery and were rooted in the Heian period.
Sashimono cabinets, which were built by master craftsmen in a range of different wood types owing to the various trees that populate Japan, occasionally featured a stack of slender drawers as well as sliding doors. They were popular with everyone from samurai to kabuki actors. Tansu storage chests crafted from wood with metal fittings were also common in Edo-period homes. Some were designed to be easily portable while others were made to double as staircases.
Painted folding screens, called byōbu, were also fashionable, with Japanese artists inspired by nature, literature and scenes of history and daily life to create vivid works. In Buddhist temples and the palatial homes of the aristocratic class, fusuma, or large sliding panels, would sometimes be adorned with gold or silver leaf. These dividers allowed interiors to change throughout the day, closing in small spaces for personal use or reflecting candlelight to illuminate communal spaces after dark.
Find a collection of Edo tables, lighting, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
19th Century Japanese Antique Low Display Stand with Drawers Okidoko-Style Tansu
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Antique "Okidoko"- wooden low display stand with drawer made of Keyaki & Japanese Red Pine (Akamatsu). Estimated to date from the late Edo to early Meiji period, circa 1850s–1880...
Wood, Hardwood, Cedar, Pine
Japanese Antique Edo Meiji Noh Theater Badger Racoon Dog Tanuki Mujina Mask
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic and exceptionally rare wood carved Japanese Kyogen Noh theatre Mujina mask of either a mythical badger (anaguma) or raccoon-dog (tanuki) - both creatures are known in Jap...
Wood
Antique Wooden Sculpture "Kobo Daishi" / Buddha Statues / Edo-Meiji Period
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese "Kobo Daishi" wooden figure. "Kobo Daishi" means "Kukai". "Kukai" was a monk from the early Heian period. His posthumous name was "Kobo Daishi". He is the fou...
Cypress
Antique Japanese Noh theatre Carved Painted Wooden Ko-Omote Mask
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique Japanese Noh theatre hand carved and painted wooden mask of Ko-Omote. Sculpted in Japan in the 19th century, Ko-omote (literally ...
Cypress, Paint
Japanese Seated Edo Buddha Amida Nyorai Wood Carved & Gilt-Lacquered Sculpture
Located in Studio City, CA
This truly a magnificent piece. Stunning. Beautiful. Supremely serene. Meticulously hand carved in such fine and amazing detail (see hands and flowing robes). Gilded throughout. Sea...
Lacquer, Wood
Japanese Antique Edo Hand Carved Wood Noh Theater Mask Otobide 17th-18th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A truly beautiful, wonderfully aged, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theater. The naturally faded beauty and unique character drew us to this mask immediately. The mask is handcrafted and hand-carved from natural wood, clearly by a master of his trade. We believe this mask is of the Noh theatre character Otobide. This mask dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1868). It comes with a wooden storage box (which may have been added at a later date). A rare, unique, and exquisite mask. Finely carved and executed. Would be a great addition to any Japanese or Asian art/artifacts collection or an eye-catching stand-alone accent piece in about any setting. Mask dimensions: 7.7" high, 5.7" wide, 2.1" deep...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Japanese Autique Vase, Pottery, Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
Ancient Japanese Ceramic Vessel: A Primordial Dialogue with Earth and Fire This monumental Japanese jar radiates an overwhelming presence that can only be cultivated by the passage ...
Pottery
Japanese Autique Vase, Pottery, Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique piece of Japanese pottery. It is a valuable item that is thought to have been made before the Edo period (1600s to 1860s). Its beautiful color and unique texture...
Pottery
Japanese Fish Shape Meditation Drum (Gyoban), Edo Period
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese Monk Meditation Fish Gong, Edo Period (Zen fish shaped drum, Gyoban) In the Zen Buddhist temples of Japan, suspended in front of the entrance to the refectory, you will not...
Wood
Edo Period Lion Mask, Hand-Carved Wood, Japan, Circa 1700-1730
Located in Pasadena, CA
This another superb example of an Edo Period early 18th century or earlier Lion Mask created for the Lion Dances of the Gion Matsuri Festival. The mask is i...
Wood
Japanese Folk Art Carved Gilt Wood Theater Facial Mask on Brass Base
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
2-342,Japanese Folk Art carved gilt wood mask on brass base.
Brass
Antique Mexican Demon Mask
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare antique Mexican Demon mask in wood, circa 1970. The mask makes a sound when moved.
Wood
Modern Creative Kokeshi Doll by Hideo Ishihara, Japan
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Rare Modern creative Kokeshi doll by Hideo Ishihara, Japan This rare whimsical sosaku kokeshi was created and signed by the award winning master, Hid...
Wood
Antique Mexican Diablo Mask
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare and very antique Mexican Diablo mask in wood, circa 1940. Great patina.
Wood
Antique Carved Wood Mask
Located in Vienna, AT
Carved Wood Mask, African Art
Hardwood
$2,800
H 10.25 in W 10.5 in D 7.5 in
Japanese Carved and Lacquered Wood Shogun, Edo Period, 19th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
An unusual Japanese carved wood, lacquer, and gilt decorated portrait sculpture of a shogun, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan. The unidentified shogun (possibly Tokugawa Iey...
