In the late 19th and early 20th century, France developed an enduring passion for Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. Not only did this interpretation of Japanese culture — which became known as Japonisme — infuse fresh energy into French art and design, but it also radically transformed how Europeans, and subsequently the world, would come to understand visual culture.
Until 1853, Japan had been closely guarded against foreign visitors for over two centuries. However, American Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed into Japan that year and initiated the first of its treaties with the United States and Europe, thereby opening its borders and giving the West its first-ever look at Japanese design.
For the next few decades, taken with Japonisme, sophisticated collectors in Paris, New York and elsewhere gorged themselves on lacquered screens, celadon ceramics and netsuke ornaments, along with artworks depicting various aspects of Japanese life. The East Asian country’s influence on Europe, particularly France, contributed to one of the most creatively prosperous periods in history, leaving an imprint on the Impressionist, Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, and inspiring artists like Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, Vincent van Gogh as well as luxury houses such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès. Japonisme emerged at the time when the ornate Renaissance Revival style was the most prominent mode of decorating in Europe, and Japanese aesthetics seemed strikingly modern and elegant in comparison.
In addition to everyday practical objects from Japan, such as vases, tableware and decorative boxes, Japanese art, especially Japanese woodblock prints by masters of the ukiyo-e school, caught the eye of many artists — particularly those in the Art Nouveau poster community in 1880s Paris. The luscious organic colors associated with traditional Japanese design, motifs like cherry blossoms and carp and the vivid patterns found in woodblock prints, silks and more were adopted and appropriated by painters as well as ceramicists and those working in other fields of the decorative arts. Today, demand for Japanese lacquerware — furniture, trays, writing boxes, screens, incense burners — from the Edo period (1615–1868) and the late 19th century continues to be very strong among collectors.
Find a collection of antique Japonisme furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Antique 19th Century Bamboo Lacquered Display Stand, Perret And Vibert, France
Located in London, GB
Antique 19th Century Bamboo Lacquered Display Stand, Perret And Vibert, France. C.1880 In very good condition commensurate of age.
Bamboo
Antique Japanese Bronze Bonsai Planter
Located in Bradenton, FL
Fine Bronze from Japan with great weight and strength. Large form for Bonsai presentation. Elegant style and beautiful patina. Incised decoration on the front and bronze elephant hea...
Bronze
Early 20th Century kimono textile art " Rising Sun ~ Renewal ~ " by ikasu Japan
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Certified Kimono Meister work / Certificate of Authenticity included. One-of-a-kind Japanese textile art made from vintage kimono fabrics. Sustainable artwork for modern interiors, ...
Gold Leaf
$12,837
Japanese dining table
Located in Paris, FR
Takanobu Kuramata (1973) Important dining table, 2022, with a rectangular top with rounded edges, carved from rubberwood and mounted on an ovoid Japanese beech trunk. Unique piece,...
Wood
Pot and Wood Abstract Sculpture Contemporary Zen Japonism Style
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
This series of ceramics are unique work by Norihiko Terayama. This is one of series of practicing relationships with function and decoration. Arti...
Ceramic
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary Japanese stoneware ceramic vase by Hiroaki Taimei Morino
By Hiroaki Taimei Morino
Located in Uccle, BE
Morino Taimei (1934), also known as Taimei Hiroaki, draws from his traditional heritage and infuses it with a modern spirit. His father, a respected potter, sent him to study ceramic...
Stoneware
Antique Japanese Bamboo Morikago Basket with Chikon Handle Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese woven bamboo basket with handle circa late 19th century of the end of Meiji period. The basket was constructed in the form of a morikago. a shallow and open basket with ha...
Bamboo, Rattan
Isamu Noguchi 1st Edition Table table. Model 22n. Made in Gifu. Washi & Bambo
Located in London, GB
Original shade in washi & bamboo rims Structure in black lacquered metal Hand-made form realized by Ozeki Company, Gifu, Japan Series started in 1951 Height: 43 1/2 / Diameter : ...
Bamboo
$2,427Sale Price|35% Off
Japanese Indigo Boro Futon Cover, Antique Textile Wall Panel, 1930
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Rare perfect antique collection Japanese Indigo Boro Futon cover : also to use. The rare antique boros are now valued as pieces of art, therefore they are...
Cotton
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and character. The cabinet...
Iron
Satsuma ceramic lobed bowl, signed Juzan under the base
Located in Milano, IT
Satsuma ceramic lobed bowl adorned with raised enamels and fine gold details, depicting a vibrant landscape within. Characters and traditional Japanese home...
Ceramic
Rare Japanese Export Marquetry Cabinet with Drawers on Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A piece of functional art made in Shizuoka for export to the western market, this Japanese chest with drawers on stand, circa 1900s features intricate marquetry work using a traditio...
