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Japonisme Cabinets

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
Antique Late 1800s (Meiji Era) Japanese Kansai Style Cedar Merchant Chest Tansu
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning antique late 1800s Japanese Kansai style cedar merchant chest / tansu with multiple compartments, doors, and drawers. Chests like these held documents, abacus and money, a...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Iron

Important Asian Cabinet in carved wood, Vietnam or China, Circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Important Asian Cabinet in carved wood, Vietnam or China, Circa 1880 Superb Asian Cabinet in carved Chinese mahogany (toona sinensis) and inlaid wood. Carved with plant and animal ...
Category

1880s Vietnamese Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Asian Cabinet in carved wood with Bats, Vietnam or South China, Circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb Asian Cabinet in carved Chinese mahogany (toona sinensis). Carved with plant and animal motifs: 1 bat carved at the bottom of the piece of furniture. Very beautiful furnishi...
Category

1880s Vietnamese Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Large Korean (In the Japanese Style) 14 Drawer Tansu Chest
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning vintage Korean (in the Japanese style) large elm (keyaki) tansu chest with original cast brass hardware. The hardware and linen chest pine sliding drawers show a European ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Japanese Style Getabako Shoe Cabinet from Thailand
Located in Pasadena, TX
Contemporary Japanese style Getabako shoe cabinet from Thailand Roomy cabinet with metal-studded sliding doors and a pair of drawers belo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Antique Meiji Era Japanese Kansai Style Cypress and Cedar Merchant's Tansu Chest
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning Japanese antique Meiji Era Kansai style cyprus and cedar merchant's tansu chest with multiple doors and drawers. The buttery soft original waxed finish is a rich golden br...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Iron

Sukiya 52" Elm Tansu
Located in San Jose, CA
Elegant, durable and versatile, the Sukiya presents storage solutions steeped in traditional Japanese tea house aesthetics. Featuring several drawer...
Category

2010s Asian Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Elm

Sukiya 24" Elm Tansu
Located in San Jose, CA
A modern day rendition of iconic Tansu storage with hand forged iron pulls and traditional wooden drawer glides. Maria Yee is a California contemporary furniture design studio estab...
Category

2010s Asian Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Elm

Sukiya 22" Elm Tansu
Located in San Jose, CA
Elegant, durable and versatile, the Sukiya presents storage solutions steeped in traditional Japanese tea house aesthetics. Featuring several drawers...
Category

2010s Asian Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Elm

Sukiya 36" Elm Tansu
Located in San Jose, CA
Elegant, durable and versatile, the Sukiya presents storage solutions steeped in traditional Japanese tea house aesthetics. Featuring several drawers...
Category

2010s Asian Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Elm

1900s Antique Japanese Elm Wood Cabinet with Iron Hardware & Patina Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the rich history and craftsmanship of our antique Japanese cabinet, a remarkable piece from the 1900s. Handcrafted from durable elm wood, this cabinet stands in e...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Important Japanese Cabinet
Located in CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, FR
Japanese-style cabinet with lacquered decoration. It opens with two doors, in the center a mirror engraved with Far Eastern landscapes. Gold-coloured interior with floral decoration ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Gold

19TH Century Japonisme Bamboo Display Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Formerly used as dry bar by its Palm Beach owner, this is a magnificent cabinet. It is appointed with figures, birds and florals. Generously scaled and proportioned - it is 43" wi...
Category

19th Century English Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Stone

19th Century French Japonisme Bamboo Corner Cabinet
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Japonisme style corner cabinet with sturdy burnt bamboo frame and solid rosewood panels. Above the cabinet is an open shelf supp...
Category

19th Century English Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Metal

2 Japanese Red Oak Dragon Carved Hexagonal Pagoda Vitrine Curio Display Cabinets
Located in Dayton, OH
An impressive pair of oriental chinoiserie hexagonal vitrine cabinets made in Okinawa Japan, circa 1970s. Made from red oak with three adjustable glass shelves, a pagoda form dragon ...
Category

