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.
French Aesthetic Movement Japonisme Burnt Bamboo & Black Lacquer Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Aesthetic Movement Japonisme Burnt Bamboo & Black Lacquer Side Table An exceptional French Aesthetic Movement bamboo side table or occasional table, executed in the Japon...
Brass
Aube Side Table in Black Walnut - 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, Walnut
$1,201Sale 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
$1,275
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
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 bamboo basket table
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Bamboo Basket Table "Like an Elephant" Side table created with antique bamboo basket and glass. Bamboo basket is Japanese folk tool which ...
Copper
19th Century French Japonisme Bamboo Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Japonisme Aesthetic Movement side table. Sturdy bamboo frame with open work bamboo stretcher and slightly curved root end feet. Top is made from a Japanese marq...
Bamboo, Rosewood, Lacquer
Table Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen Japanese Mingei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Table designed by Ryosuke Harashima. This work is made of antique Japanese basket, coper and glass. Artist create new style table by combinin...
Copper
Aube Side Table in Red Oak - 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, Oak
$3,267Sale Price|20% Off
Swivel Bookcase Table with Marble Top by Gabriel Viardot, Japonism, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Rare pedestal table / bookcase in Japanese / Chinese / Asian style, richly carved. With red marble top, swivel shelves and tripod base carved with dragon / demon heads and clawed le...
Marble
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Swivel Bookcase Table with Carved Top by Gabriel Viardot, Japonism, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Rare pedestal table / bookcase in Japanese / Chinese / Asian style. Richly carved : top decorated with a dragon, openwork swivel shelves and tripod base carved with clawed legs. Ar...
Wood
19th Century French Ebonised Table in the Japonisme Style attributed to Viardot
Located in London, GB
An Exquisite Ebonised Table In the Japonisme Manner Attributed to G. Viardot Designed in the exotic style associated with the French 'japonisme' movement and the English Aesthetic m...
Wood, Boxwood
$2,333Sale Price|20% Off
Pedestal Table in Carved Wood and Lacquered Panels, Japonisme France, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb pedestal table / gueridon / side table in carved wood whose feet end in hooves. Presence of 2 lacquered Asian-inspired trays with animal and plant scenes: birds, insects, flowers... In excellent condition, restored. Art Nouveau Japonism, France, around 1880-1890. Attributed to the Maison des Bambous / Alfred Perret and Ernest Vibert. Founded in 1879 in Paris, the Maison des Bambous specializes in the production of bamboo furniture, luxury basketry, the importation of authentically Japanese...
Wood
Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen bamboo basket table2
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Bamboo Basket Table "Scoop, day after day" Side table created with antique bamboo basket and glass. Bamboo basket is Japanese folk tool which age is around 80-100 years old. T...
Copper
Charred Cedar Side Table or Stool, Contemporary Yakisugi Technique
Located in Brescia, Brescia
This minimalist side table or stool is carved from solid cedar and finished using the ancient Yakisugi technique, a traditional Japanese method of wood preservation dating back over ...
Wood, Cedar
$1,073 / item
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Mini - Smoked Glass
Located in Bomonti, TR
The round Flow Coffee Table Mini with rounded edges, contours its form by curved two legs closer to each other. The linear skeleton joins into the legs to create a well-proportioned base for the table top. Crafted from oak wood, the low piece awakens a sense of tactile by making the unique textures of the material visible. Instead of covering the details, it reflects the transparent relationship of the parts to its silhouette. Flow Coffee Table is a refined interpretation of Chabudai, the traditional Japanese low table...
Smoked Glass, Wood, Plywood
Mirror Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen Japanese Mingei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Two fo you Mirror designed by Ryosuke Harashima. This work is made of Ranma, antique Japanese transom, coper and mirror. Artist create new s...
Copper
$420Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1970's Design Faux Bamboo Folding Tripod Side Table
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Japonisme Design Faux Bamboo Foldout Tripod Side Table with Glass Top, made in France in the 1970's. Faux Bamboo folding wooden base with cut glass top. You can fold the trip...