Brass
Japanese Bronze Goose Koros, Late 19th Century, Japonisme Style, Japan
Located in Downingtown, PA
Symbolic Elegance: A Pair of Japanese Bronze Goose Koros, Late 19th Century This captivating pair of Japanese bronze koros, or censers, from the late 19th century, embodies the exqu...
Metal
$330Sale Price|21% Off
Early 20th Century Japanese Silk Obi Accent Pillow
Located in New York, NY
A knife-edge rectangular accent pillow, made out of an Early 20th century Japanese Silk Obi. The Obi is the long sash that wraps around a k...
Brocade, Silk
Pair of Large French Japonisme Double Elephant Porcelain Vases in St of E.Liever
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent pair of Large French Japonisme porcelain vases in the style of Édouard Lièvre, dating to the final decades of the 19th century. These exceptional vases captivate with t...
Porcelain
Exceptional Dominic & Haff Japonisme Sterling Cabinet Vase Dragonfly & Cobwebs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exceptional Dominic & Haff Japonisme Sterling Cabinet Vase—Dragonfly & Cobwebs This exquisite Dominic & Haff sterling silver cabinet vase is a rare and finely detailed example of Ja...
Sterling Silver
$1,998Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair of Vintage Japonesque Faux Lacquer Painted Glass
Located in Lomita, CA
A pair of vintage Japonesque faux lacquer painted glass table lamps mid to third-quarter of the 20th Century and stunning. Of circular section and baluster form, with flared tops, st...
Gold Leaf
Large Japanese Celadon Blue-and-White Charger with Landscape and Calligraphy
Located in Lomita, CA
This is an impressive Pan-Asian 16-inch charger that combines the soft luminosity of celadon glaze with a classic blue-and-white landscape rendered in the tradition of East Asian lit...
Ceramic, Celadon
Small Round Vase with dot painting by Scarlet Pottery
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a vase made by the Japanese ceramic artist unit "Scarlet Pottery." It is a piece of pottery made using Amakusa pottery stone. Amakusa pottery stone is famous as the raw mater...
Porcelain
Zabihi Collection Round Vintage Hungarian Embroidery Textile
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind colorful hand-embroidered Hungarian textile from the late 20th century Measures: 33” x 34”.
Wool, Cotton
Japanese Silk Obi Bolster Pillow, Floral Brocade, 1920s
Located in New York, NY
A knife-edge rectangular bolster pillow, made out of an Early 20th century Japanese Silk Obi. The Obi is the long sash that wraps around a ...
Silk, Brocade
Japanese Edo Period Dragon God Ningyô, Ca. 1820
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Edo Period Dragon God Ningyô, Ca. 1820 DIMENSIONS Height: 26 inches over all Minor wear in textiles. Fine antique condition ABOUT Musha-Ningyô (warr...
Wood
$880 / set
Two Japanese Mother of Pearl Wood Dishes
Located in Brea, CA
Two Japanese mother of pearl wood dishes, very beautiful pieces. Measures: Large one H 2” x L 13.5” x W 10”.
Lacquer
$780Sale Price|35% Off
Glass Wearing Ceramic Vase 03 Contemporary Zen Japonism Style
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Antique broken ceramic Japanese sake bup repaired with glass. Broken chips are welded by glass. This work is study for relationship between object and decoration. Subject is Destru...
Ceramic, Glass
Dinner plate for L'Escalier de Cristal, 19th "Grands Oiseaux"
By L'Escalier de Cristal, Choisy-le-Roi
Located in Paris, FR
Presenting the "Grands Oiseaux" plates, an exquisite piece from the renowned Escalier de Cristal, the definitive tableware store of the 19th century. This hand-painted plate delicat...
Ceramic
Antique 19th Century Japanese Imari Scalloped Plate
Located in Pearland, TX
Wonderful 19th century antique Imari plate with scalloped edge. Featuring vibrant oranges, blues, and green.
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Tripod Brass and Folding Shade Floor Lamp in Japanese Style
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Tripod Brass and Folding Shade Floor Lamp in Japanese Style This table lamp is executed in brass and Fabric. It comes with two E27 / E26 Edison screw fit bulb soc...
Brass, Metal
Chinese Art Deco Famille-Rose Vase with Flower and Dragon Motif, Ca. 1920
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Art Deco Famille-Rose Vase with Flower and Dragon Motif, Ca. 1920 DIMENSIONS Height: 24 inches Diameter: 10 inches
Porcelain
$440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Moss Green Floral Trompe L’Oeil Handprinted Linen, Schumacher, Kent Garden, 1971
By Schumacher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Moss green floral Trompe L’Oeil hand printed Linen, Schumacher, Kent Gardens, 1971. English country through the lens of Japonisme chic and an intriguing 1970s moss green color way. T...