Wood, Lacquer
European Antique Artifact Hand Carved Wooden Foot
Located in Malibu, CA
Antique rare & ancient artifact, a foot, wearing a sandal, the bottom of the foot has been carved with the sandals bottom as well.
Wood
19th Century Mortar and Pestle
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
19th century fruitwood mortar and pestle. Remnants of oxblood red and silver blue banded paint. Original pestle included. Origin: Eastern, United States Period: First half of the 19...
Fruitwood
11.5" Carved wooden eagle
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a beautifully carved eagle! The artisan took great notes to detail the character and the fluidity of the bird. Great piece for your office, living room or library.
Wood
19th Century Bone Shoe Horn with Button Hook
Located in High Point, NC
19th century English bone shoe horn and button hook most likely for high button shoes in the Victorian period. There is a monogram which appears to be the letters S H. Wonderful de...
Metal
Japanese Art Deco Sculpture Lioness and Gazelle
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-541 Japanese Art Deco Folk Art hand carved sculpture of a lioness and its gazelle prey.
Ebony
$1,950
H 18.25 in W 14.35 in D 7.25 in
Massive Wood Antique Japanese Noh Drama Mask in Wabi Sabi Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Extraordinary 19th Century hand carved wood mask believed to have once been a dramatic Noh Drama piece likely representing a giant or demon. The mask with expressive grimacing face ...
Wood
Japanese Antique Wooden Daruma, Late Edo Era '1603-1868', Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique daruma was crafted in the Late Edo Era (1603-1868). Made of wood, it exudes a simple yet unique charm that reflects the cultural essence of its time. The natural textu...
Wood
Sold
H 5.91 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Antique Wooden Sculpture of Japanese God / Buddha Statues / Edo-Meiji Period
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a god that has existed since ancient times in Japan. The name is "Daikokuten" . What is Daikoku? Originally a synonym for the Hindu god Shiva. However, in Japan, it was incorp...
Cypress
Sold
H 5.91 in W 9.85 in D 9.65 in
Japanese Antique Wooden Lion Mask Engraving Edo Period/1750-1868/Shrine Festival
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese "si-si" mask made in the middle to late Edo period. (Japanese ``si-si'' is an imaginary animal that deifies a lion.) It is thought that materials such...
Wood
Sold
H 8.5 in W 3 in D 5.5 in
Japanese Noh Mask Depicting Zou-Onna Representing a Female Deity Edo Period, 19t
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Japanese Noh Mask was crafted at early Edo period. The Japanese Noh Mask depicting Zou-onna that you are considering is an excellent example of a mas...
Wood
Sold
H 6.7 in W 85.44 in D 20.87 in
Japanese Antique Huge Wooden Bowl 1800s-1860s / Wabi Sabi Object Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese wooden manger. It is from the Edo period (1800s-1860s). The material is cedar wood. This manger is made only in some areas in the Tohoku region of Japan. ...
Cedar
Sold
H 24.41 in W 8.08 in D 7.49 in
Japanese Antique Natural Wood Candle Stand 1800s-1860s/Mingei Wabisabi Decor
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This candelabra is made of very old Japanese natural wood. This is a rare item from the Edo period (1800s-1860s). This was a time when poverty was still intense in Japan. It was made...
Wood
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H 6.11 in W 5.12 in D 2.56 in
Japanese Antique Doll Object 1800s-1860s/Edo Period Mingei Wabisabi Figurine
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese doll object. It is an item from the Edo period (1800s-1860s). Originally clothed, it is now naked. Very rare item. It is small but very divine. It we...
Steel
Sold
H 14.97 in W 14.18 in D 8.08 in
Japanese Antique God's House "Zushi" 1860s-1900s/Mingei Wabi Sabi Object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a very old Buddha house in Japan. It is called "zushi" in Japanese. "House of God, place where God returns" It is an item from the Edo period. (1...
Cedar
Sold
H 9.45 in W 10.04 in D 6.7 in
Japanese Antique Buddha Shrine 'Zushi' 1800s-1860s / Object mingei Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a very old Buddhist shrine in Japan. It is called "ZUSHI" in Japanese. "God's house, place to return" It's usually made of wood, but it's ma...
Stone
Edo Period Burl Wood Candlestick, Japan
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Edo Period burl wood candlestick, Japan A beautiful naturally twisted root or vine wood candlestick set in an octagonal base and having a rectangular iron...
Wood
Sold
H 4.34 in W 6.3 in D 8.27 in
Japanese Antique Wood Carving Lion Head 1800s-1860s/Folk Art mingei wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is an old Japanese lion head. It is an item from the Edo period. It is an item by the culture of the Tohoku region of Japan. Since ancient times, the...
Cedar
Sold
H 27.96 in W 26.78 in L 27.96 in
Japanese Antique Super Huge Daruma 1800s-1900s /Folk Art Figurine Object mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is an old super huge Daruma doll in Japan. It is an item from the Edo period (1800s-1900s). I've never seen such a huge Daruma doll for the first time in my life. You will ne...
Wood