Glass, Wood
$1,073 / item
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Mini - Bronze Glass
Located in Bomonti, TR
The round Flow Coffee Table Mini with rounded edges, contours its form by curved two legs closer to each other. The linear skeleton joins into the legs to create a well-proportioned ...
Wood, Plywood
Side Table, Japanese-style Worker In The Style Of Viardot
Located in Charmes, FR
Work table in carved and molded wood, opening with a flap engraved and decorated with a character and branches in bone. Generally in good condition, minimal losses in the marquetry o...
Wood
$1,306Sale Price|20% Off
Bailly Théroux Late 19th Century Japanese Inspired Lacquered Side Table
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Nice late 19th century Japanese inspired lacquered side table. The top is finely lacquered and in relief, it is made of Japanese inspired landscape, with birds, flowers and foliage, ...
Wood
$7,553 / item
Hector Side Table
By Kenzo Takada
Located in Cadorago, CO
Bold and innovative in its design, this low side table has a unique and sophisticated character that enlivens modern living spaces. The sleek round shape is crafted from wood fibre a...
Wood
$4,268 / item
Achille Bedside Table
By Kenzo Takada
Located in Cadorago, CO
With its timeless and versatile character, this bedside table is defined by clean and minimalist lines that seamlessly complement any bedroom, especially when paired with other piece...
Wood
Handcrafted English Side Drink Table, Walnut & Sycamore
Located in London, GB
A beautifully hand-turned and handcrafted side table in English sycamore and American black walnut, inspired by modernist design principles. Elegant in its simplicity yet rich in det...
Maple, Sycamore, Walnut
Handcrafted English Ash Side Table
Located in London, GB
Beautifully hand-turned and handcrafted in solid Ash, this side table is a sculptural study in form, texture, and material. Designed and made by our craftsman in England, the piece e...
Ash
Handcrafted Walnut Side Table
Located in London, GB
Beautifully hand-turned and handcrafted in solid American black walnut, this side table is a sculptural study in form, texture, and material. Designed and made by our craftsman in En...
Walnut
$700
H 29 in W 20 in D 32 in
Antique Eastlake Victorian Maple Oval Scalloped Serpentine Parlor Side Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Maple late Victorian parlor console table featuring Eastlake styling with scalloped oval form and turned legs connected by stretcher. Dimensions: 32"L x 20"W x 29"H
Maple
19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century English Aesthetic Movement side table made of oak with decorative stick and ball design. Square wood body with curved and rounded bentwood trim and brass accents. Stur...
Brass
Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Scalloped Lamp Side Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
A beautiful antique Victorian burr walnut lamp table of outstanding colour and figure. The top is veneered in exceptionally well figured burr walnut displaying rich swirling grain pa...
Walnut
Antique Lacquered Chinoiserie Side Table
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning antique lacquered chinoiserie side table. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1880-1900 period. It is of extremely fine quality, with gorgeous ...
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Oak Cricket Table by Heals of London Arts & Crafts Period
By Heal's
Located in Norwich, England
A rare design Heal & Son oak cricket table. Maker's label. Circa 1900. The table is in very good condition, and has been cleaned and waxed. There are a few marks consistent wi...
Oak
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Elaborate Flying Dragon Table
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent antique Japanese powerfully carved center table with dragons from the Meiji period. The growth of urban centers and spread of wealth during the Meiji Restoration period in Japan ushered in an era that reveled in the aesthetic qualities of objects and actions in everyday life. This ornately carved figural table from the late 19th century / early 20th century demonstrates the level of pleasure and luxury pursued by the wealthy. The mythical dragon-inspired shape echoes throughout the elaborately hand carved ebonized hardwood; with an unadorned inset polished circular rich rosewood colored top with attractive wood graining; scalloped border and edge with ornate running ornamentation between; rises over the profusely carved and stylized skirt with carvings of whimsical dragon mask and spread wings in high relief and open scrollwork; raised on four spoon carved...
Rosewood
Handcrafted Modernist Side Drink Table
Located in London, GB
Beautifully hand-turned and handcrafted in solid English Ash, this side table is a sculptural study in form, texture, and material. Designed and made by our craftsman in England, the...
