Skip to main content

Japonisme Animal Sculptures

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.

15
1
to
4
8
7
16
16
16
2,223
921
731
299
269
237
232
176
91
67
42
32
30
27
24
23
17
7
6
9
1
1
6
1
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
10
8
4
2
2
10
9
8
5
3
1
1
Style: Japonisme
Monumentale paire de grues en fonte de fer - 2.70 et 2.25 mètres
Located in TOULON, FR
Monumentale paire de grues en fonte de fer à patine verte Objets de grande décoration aussi bien en intérieur qu'au jardin 2,70 mètres 2,25 mètres plus de 200 kg A retirer sur pla...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Vintage Solid Wood Hand -Carved Koi Fish
Located in Denton, TX
Carved solid mahogany pair of Koi fish with lightly painted accents Massive fish 5" deep by 24" high by 24" long Little fish is 2.5 deep x 11 wide x 9 high
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Ito Kunio, Japanese Bronze Equestrian Sculpture Signed Meiji Emperor's Horse
Located in Atlanta, GA
Ito Kunio (Japan, 1890-1970). "Itô KUNIO exhibited with the Bunten National Exhibition and Exhibition of the National Art Society among others. Remembered specifically for his expert depiction of horses in motion. Rush of a Gun Carriage (horses pulling a gun carriage through the mud) by the artist is held in the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. His sculpture of the Meiji Emperors Horse (under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Agency) stands among 700 cherry trees in Atago park, Noheji, Aomori prefecture. Two large sculptures of a horse, and a horse with its foal are on the grounds of the Hokkaido Agricultural School. For more see the 1968 book...
Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Set of Four Porcelain White & Gold Foo Dogs
Located in South Salem, NY
A set of four white and gold ceramic Foo Dog table bases. Made in Spain by Bondia in the Hollywood Regency style. Ornate ceramic sculptures with detailed faces, mouths, bodies, and p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Tiger, Japanese Bronze, Meiji Era, XIXth Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large bronze tiger with brown patina, with very subtle bronze work to bring out the stripes on the body of the tiger No mark or signature Japan wo...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Painted Cast Iron Heron Garden Sculptures - France - circa 1930s
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage pair of cast iron 'Heron' garden sculptures - suitable for indoor/outdoor use - featuring a great aged patina with remnants of a polychrome painted finish in areas - articula...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Pair French 19th Century Japonisme Style Gilt-Bronze & Marble Chenets, Bouhon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of French 19th century Japonisme Louis XV style Gilt-Bronze and Marble Figural Chenets (Andirons) by BOUHON FRES, each depicting a flaming dragon atop an "L" shaped base surmounted with an allegorical gilt-bronze and marble urns with floral garlands and paw-feet, the base with a draped ormolu design and raised on tapered feet. Stamped: "B&H". Circa: Paris, 1890-1900. The bronziers Bouhon et Cie. Bouhon Frers. specialized in bronze-decorated fire-places and fire-fittings. These large and fine chenets are supreme examples of their output. The firm participated in the 1878 and 1900 Paris Expositions Universelles. Japonisme[a] is a French term that refers to the popularity and influence of Japanese art and design among a number of Western European artists in the nineteenth century following the forced reopening of foreign trade with Japan in 1858. Japonisme was first described by French art critic and collector Philippe Burty in 1872.[3] While the effects of the trend were likely most pronounced in the visual arts, they extended to architecture, landscaping and gardening, and clothing.[4] Even the performing arts were affected; Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado is perhaps the best example. From the 1860s, ukiyo-e, Japanese woodblock prints, became a source of inspiration for many Western artists.These prints were created for the commercial market in Japan. Although a percentage of prints were brought to the West through Dutch trade merchants, it was not until the 1860s that ukiyo-e prints gained popularity in Europe. Western artists were intrigued by the original use of color and composition. Ukiyo-e prints featured dramatic foreshortening and asymmetrical compositions. Japanese decorative arts, including ceramics, enamels, metalwork, and lacquerware, were as influential in the West as the graphic arts. During the Meiji era (1868–1912), Japanese pottery was exported around the world. From a long history of making weapons for samurai, Japanese metalworkers had achieved an expressive range of colours by combining and finishing metal alloys. Japanese cloissoné...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Japanese Style Viardot Mirror with Dragon, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb Japanese-style mantel / fireplace mirror in lacquered wood, carved with an imposing dragon and decorative motifs. Japonism, France, circa 1880. Attributed to Gabriel Viard...
Category

