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.
Exceptional Embroidered Japanese Ceremonial Kimono
Located in Atlanta, GA
A visually striking antique Uchikake Wedding Kimono/Robe for ceremonial occasion, circa end of Meiji to Taisho period 1910s-1930s. This bridal outer garment is of a bright red color ...
Brocade, Silk
Antique Japanese Export Silk Embroidery Americana Patriotic Panel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A silk embroidery panel that depicts an American eagle perched on the liberty shield, with laurel branches and shooting arrows under the feet and flanked by four American flags and b...
Silk, Wood
Large Framed Japanese Embroidery Dragon Tapestry
Located in Atlanta, GA
An impressive Japanese embroidery tapestry circa 1890s Meiji period, presented with brocade border on linen canvas in a Lucite shadow box. The stunning design features three dragons coiling and flying in the clouds. The high relief technique used to render the dragons using mostly the silver threads gives this piece a tremendous sense of motion. The most auspicious mythological creature in Japan and China, dragons were a very popular motif in textile art. In this particular piece, it is the impressive size, the superb craftsmanship, the profuse use of silver threads and near perfect condition that set it apart. Japanese Meiji textiles were widely exhibited in the west during turn of the 20th century at the international exposition. It was used to showcase the Japanese aesthetics with the techniques at their pinnacle. These expositions solidified the country's images overseas and felled the Japanese craze in the west, which turned out to be a long-lasting influence on the western art. Many pieces were purchased and stayed in the west. It is likely this estate piece was from one of the expositions based on its high quality. For two similar dragon tapestries...
Textile, Lucite
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
Framed Japanese Festival Kimono with Tsutshugaki Dye
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese festival kimono expertly mounted and displayed in a large acrylic shadow box. This impressive ceremonial garment circa late 19th-early 20th century was made from a thick l...
Textile, Acrylic
Japanese Fukusa Relief Embroidery Textile Art of Dragon
Located in Atlanta, GA
A visually stunning Japanese fukusa panel with an embroidered dragon on a swirling cloud background, nicely displayed on a scarlet felt matt in a carve...
Silk, Wood
Japanese Antique Textile Panel of American Historical Great White Fleet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Nicknamed Great White Fleet, the sailing of the United States Navy battleships around the globe from December 16, 1907 to February 22, 1909 by order of Uni...
Brocade, Silk, Wood
$2,419Sale 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
Framed Japanese Relief Embroidery Textile Art of Dragon
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful Japanese textile art panel with an embroidered dragon on a swirling cloud background, nicely framed with a linen matt in an antique-fi...
Silk, Wood
Massive Japanese Embroidery Tapestry Display Box Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A massive Japanese embordered tapestry professionally displayed in a custom acrylic shadow box. The fine work of textile art is dated to 1890-1920s, late Meiji (1868-1912) or possibl...
Brocade, Silk, Acrylic
UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (After) - Vintage Embroidered Tapestry - Japan - Circa 1975
By Hiroshige
Located in Chatham, ON
UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE (After) - The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road - Kanagawa : View of the Embankment (Kanagawa, dai no kei) - Vintage embroidered textile tapestry - based on ...
Fabric, Thread
Framed Japanese Embroidery Textile Panel Pagoda Scenery
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese silk embroidery landscape scenery panel depicting a Buddhist pagoda and a temple compound set in a forest with towering pines and...
Metal
Vintage Japanese Gauze Kimono with Embroidery Modern Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese formal Kimono made with a very fine black linen gauze augmented with applied modern circle pattern. The garment was hand-stitched and dated to circa 1930-50s. The black ga...
Silk, Linen
Vintage Japanese Formal Black Silk Kimono
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Japanese silk Kuro Tomesode Kimono, circa 1960s-1980s. Kuro Tomesode is a dress for married woman for the most formal occasions, equivalent of the evening gowns in the west. It is overall black, decorated only with patterns of bright colors on the bottom. This kimono has three Mon family crests on the front and back shoulder. It is lined with white silk in its interior. On the front, it features exposed white stitches around neck and breast, a very subtle and elegant touch. The bottom part of the kimono is decorated with lavish woven design with embroidery accents that depicts a group of pheasants among peonies and other blossoms along a flowing stream. Great contrast in the colors and attention to details. An very elegant textile for wall...
Silk
Elegant Vintage Japanese Silk Kimono with Shibori Band Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese formal silk Kimono in a light blue color with striking floral design. The garment is hand-stitched from a crepe like silk and dated to circa 1940-60s. The garment is spars...