Ash
Pair of Handcrafted Walnut Side Drink Tables
Located in London, GB
Beautifully hand-turned and handcrafted in solid American black walnut, this side table is a sculptural study in form, texture, and material. Designed and made by our craftsman in En...
Walnut
$3,243 / item
H 16.54 in W 11.42 in D 8.67 in
Monolithic Side Table in Burgundy Red Lacquer Handcrafted in Italy
By Sandro Lopez
Located in Milano, IT
Lui + Lei, Italian for “He and She”, are two monolithic side tables with a minimalist, clean design that nods to the sculptural forms of Italian modernism. Designed in Milan by Sandr...
Beech
French Japonisme Bamboo Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 20th century French Japonisme Aesthetic Movement side table. Sturdy bamboo frame with Japanese lacquered tray top and lower shelf. Circa 1900-1920 Dimensions: 14.5" x 14.5" ...
Bamboo, Lacquer
Sold
H 19.3 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Art Deco Carved Oak Bamboo Style Cut Glass Side Table, Japanese style, set of 2
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Art Deco Carved Oak Bamboo Style Cut Glass Side Table, Set Of 2 Set of 2 very fine carved oak sidetables in japanese bamboo style. The Netherlands, 1930s Beautiful cut glass tops, n...
Cut Glass, Oak
French Japanisme Bamboo & Lacquer 3 Tier Side Table, 1880.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just arrived for your pleasure, this exceptional and in very good original condition, French 19Th. C. Japonisme Bamboo & Lacquer 3 Tier Side Table...
Bamboo, Lacquer
Sold
H 28.5 in W 23.25 in D 14.5 in
Late 19th century Japanese black lacquer and gilt occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 19th century Japanese black lacquer and gilt occasional table circa 1890. Good quality sewing table. Gilt and painted traditional scene to the top. Single drawer to the front. ...
Bamboo, Wood
Mid Century James Mont style Side Tables 1950's
By James Mont
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful pair of Mid Century Japanese Vase tables with a James Mont flair. Great deep detailing in base and nicely balance atop soft rounded wood base. Thick 3/4” glass tops. Curbs...
Brass
Japonisme Lacquer Round Occasional Table Parcel Gilt Decoration
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Elegant lacquered occasional table with a Japanned finish featuring parcel gilt decorations in the Japonisme taste. The round table is supported by gracefully curved European style l...
Wood
Sold
H 28.5 in W 23.5 in D 15 in
French Aesthetic /Japonisme Red Lacquer Bamboo Side Table, Circa 1880s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Aesthetic /Japonisme Red Lacquer Bamboo Side Table, Circa 1880s A splendid French Aesthetic /Japonisme Red Lacquer Bamboo Side Table, made in the 1880s. Embodying the essence of the French Aesthetic movement influenced by Japonisme, this table stands elegantly at 28.5 inches in height. Its top features a captivating red lacquered surface, measuring 20 inches by 12 inches, framed with bamboo and brass, adorned with exquisitely detailed landscape cartouches. Resting upon a stunning burnt bamboo trellis...
Brass
Modern Japonisme Black Lacquered Side Table
Located in Astoria, NY
Modern black lacquered wood side or accent table in the Japonisme taste, with one drawer above four cabriole legs, faceted disco ball crystal pull. 30" H x 15.75" W x 12.5" D. Deale...
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Table Carved for Liberty of London
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Japanese table Carved for Liberty of London The octagonal top is beautifully carved with flowers it is set on swept out cabriole style legs which are a...
Fruitwood
Pair of Bamboo Tile Top Tables or Stands
By Ficks Reed
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic pair of mid century tables or stands designed by John Wisner for Ficks Reed in a Japanese form with tiles on top over bamboo bases with reed wrapped joints.
Bamboo
Japanese design Table /Exhibition Table / Flower Stand /Wabisabi Table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a table with beautiful legs.
Wood
Japanese Wooden Block Stool / Side Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It will be a new material stool. It is a stool that gives you a feeling of Japanese beauty and wabi-sabi with a finish similar to lacquer. It is a size and weight that can be used...
Wood