Textile, Linen
Large Japanese Style Hand-folded White Paper Pendant Light "Amaea", Sonobe Light
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This Japanese style white paper pendant Lighting "Amaea" is hand-folded from almost 70 sheets of paper. The Amaea lamp is designed and artisanally produced by Charlotte Brandt for So...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Black Lacquer Ebonized and Inlaid Wood Organic End Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of black lacquer ebonized and inlaid wood organic end tables. Also great as nightstands.
Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood
Fine Japanese Lacquered Inro by Yutokusai
Located in Atlanta, GA
A four-case lacquered Japanese inro by Yutokusai (Gyokkei), a lacquer artist active from 1845-1900 (end of Edo to Meiji period). The slightly round inro features a very intricate design with three unfolded fans on the front and two on the back: each reveals a vignette landscape scenery, likely real places in Japan. Using a combination of hiramaki-e and slight takamaki-e, the artist deftly created the pictures with fine details, rendering the inro as a miniature artwork...
Wood, Lacquer
$1,202Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Oval Side Table, Japanese, Ebonised Elm, Lamp, Wine, Victorian, Meiji
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique oval side table. A Japanese, ebonised elm lamp or wine stand, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Compact and full of charm, this petite table present...
Elm
$1,101Sale Price / item|20% Off
KITA LIVING Frame Table - Elliptical
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
Defined by the sculptural woodwork, Frame Table Elliptical is an expression of a gentle geometry. With the idea of creating a versatile table, it has a utilitarian perspective by of...
Oak
Large Mid century ceramic table lamp with Imari inspired motif.
Located in Herentals, BE
The lamp base has an attractive Imari-inspired floral pattern and is mounted on a brass base. The table lamp has a professionally handmade custom lampshade made of coarsely woven vel...
Brass
Japanese Showa Vintage Wooden Geta-Foot Sculpture
Located in Chiba, JP
Anonymous vintage wooden sculpture of a right foot wearing geta (Japanese wooden sandal), Showa period, 20th century, Japan, approx. H 25cm (9.84in), thinly with varnish-like coating...
Wood
Japanese Maki Style Black Lacquer Effect Resin Two Trays Gold Painted Cranes
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly invite you to read the full description, as we aim to provide detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our pieces. Unusual and refined pa...
Resin
Dinner plate L'Escalier de Cristal, 19th "Grands Oiseaux"
By Choisy-le-Roi, L'Escalier de Cristal
Located in Paris, FR
Presenting the "Grands Oiseaux" plates, an exquisite piece from the renowned Escalier de Cristal, the definitive tableware store of the 19th century. This hand-painted plate delicat...
Ceramic
Antique kimono textile art " Kobachi ~Coral Collection~ II" by ikasu Japan
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Certified Kimono Meister work / Certificate of Authenticity included. One-of-a-kind Japanese textile art made from vintage kimono fabrics. Sustainable artwork for modern interiors, ...
Silk, Wood, Fabric, Textile, String, Thread, Yarn, Reclaimed Wood
19th century Japanese Wood Carving Temple Shrine Sea Breams and Wave Decoration
Located in Chiba, JP
SEA BREAMS AND WAVES – Wood carving decoration with the remains of original bule paint as the actual fragment of a certain Japanese temple/shrine construction, Edo-Meiji period, 19th...
Wood
French Gilt Bronze Bamboo Form Liqueur Set With 16 Glasses, Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
A Cave a Liqueur in the Japonisme Manner Constructed of gilt bronze and glass, frosted and engraved; of lidded and lockable circular form, the glass cage enclosed in a 'bamboo' fram...
Ormolu
A KPM Hand-Painted Porcelain Plaque of a Japonism Beauty, Signed Wagner
By KPM Porcelain, Wagner
Located in New York, NY
A Gorgeous 19th Century KPM Hand-Painted Porcelain Plaque of a Japonism Beauty, Signed by the Artist Wagner Wien .n C. Kiesel. The beauty is seen in a beautiful orange and white kimono...
Porcelain
$1,276
Heals Antique Side Table
Located in Glasgow, GB
A beautiful side table in Walnut by the English Cabinet Makers ' Heals' of London. Heals was formed in 1810 an produced and continues to produce furniture of the highest standard. Th...
Walnut
Large Meiji Imari Charger with Famille Noir Fan Motifs, Japan, 19th Century
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This magnificent large Japanese charger dates to the Meiji period (1868–1912) and is a striking example of Imari ware executed in a rare famille...
Enamel
Vintage Japanese Ceremonial Kimono Gold Brocade with Flying Cranes
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A vintage Mid-Century ivory color silk brocade collectable Japanese ceremonial kimono. One of a kind hand crafted. Fabulous museum quality ceremonial piece in pure silk with intricat...
