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Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

JAPONISME STYLE

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.

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Style: Japonisme
Set of Two Traditional Japanese Kokeshi Dolls, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Japanese dolls called Kokeshi of the early 20th century. Provenance from the northern Japan. Set of 2. Measures: 31 x 8 cm 28 x 7 cm Handmade by Japanese artisants from wood. Ha...
Category

1930s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Large Antique Komai Style Japanese Damascene Cigarillo, Cigar or Cigarette Case
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large antique damascene styled tobacco case is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Japan and dating to approximately 1920 and done in a Anglo-Japanese style. The case...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Japanese Prints by Gabriele Fahr-Becker Taschen 1999
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Japanese Prints by Gabriele Fahr-Becker. The major section of the book consists of the 139 reproductions, grouped by artist, each accompanied by a detailed, sensitive commentary. Street scenes, lovers’ trysts, festivals, portraits of courtesans and actors, landscapes and travelogues - these are the motifs of the ukiyo-e print. The dominant theme, however, is woman’s beauty, the grace of her posture and attitudes, and the decorative aesthetics of her flowing garments. Amongst the most celebrated of the artists featured here are Utamaro, with his beautiful courtesans and geishas; Sharaku, with his portraits of actors on the kabuki stage; Hokusai, with his landscapes, among them the "36 Views of Mount Fuji...
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Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Etoffes Japonaises 'Tissues Et Brochees' Complete Folio of Fabric Designs
Located in Sharon, CT
A portfolio consisting of eighty (80) 16"x12" loose chromolithographs of the most beautiful Japanese fabric designs. Published by the Librairie Centrale des Beaux-Arts, Paris 1905.
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Early 20th Century French Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Mr Fox The Magician Blowing Magical Bubbles working Tin Toy by Yonezawa of Japan
Located in High Wycombe, GB
"Mr Fox The Magician" Blowing Magical Bubbles Collectible Tin Toy Brightly coloured 1960's tin toy from Japan, made by the manufacturer Yonezawa Sold without box. Takes D batteries to operate. These will not be sent with item due to postal restrictions. Yonezawa Toys...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Antique Japanese Damascene Cigarette Case with Ornate Mt. Fuji & Dragon Decor
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique cigarette case is unsigned by the maker, but presumed to have originated from Japan and date to approximately 1920 and done in the perio...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Set of Japanese Hand Painted Perfume or Snuff Bottle in Original Box
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Set of Japanese Hand Painted Perfume or Snuff Bottle in Original Box This is a Complete set of 4 Japanese Reverse Hand Painted and Glass Snuff or...
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1950s Vintage Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Art Glass

Vintage Traditional Japanese Kokeshi Wood Doll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Kokeshi or Kokashi doll handmade by Japanese artisans from wood. The dolls have a simple trunk as a body and an enlarged head. One characteristic of Kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms and legs. signed underneath as follow. Kokashi Doll Kegon Waterfall Japan 1987. Kokeshi (???, ???), are simple wooden Japanese dolls with no arms or legs that have been crafted for more than 150 years as a toy for...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Masterpieces from the Sanso Collection Japanese Paintings by Peter F. Drucker
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Masterpieces from the sanso collection: Japanese Paintings by Peter F. Drucker and Doris Drucker. Hardcover catalogue Book. Text in English and Japanese. Luxe edition. For over 3...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

20th Century Italian Solid 800 Silver 4-Piece Collection Bonsai Miniatures
Located in VALENZA, IT
Collection of 4 Bonsai miniatures in solid silver handmade, gilded, enamelled and burnished 1. Japanese apricot bonsai gr. 220 cm. 6 x 10.5 H. 8.5 wooden base 5 x 9 H.2 cm. 2. J...
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1980s Italian Vintage Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Memoirs of a Geisha A Portrait of the Film By Peggy Mulloy 2005 Hardcover Book
By David James
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Memoirs of a Geisha A Portrait of the film by Peggy Mulloy · 2005 hardcover book. By David James (Photographs by), Peggy Mulloy (Text by), Rob Marshall (Introduction by), Arthur Gol...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Art Book Leonard Foujita Oeuvres 1949 - 1968
Located in Roma, IT
Art Book Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita (in Japanese ?? ??, Fujita Tsuguharu; Tokyo, 27 November 1886 - Zurich, 29 January 1968) Texts Bernard Dorival Oeuvres 1949-1968 Èdition Nic...
Category