1970s Vintage Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Oak

Lacquer and Gilt Bronze Cabinet in the Japonisme Style by Rosel
By Rosel
Located in London, GB
Lacquer and gilt bronze cabinet in the Japonisme style by Rosel Belgian, late 19th century Measures: Height 185cm, width 94cm, depth 43cm The ...
Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

Japanese Style Cabinet-Secretary Attributed to G. Viardot, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
A Japanese style carved wood cabinet attributed to G. Viardot. A painted decor imitating Japanese lacquer, ornamented with flowers, birds and butterflies. Opening onto two drawers an...
Category

1880s French Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Paint

English 1890s Japonism Bamboo Cabinet with Two Doors and Three Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English bamboo cabinet from the late 19th century, with Japonism décor, three drawers and cabriole legs. Created in England during the late 19th century, this bamboo cabinet captu...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Bamboo

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Rare Inscribed Japanese Wood Chest Zenibako on Custom Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare original and impressively intact Japanese Zenibako (banker's money box) from late 19th century circa Meiji Period (1868-1912). The chest was made from cypress wood and fitted ...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Iron

19th Century Bamboo and Rosewood Lacquered Étagère
Located in New York, NY
Bamboo and rosewood (19th Century) lacquered panel etagere with 3 doors with floral and figural decoration.
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Bamboo, Rosewood

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Japanese Antique Black Tansu / Chest of drawers Cabinet / 1912s-1926s WabiSabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese cabinet. It is made of pine and cedar, and on the front of the drawer is written ancient Japanese numerals. From the top, "No. 1", "No. 2", "No. 3" and "No....
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Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Cedar, Pine

IMPORTANT CARVED BOOKCASE CABiNET FROM THE BATE COLLECTION IN OXFORD UNIVERSITY
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite hand carved with Musical instruments, library bookcase cabinet, made for Charles T...
Category

1830s English Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Oak

Large Belgian Oak Régence Style Cabinet from Around 1800
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Cabinet in the Régence style from the late 18th or early 19th century. Presumably from the Belgian-French border region of Mons. Made of solid oak and finely carved. High, laterall...
Category

Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Japanese Tansu Chest / Storage, 1920s
By ACC Japan
Located in London, Lambeth
Beautiful patinated wooden small tansu from Japan. Tansu chests are very popular throughout Japan and were originally created as a portable set of drawers....
Category

1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Cherry

Japanese Tansu Chest / Storage, 1920s
Japanese Tansu Chest / Storage, 1920s
H 37.01 in W 14.97 in D 16.54 in
Chinese Antique Scholar's Cabinet with Carved Grapevine
Located in Somis, CA
This elegant antique cabinet has a "open light" feature on its top portion. The name came from its open design to allow the display of special things or easy access to objects and books that are frequently needed. Trimmed with a carved grapevine...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Wood

19th Century Elm Wood and Brass Korean Tansu Chest with Drawers
Located in Lomita, CA
The patina on this elm wood tansu chest is reflective and deep. The brass also has had time to develop a deep patina that contrasts the elmwood. It mixes wonderfully with other perio...
Category