Silk
Gojunoto Japanese Metal Pagoda
Located in Vienna, AT
Five-story Japanese pagoda "Gojūnotō" made of painted patinated metal.
Copper, Iron
Midcentury Japanese rope and bamboo low bench, handwoven, 1970
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Beautiful unique low Japanese rope and bamboo sofa, sold at Conran shop in the 1980s, with the back even more beautiful then the front. Conran is a high end shop. About themselves t...
Steel
Pair of Large Powder-Blue Gilt-Decorated Jars, Japon 1840 .
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Large 19' century powder-blue gilt-decorated jars. Each gold painted with a composite floral patterns, all against a powder blue ground enriched in gilt with scattered flower...
Porcelain
1970s-80s Japanese Vintage Modern Sosaku Kokeshi Wooden Doll
Located in Chiba, JP
Rare find of refined vintage modern kokeshi simplified wooden doll titled as ‘Hajirai’ (lit. ‘Shyness’) made by a kokeshi artist, Kenichi Murakami (1929-1991), c.1970-80s, categorize...
Wood
Rare Vintage Lime Green Japanese Dragonware Moriage Ceramic Plate
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A very rare lime green moriage dragonware plate. Created of porcelain, this piece is created with a raised enamel design of a dragon in pearly white...
Enamel
Mid 20th Century Low Asian Red Lacquer Coffee Table
Located in Elkton, MD
A low coffee table with a red lacquer finish featuring a repeating pattern beneath the surface. The smooth lacquered top displays an intricate, whorled design that covers the entire ...
Lacquer
19th Century Imari Porcelain Lidded Bowl Jewelry Box
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine and rare lidded and hinged Imari bowl with ormolu fittings, set atop three ornamented feet. Perfect for jewelry, trinkets, or sweets.
Ceramic
Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen Japanese paper wall sculpture1
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: On the line no.1 Wall sculpture made of Japanese paper named "Washi" and brass pole. Paper object has copied from flagstone installed in a Japanese garden. Stone shaped light p...
Brass
Fine Japanese Lacquered Inro with Inlays by Kajikawa
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese four-case lacquer inro by a member of Kajikawa family circa 19th century (late Edo to early Meiji period). It depicts a nocturnal scenery of a meandering stream surrounded by bush clovers, where a full moon is reflected on the water. It was masterfully decorated in gold and silver maki-e using a combination of techniques including takamakie, togidashi and kirigane as well as aogai (abalone shell) inlays. The stream was set between the slightly elevated banks, adding to this piece a already strong three-dimensional composition. The interior was decorated in gold nashiji. It was signed on the bottom "Kajikawa Zou" (made by Kajikawa and a pot seal centered with "Ei" in Kanji. In one of the compartment, there is a katakana mark, appears to be a name, possibly the owner. Kajikawa clan was one of the most famous lacquer artisanal family established in the 17th century. Many well known members over the generations produced lacquer art in a wide range of formats, but two third were signed only with the family name such as this one. It is therefore not possible to pinpoint the exact author of this piece. Provenance: This inro was purchased as lot 349 in Christie's New York sale Japanese...
Shell, Wood, Lacquer
Aube Side Table in Cherry Wood - Handcrafted in Canada - Le Tenon & la Mortaise
Located in Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, CA
Handcrafted Solid Wood Side Table – Scandinavian Japandi Design Elevate your space with the Aube side table, a versatile and thoughtfully crafted piece that seamlessly blends modern...
Wood, Cherry
Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen Japanese paper wall sculpture2
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: On the line no.2 Wall sculpture made of Japanese paper named "Washi" and brass pole. Paper object has copied from flagstone installed in a Japanese garden. Stone shaped light p...
Brass
Framed Japanese Embroidery Textile Panel Rootsters
Located in Atlanta, GA
A matted and framed Japanese silk panel with elaborate embroidery circa late Meiji to Taisho period (1910-30s). On a bright background, two rooster...
Silk, Wood
Antique kimono textile art "Geometry ~Kintsugi~" by ikasu Japan
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Certified Kimono Meister work / Certificate of Authenticity included. One-of-a-kind Japanese textile art made from vintage kimono fabrics. Sustainable artwork for modern interiors, ...
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century Japanese Silk Obi Accent Pillow
Located in New York, NY
A knife-edge rectangular accent pillow, made out of an Early 20th century Japanese Silk Obi. The Obi is the long sash that wraps around a k...
Silk
Aritaware Porcelain Vase, Fukagawa, Japan, 20th Century
By Fukagawa
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Aritaware porcelain vase, Fukagawa, Japan, 20th century. Octagonal shaped vase. Graphic wrapped tassel design in gold and deep red on white ground.
Porcelain