1970s French Vintage Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Japanese Blacksmith Tongs and Woodcarver Brace Drill, Early 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
REDUCED FROM $225....Antique Japanese Tools, a Blacksmith Tong Pincer and Woodcarver Brace Drill, both early 20th century. Most likely late Meij...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Antique Hand-Painted Japanese Porcelain Satsuma & Silver Ladies Belt
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver and porcelain belt was made in Japan in approximately 1900 in the period Satsuma style. The belt is a series of hand painted medallions set in silver portraying J...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

The Peoples of North America, the Japanese Americans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The peoples of North America, the Japanese Americans. Discusses the history, culture, and religion of the Japanese, factors encouraging their emigra...
Category

20th Century American Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Japan a History in Art, Book by Bradley Smith 1st Edition 1964
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Japan; a history in art Book by Bradley Smith. Bradley Smith, Robert Kimmel Smith Simon and Schuster, Travel - 295 pages 1st edition 1st printing 1964. Place Of Publication New York Date Published 1964. Binding Hardcover Presents the history and cultural heritage of Japan through twenty...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Related Items
Art Deco Shagreen and Silver Cigarette / Small Cigar Case
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Exquisite shagreen cigar case with silver collar. Expands for differing lengths of small cigar or cigarettes. Made in the U.K. in the 1900-1920´s. It has the stamp of the retail sho...
Category

Early 20th Century British Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Shagreen

Alfred Dunhill Sterling Silver Cigarette Case, circa 1930
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Sterling silver cigarette case with decorative enamel face. Art Deco design. The case is beautifully enameled in a blue and black geometric pattern with a silver finish. The interior of the cigarette case is marked "Alfred Dunhill Paris...
Category

1930s American Vintage Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

1890s Antique French Silver Mussel Vesta Case
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique French silver vesta case in the form of a mussel; an addition to our diverse smoking related silverware collection This exceptional antique French silver vesta case has an elongated asymmetrical form, realistically modelled in the form of a mussel shell. The anterior and posterior surfaces of the vesta are embellished with engraved decoration replicating the contours of the natural shell. This fine antique silver vesta...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Antique Leather & Silver Cigarette Case
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Leather Cigarette Case With Silver Fittings. A fine leather two-part cigarette case with a good silver mount. The mount is hallmarked, Birmingha...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Antique Leather & Silver Cigarette Case
Antique Leather & Silver Cigarette Case
H 3.75 in W 2.96 in D 0.52 in
Tin Spinning Top Toy , Disney Characters by LBZ, Western Germany
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage Tin spinning top toy with lots of Walt Disney characters: Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck. This Tin Toy was produced in Weste...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Tin Toy, Bear with Tambourine
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Tin toy, Bear with tambourine, not working, to be restored, very decorative. Measures: H: 24 cm, W: 19 cm, D: 19 cm.
Category

20th Century French Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Tin Toy, Bear with Tambourine
Tin Toy, Bear with Tambourine
H 9.45 in W 7.49 in D 7.49 in
14-Karat Gold Tiffany Cigarette Case, circa 1920
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Indulge in unparalleled luxury with this Solid 14-karat gold Tiffany cigarette case, a testament to timeless elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. Adorned with a distinctive bark gold...
Category