Late 19th Century Korean Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Elm

Kitchen Cabinets, Japanese Antiques, Tansu Storage, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This Japanese antique cabinet was produced in the Taisho period (1912-1926). This piece of furniture was made using the same traditional and advanced techniques used in the producti...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Important Cabinet with Two Body in Blackened Wood Carved and Engraved
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
IMPORTANT CABINET WITH TWO BODY IN BLACKENED WOOD CARVED AND ENGRAVED ORIGIN: FRANCE PERIOD: 17TH CENTURY Height: 188 cm Width: 135 cm Depth: 53.5 cm Blackened wood and veneer: rosewood, ebony, pear, mahogany Framed in oak wood A real ceremonial piece of furniture, this two-part cabinet opens with two historiated panels and two drawers in the upper part and two leaves and two belt drawers in the lower part. Richly worked, it offers both inside and outside a floral decoration, finely engraved which contrasts with the importance given to geometric lines. This duality, typical of this type of cabinet, confirms its dating and its origin. In addition, the gilded metal locks and fittings enhance the sumptuous trait of this piece of furniture and also contribute to its ornamentation. Furniture of predilection for “enclosing the most precious things” (Furetière, Dictionnaire, 1690) the appearance of cabinets in the 16th century accompanied the development of wunderkammern, these cabinets of curiosities enriched both by the vogue for the antique and by distant expeditions which bring back with them natural wonders and rare testimonies of distant civilisations. The curious, combining fortune and culture, brings together antique medals, rare plants, fossils, or oriental ornaments. This meeting of pieces which embodies much more than their material reality, a subjective evocation of all the riches of the earth and all the knowledge of men, acts in the eyes of its owner like a microcosm of which he is the master and which he enjoys according to his will. This is how the first cabinets were designed to be transportable, often wooden structures calling for riches only those they housed for a collector who refused to part with them, even temporarily. In the 17th century, the cabinet gained in technical complexity and luxurious materials until it could no longer be moved itself and became a prized and expensive collector’s item...
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17th Century Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Ebony, Mahogany, Pearwood, Rosewood

Japanese Antique Tansu 1860s-1900s / Chest of Drawer Cabinet Wabisabi Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese drawer. The furniture dates from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of paulownia wood, a high quality material. These drawers are rustic, simple and be...
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Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Carved Chinese Cabinet
Located in Wilson, NC
This carved Chinese cabinet is painted with red, green, and gold geometric and Asian arabesque motifs. The center panels have carved Chinese figur...
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Gold, Brass

Carved Chinese Cabinet
Carved Chinese Cabinet
H 22 in W 31 in D 11 in
Japanese Antique Black Tansu / Storage Cabinet / Taisho Period WabiSabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
It is a cedar cabinet used in an old Japanese house. It is dyed black using the traditional Japanese dye "black Urushi". The top and bottom are layered, so you can use it separatel...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Large Black Tansu 1860s-1900s / wabi sabi Sideboard
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
If you want something special, we recommend purchasing items selected by Brood. We sell carefully selected old Japanese items. I've seen tens of thousands of items so far. Based on that experience, only selected items are posted here. We are able to do this because of our long experience. There may be items on the 1stdibs site that look and feel the same, but the items selected by Brood are unique. Very old large black chest of drawers, made in Japan. Furniture from the Meiji era. (1860s-1900s) Material is cedar wood. Black chest of drawers used...
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Cabinets

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Cedar

Previously Available Items
Japanese Collectors Cabinet On Stand Lacquered Japanned
Located in Potters Bar, GB
An exceptional example of a high quality Japanese collectors cabinet on stand The whole article is lacquered to a very high standard the fr...
Category

1980s Vintage Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Lacquer

19th Century French Bamboo Japonisme Marquetry Etagere
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French bamboo etagere with asymmetric openwork bamboo shelves and a beveled glass paned cabinet with working lock and key. Back pa...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Glass

Japanese Meiji Two-Part Red Tansu Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Japanese Meiji two-part tansu chest from the mid 19th century, with round medallion hardware. This wooden tansu chest is a fine example of Japan's traditional mobile cabinetry. Fea...
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Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Japanese Meiji Two-Part Red Tansu Chest
Japanese Meiji Two-Part Red Tansu Chest
H 44.5 in W 41 in D 17.5 in
Japanese Style Wooden Cabinet Attributed to G. Viardot, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful Japanese style cabinet in stained and carved wood attributed to Gabriel Viardot, composed of three shelves in the upper part and five ...
Category