Silk
Japanese Woven Linen Kimono with Katazome Stencil Dyes
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer is a Japanese summer kimono woven from indigo blue linen with ivory color fine stripes patterns with apparently darker weft additions. The elega...
Linen
Framed Antique Japanese Embroidered Silk Panel Signed
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite Japanese embroidery piece circa end of 19th-early 20th century of Meiji period. The silk panel depicts an idyllic water scenery, in which three mandarin ducks swim in th...
Silk, Wood
Antique Japanese Textile Art Campaign Jacket Jinbaori with Mon
Located in Atlanta, GA
Known as Jinabori during 16th century when warfare was common in feudal Japan, the sleeveless jacket was created to be worn outside of the armor by samurai warriors. In addition to s...
Textile, Silk
Vintage Japanese Silk Meisen Kimono with Geometrical Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Japanese formal silk Kimono in an "ink green" color with striking geometrical design. The garment is hand-stitched Meisen kimono from a crepe l...
Silk
Japanese Monastery Robe Patchwork Kesa with inscription Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese Kesa (Monk's Vestment) made from fourteen columns of patchworks of blue brocades with sumptuous woven pattern. The elaborate motifs feature re...
Brocade, Silk
Framed Japanese Oshi-E Textile Art Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer is the last one of the set of seven framed Japanese textile art called Oshi-E circa Meiji Period (1868-1912). This rare set consists ...
Silk, Giltwood
$1,600
H 71.66 in W 33.86 in D 0.02 in
Ikat Textile from Timor Stunning Tribal Motifs & Colors, Indonesia, c. 1950
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
An wonderful example of a west timor ikat textile. It is hand-woven using naturally dyed yarns via a method passed on through generations. It features a stunning array of distinct tr...
Yarn
Large Antique Embroidered Panel with Floral Pattern from India
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique embroidered mirrored horse blanket throw used in India for the wedding ceremonies. Large antique embroidered panel with floral patter...
Linen, Silk, Sequins
Vintage Kimono Silk Brocade Japanese Ceremonial 1970
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A vintage Mid-Century ivory color silk brocade collectable Japanese ceremonial kimono. One of a kind. Fabulous museum quality ceremonial kimono in pure silk with intricate detailed h...
Silk
$2,700
H 0.25 in W 36 in D 36 in
1920s Red Foo Dogs Antique Chinese Silk Embroidery 3' x 3' Wool Woven Carpet Rug
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century Chinese Silk Embroidery ( 3' x 3' x 92 x 92 ) Antique Textile Small Scatter Size Wool Red Rug, Circa Date: 1925. This exceptional piece, though titled as a wool r...
Silk
Mid-Century Modern Style Corrientes Cotton Wall Tapestry
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
This dramatic wall hanging is an impressive statement piece for almost any room.Custom sizes and others colors available by request. Each piece is completely made to order and is ava...
Cotton
Mid-Century Modern Style Chaco Cotton Wall Tapestry
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
This dramatic wall hanging is an impressive statement piece for almost any room.Custom sizes and others colors available by request. Each piece is completely made to order and is ava...
Cotton
Early 20th Century Japanese Linen Go-Board Pattern Futon Cover
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early 20th Century Japanese linen go-board pattern futon cover A unique example of a game-themed textile, this 3-panel futon cover is woven of very fine...
Hemp
$1,000
H 59.06 in W 57.09 in D 0.04 in
Japanese Indigo Dyed Old Embroidery Cloth / Japanese Toy Pattern / 1912-1960
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a Japanese indigo dyed antique cloth. It calls its name "fu-ro-shi-ki". Originally used in the dressing room of the public bath "furo" during the...
Cotton
667 - "Au Petit Point" Textile, Aubusson, 19th Century
By Royal Manufacture of Aubusson
Located in Paris, FR
"Au Petit Point" textile of the Royal Manufacture of Aubusson from the 19th century. Perfect state of conservation. Negotiable price Measures: 140 x 120 cm.
Wool
$3,250
H 42.5 in W 40 in D 1.5 in
Antique Early 20th Century Japanese Hand Stitched Silk Framed Tapestry
Located in Lambertville, NJ
All hand work framed silk Japanese tapestry with embroidered boarder. A deep custom black lacquered frame. Originaly sold from Newman Galleries....
Silk, Glass, Lacquer
Tapestry of the 20th Century - N° 766
By Royal Manufacture of Aubusson
Located in Paris, FR
Modern tapestry of the 20th century in perfect condition of conservation. Negotiable price and free delivery. Dimension: 150 cm x 78 cm.