Early 20th Century Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

14-Karat Gold Tiffany Cigarette Case, circa 1920
14-Karat Gold Tiffany Cigarette Case, circa 1920
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H 0.5 in W 3.25 in D 4.25 in
XXL Japanese Woodblock Prints Book
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Woodblock Wonders A visual history of 200 Japanese masterpieces From Edouard Manet’s portrait of naturalist writer Émile Zola sitting among his Japanese art finds to Van Gogh’s meticulous copies of the Hiroshige prints he devotedly collected, 19th-century pioneers of European modernism made no secret of their love of Japanese art. In all its sensuality, freedom, and effervescence, the woodblock print is single-handedly credited with the wave of japonaiserie that first enthralled France and, later, all of Europe—but often remains misunderstood as an “exotic” artifact that helped inspire Western creativity. The fact is that the Japanese woodblock print...
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21st Century and Contemporary Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

XXL Japanese Woodblock Prints Book
XXL Japanese Woodblock Prints Book
H 15.6 in W 11.4 in D 5 in
Cigar case, wooden cigar case, travel cigar case
Located in Skopje, MK
This cigar case is made of fine selection of walnut wood. It's a travel box and it fits two cigars with a size of 155x22 mm. It's designed to keep the aroma of the cigars long and to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Macedonian Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Walnut

Cigar case, wooden cigar case, travel cigar case
Cigar case, wooden cigar case, travel cigar case
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H 7.33 in W 2.6 in D 1.62 in
Art Deco Period Sterling Silver Engine Turned Cigarette Case
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco, sterling silver cigarette case with gilt interior and hinged lid, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1927, W.T. Toghill and Co., Ltd. - makers. Sterling silver is eng...
Category

1920s English Vintage Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Sterling Silver Cigarette Case with Initials B I
Located in BILBAO, ES
Antique Sterling silver cigarette case Weight 160 grams PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jeweler...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Sterling Silver Cigarette Case with Initials B I
Antique Sterling Silver Cigarette Case with Initials B I
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H 5.12 in W 0.4 in D 3.15 in
Antique Traditional Hand-Painted Wooden Russian Doll, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional Russian 'Matrioska' doll wooden figure. Hand-painted. Made by unknown manufacturer in Russia, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Wood. Matryoshka dolls are a set of wooden dolls of decreasing size placed one inside another. The name matryoshka, literally "little matron", is a diminutive form of the Russian female first name "Matryona" or "Matryosha". The first Russian nested doll...
Category

1960s Russian Vintage Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items
Antique Japanese Wooden Abacus Calculating Tool
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful antique calculator great original condition solid wood , rare piece hard to find abacus.
Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

The Art of Arranging Flowers, A Complete Guide to Japanese Ikebana by Shozo Sat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Art of Arranging Flowers: A Complete Guide to Japanese Ikebana by Shozo Sato. Vintage 1965 1st Edition Mid Century Modern "The Art of Arranging Flowers" Japanese Ikebana Silk Covered Collector's Design Book. The beautiful monochrome variegated deep green silk cloth bound covering on the hardcover, gilt title on spine, gilt title and photographic illustration on front board, mounted plates in the text. The rare out of print 1st edition collector's book is published by Abrams in 1965, the book was printed in Japan with 366 pages of high quality premium paper stock. 1st edition - 1965 H. N. Abrams, Format: Hardcover 366 pages Published: January 1, 1968 by Harry N. Abrams Language: English This rare vintage 1965 first edition Mid Century Modern " The Art of Arranging Flowers : A Complete Guide to Japanese Ikebana " large format hardcover silk cloth bound collector's design book is an incredibly special collectors book to add to your library collection. Authored by Shozo Sato, this exquisite hardcover floral design book has stunning gorgeous full color hand tipped lithograph print photography plates of Japanese Modernist ikebana flower arrangements. It is accompanied with many pages of black & white photography and illustration with text of concepts, theory, guidelines, tools, and how to direction for creating masterful works of Japanese Modern floral designs. "The growing appreciation of Japanese Art and architecture in the West has extended to the Japanese way with flowers. This book is intended as a complete introduction to Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Beginning with the history and development of the art, and its place in Japanese culture, we introduce the reader to the eleven basic styles. Next comes a large section devoted to vases, materials, tools, and methods. Text and pictures explain how to keep flowers fresh, how to select and prepare both fresh and dried materials, and how to make the most effective use of them. Twelve lessons in creating arrangements in the moibana style follow. I have tried to make this the most carefully detailed and profusely illustrated guide of its kind, enabling the reder to create many beautiful arrangements while learning all the necessary techniques of the art. Finally, there is a section devoted to advanced techniques and designs, both classic and modern, and to the setting of mood. Appedixes suggest ways to keep cut flowers fresh, tell how to make effective arrangements from one's own garden flowers and what plant materials to combine, and describe the symbolism of plants and their enhancement. I hope the reader will find this book enjoyable to read, easy to understand, and fun to follow."--Preface. A large, heavy book (366 pages) featuring a complete guide to Ikabana. Great condition see last photo for binding in front Measures: 12" x 10" x 2" This book weights...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Japan a History in Art, Book by Bradley Smith 1st Edition 1964
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Japan; a history in art Book by Bradley Smith. Bradley Smith, Robert Kimmel Smith Simon and Schuster, Travel - 295 pages 1st edition 1st printing 1964. Place Of Publication New York Date Published 1964. Binding Hardcover Presents the history and cultural heritage of Japan through twenty...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