1880s French Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Bronze

Tommaso Barbi Japanese Inspired Cabinet
Located in London, GB
A rare Japanese inspired cabinet by Tommaso Barbi in black lacquer with exquisite brass detailing sitting on a brass base.  
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Tommaso Barbi Japanese Inspired Cabinet
Tommaso Barbi Japanese Inspired Cabinet
H 44.1 in W 34.65 in D 19.69 in
1860s-1920s Japanese Antique Tansu Chest of Drawer Cabinet Wabisabi Wabi-Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
1860s-1920s Japanese antique tansu chest of drawer cabinet wabisabi wabi-sabi Size: W 875, D 425, H 585 Meiji period.
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Cedar

Late 19th Century Japanese Kimono Kiri Wood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Antique Kimono Tansu 3 section stackable cabinet is made out of Kiri wood with beautiful natural wood color and waxed patina finish. The top has two small slide doors with three small drawers below and rest on two sectionals with two large drawers each. All the drawers come with its original black iron hardware. And this piece offers plenty of storage space. With its tall presence and dark patina, This Kimono storage...
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1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Iron

19th Century English Victorian Bamboo Cabinet
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century English bamboo and rosewood Asian style étagère having open shelves with decorative bamboo galleries and two small cabinets. The cab...
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19th Century English Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Japanese Style Cabinet Attributed to G. Viardot, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful Japanese style cabinet attributed to Viardot, made in stained carved wood, composed of asymmetrical niches and shelves underlined with...
Category

1880s French Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Bronze

East Asian Style Wooden Display Cabinet with Gilt Bronze Mounts
Located in London, GB
This display cabinet is designed in the East Asian style, which was popular in France in the 19th century. It has been crafted from beechwood, and painted with a glaze to make it imitate the finish on Chinese and Japanese furniture. The cabinet is topped by a roof, which flicks up at its ends, in a manner characteristic of East Asian architecture. The roof features a small, enclosed space at its centre, which is flanked by two gilt bronze mounts, one taking the form of a crane, the other a dog of Pho (Chinese guardian lion). Below, the cabinet body has been divided into four compartments. The top left section features a display case, consisting of three shelves, set within a velvet-lined interior, behind a glazed door. The case frame is decorated with gilt bronze cranes and dragons. On the top right, there is a marble-faced drawer, topped by an arched shelf, which is ornamented with pierced, circular forms, and a small gilt bronze dragon. This is, in turn, surmounted by two miniature posts, which support a flat roof. On the bottom left, there are three tall vertical shelves, topped by a small horizontal shelf, above of which is a marble-faced drawer. The lower, right-hand compartment consists of three shelves, which span the entire width of the space, and one smaller, half-length shelf, which curls up at its end. Unlike the upper-left shelves, this compartment is open on two sides, and is contained behind arched profiles. The spandrels of the front arch are mounted with two gilt bronze cranes. A pierced apron runs along the bottom of the cabinet, and is mounted, on its front, with a gilt bronze dragon. The cabinet stands on four scrolling feet, the front two of which have been given gilt bronze mounts, cast as lions’ feet. In its East Asian style, this piece was clearly inspired by the work of Gabriel Viardot (1830-1906). Viardot was a successful French cabinetmaker who worked in Chinese and Japanese styles. His furniture was fashionable in 19th Century Europe, and it continues to be highly collectable today. This cabinet offers a unique opportunity to own an antique, Viardot style...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Unique 19th Century Japanese Gold and Lacquered Cabinet
Located in Paris, FR
Unique 19th century Japanese cabinet, lacquered cabinet in all sides. Decorated with the ancient Maki-e Technick using gold powder, sil...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Gold, Silver, Bronze

Japonisme Black Lacquer and Gilt Decorated Cabinet on Carved Gilt Stand
Located in Austin, TX
An early to mid 20th century lacquer and gilt decorated display cabinet fitted on a carved, lacquered and giltwood stand, with matching cornice, probably South America. The cabinet, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century South American Japonisme Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Japonisme cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme cabinets 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 cabinets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme cabinets made in a specific country, there are Asia, Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original cabinets, popular names associated with this style include Maria Yee Inc., and Rosel. 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 cabinets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $650 and tops out at $30,069 while the average work can sell for $4,800.

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