Wool
$3,400
H 42 in W 36 in D 0.25 in
1920s Red Guardian Lions Antique Silk Chinese Embroidery 3' x 3' 6" Woven Rug
Located in New York, NY
1920s Silk Chinese Embroidery ( 3' x 3' 6" - 92 x 107 cm ) Antique Textile Chinese Allover Red 1925 Rug, Circa Date: 1925. This exceptional textile piece, dating to the early Repub...
Silk
Sold
H 16.75 in W 1 in D 18.5 in
2 Japanese Silk Embroidered Framed Textiles Inume Pass Mt Fuji Himeji Castle 19"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of vintage embroidered silk scenes based on Japanese woodblock prints. One shows a mountain landscape with figures, after a woodblock print of Inume Pass in Kai Province (Kōshū Inume tōge), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei) by Katsushika Hokusai. The other appears to be Himeji (White Heron) Castle, viewed from below. Framed in matte black raised bevel frames. "Katsushika Hokusai (1760 - 1849) was active/lived in Japan. Katsushika Hokusai is known for Mountain scene painting...
Silk
Sold
H 14.25 in W 16.25 in D 0.75 in
Antique Japanese Framed Silk Embroidered Panel of Garden Life - With a story!
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful piece with an incredible history. This exquisite hand-embroidered tapestry was created in Japan and purchased by an American man who taught English. The scene depicts a t...
Metal
Japanese Monastery Robe Patchwork Kesa with inscription Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese Kesa (Monk's Vestment) made from thirteen columns of patchworks of blue brocades with sumptuous woven pattern in colored and gold threads. The...
Brocade, Silk
Japanese Embroidery Textile Panel Winter Lanscape
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese silk embroidery landscape scenery panel depicting a temple compound set in a wintery forest among snow-covered towering pines. Th...
Silk
Japanese Antique Tapestry in Silk and Cotton
By Vintage Japanese Monochrome
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful and very rare Japanese tapestry made in the 1800s, made of woven silk and cotton, of absolute fineness. The tapestry is developed in length ...
Fabric, Cotton, Silk
Framed Japanese Embroidery Fukusa Penal Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese Fukusa Panel displayed in an Asian-style wood lattice frame circa late 19th century Meiji Period. Fukusa is a traditional Japanese textile a...
Silk, Wood
Antique Japanese Shirushi-Banten Fireman Jacket Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese Shirushi-Banten (Fireman's Coat) circa 19th century of Edo Period. The robe was made from a heavy cotton fiber and decorated with a dramatic dragon in the dark cloud scheme using Tsutsugaki, a free-hand resist dye method. A dragon with claws clenching pearls and red-orange fire motifs was artistically depicted slithering in and out of dark swirling clouds from the front to the back of the robe. The spatial composition was superb as well as the stylized motion. The indigo blue colored neck lapel bears scription indicating the location of where the robe belonged: the Kannon-Ji of Magino District (The Temple of Kannon; In Japan, the goddess of mercy Guanyin was known as Kannon). This temple is located in Higashine City of Yamagata Prefecture in Northern Japan. On the back, there is a large Kanji Character "Space" in the center, matching the first symbol of the location "Magino" in the front. It is likely that instead of a functional fire-fighting gear, the robe was used in festival parade by firemen, perhaps sponsored by the temple for the town event. When fully extended as shown in photo 1 and 2, it measures 50" W x 37" H. A beautiful and well-preserved sample of Japanese textile art.
Textile
Framed Japanese Embroidery Textile Panel Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese embroidered textile panel presented in an acrylic shadow box frame, circa end of 19th to 1910s Meiji Period. The textile panel depicts three flying cranes among auspicious...
Textile, Acrylic
Japanese Antique Saki-Ori Farmer Jacket with Resistant Dye Pattern
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming Japanese farmer's jacket with Mingei folk art style. The woven construction is known as Saki-ori, an innovative and expressive technique that recycles and reuses fabrics. ...
Fabric
Antique Japanese Export Silk Embroidery Panel of American Union
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rather fascinating silk embroidery panel that depicts an American eagle perched on a shield, with laurel branches and shooting arrows under the...
Silk, Wood
Framed Japanese Oshi-E Textile Art Meiji Period from a Rare Large Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer is the last one of the set of seven framed Japanese textile art called Oshi-E circa Meiji Period (1868-1912). This rare set consists ...
Silk, Giltwood
Sold
H 53 in W 34.25 in D 0.7 in
Framed Japanese Antique Phoenix Dragon Embroidery Tapestry Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A visually stunning Japanese embroidery tapestry circa 1890s-1900s late Meiji period, presented with a linen matt with gold trim in a gilt wood frame. The design showcases a flying p...
Silk, Giltwood