3 Stacked Japanese Hand Blown Glass Fishing Buoy Floats Net Marker Nautical 15"
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of three vintage Japanese hand blown glass fishing buoy floats, featuring red, green, blue, yellow and dark amber graduated glass orbs, divided by ca...
Category

Late 20th Century Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Jute, Blown Glass

6 Mid Century Miniature Japanese Panel Screens Reiko Chiba Tuttle Prints MCM
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage set of 6 Japanese Screens in Miniature book set: Six Masterpieces of the Momoyama Period with fold out booklet containing commentary by Reiko Chuiba. Published by Charles E. ...
Category

1960s Vintage Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Hand Blown Glass Japanese Float Fishing Net Nautical Buoy Marker
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique net wrapped hand blown clear glass Japanese fishing float. Measures: 9".  
Category

Early 20th Century Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Jute, Glass

Quiet Beauty The Japanese Gardens of North America Book
Located in South Burlington, VT
Quiet Beauty: The Japanese Gardens of North America by Kendall H. Brown, author & David M. Cobb, photographer This extraordinary, award winning 176 page hard cover book details his...
Category

2010s North American Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

7 Antique Japanese Blown Glass Fishing Floats Knotted Rope Nautical Buoy Marker
Located in Dayton, OH
Lot 7 hand blown netted blue Japanese fishing floats. Made from recycled glass bottles and used to buoy a fisherman's net when cast into the water. Feature hand tied knots with hangi...
Category

Early 20th Century Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Jute, Glass

Vintage Artesian Japanese Samurai Warrior Musha Doll Figurine Chicken Bone
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage doll figurine dressed as a Japanese nobleman or samurai with a hat made from a bird or chicken’s pelvic bone and beaded and stone accents.    
Category

Late 20th Century Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bone, Fabric, Hardwood

Japanese Style Suzanne Slesin, Stafford Cliff, Daniel Rozensztroch Design Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Japanese style Suzanne Slesin, Stafford Cliff, Daniel Rozensztroch. Slesin and Cliff (French Style and English Style) with their coauthor and photograph...
Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Hand Blown Green Glass Japanese Float Fishing Net Nautical Buoy Marker
Located in Dayton, OH
Net wrapped hand blown green glass Japanese fishing float.   
Category

Early 20th Century Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Blown Glass, Jute

3 Vintage Green Japanese Blown Glass Fishing Floats Nautical Buoy Marker
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of three vintage green hand blown glass Japanese fishing net floats. Measure: 5".  
Category

Mid-20th Century Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Blown Glass

Japonisme collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Argenteria Etruria, and David James. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $29 and tops out at $4,394 while the average work can sell for $300.

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