1880s French Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Fabric, Mirror, Wood, Lacquer

19th Century the Lobster Japanese Bronze Lobster Meiji Period
Located in Marseille, FR
19th century the Lobster Japanese bronze Lobster Meiji Period.
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Retired Royal Crown Derby Fine English Bone China Parrot Figurine or Paperweight
Located in Tustin, CA
Very collectible, hand-made and hand-painted in England, retired Royal Crown Derby fine bone china parrot figurine or paperweight. This is a larger size ...
Category

Late 20th Century English Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Large Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Koro, circa 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very large and impressive good quality Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) patinated bronze Koro. Having wonderful mythical dragon handles, a Peacock finial, an Eagle in a tree top and a Sea God under the waves...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Ox with Boy on Its Back
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very amusing 19th century (Meiji period 1868-1912) Japanese bronze statue of an ox with a young boy sitting on its back. Signed.
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Rhino Contemporary Japanese Lacquer Art by Someya Satoshi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Japanese Lacquer Rhino Sculpture by Someya Satoshi (1983-). A hand-molded lacquer sculpture that depicts a fantasy beast "Rhino". The artist uses century-old traditional techniques and symbols but with an innovative contemporary energy that borders mysticism, shamanism and surrealism. Found objects were equally treated as part of the meticulous designs as the elaborate Maki-e and shell inlays. According to the press of Honolulu Museum of Art: "Someya Satoshi has been described as “one of the most significant contemporary lacquer artists working in Japan today.” (Japan Times, 12 Dec. 2013) His work combines objects of daily use, such as bathing buckets, serving trays, and soup bowls, with a wide array of natural materials, including animal bones, horns and antlers, sand, stones, leaves and branches. In the process, he implements a range of traditional lacquer methods passed down from pre-modern eras, such as the kanshitsu or “dry lacquer” technique, the origins of which date to Japan’s Nara period (710–784). After creating his forms, he embellishes them with designs inspired by calligraphy, traditional Japanese textile patterns, and even contemporary manga or comic books. His work defies ordinary definitions of lacquer art and successfully challenges the perceived limits of this extremely difficult and, in some ways, most conservative of traditional Japanese art forms". His work was exhibited in US such as Honolulu Museum of Art, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Morikami Museum etc. For a complete resume of the artist, see the artist's page in Imura Art Gallery. Reference: For a very similar Bull Sculpture see Hard Bodies Contemporary Japanese Lacquer...
Category

Early 2000s Japanese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rope, Wood, Lacquer

Asian Wood Carved Wall Plaque with Crab and Lobster
Located in Austin, TX
An Asian fine carved wood wall plaque possibly Japonese with a crab, a lobster on bamboo.
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Large Verdigris Bronze Crane Sculpture
Located in San Mateo, CA
Vintage large size bronze crane. This crane has been outdoors but could be used inside as well. The verdigris patina shows some wear and discoloration. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Koi Fish Bronze 1950s Set of 2
Located in Munich, DE
Lovely huge Japanese Solid Bronze Koi Fish Sculpture Vintage Art Work in a Rich Patina with Fabulous Detail. Legendary and Symbolic Beauty. The set has a beautiful patinated verdigri...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Related Items
Late 19th century Pair of Glazed Porcelain Foo Dogs
Located in Savannah, GA
Extraordinary pair of fine glazed porcelain Foo dogs came to us out of an estate here in Savannah, Georgia, belonging to an old general that long ago brought them from Thailand. Used...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Bronze Meiji Period Bronze Sculpture of a Usagi (Rabbit)
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Japanese Bronze Meiji Period Bronze Sculpture of a Usagi (Rabbit) Japan, Circa 1900 Immerse yourself to the elegance of Meiji-era Japan with this stunning bronze sculpture depictin...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Hand Carved Wood Hunting Bear with Fish Sculpture by Denys Heppell
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Hand Carved wood hunting bear with fish sculpture by Denys Heppell. This hand carved wood bear stands 7" tall. Signed in the wood on the side and stampe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century French Cast Iron Garden Urns
Located in Winter Park, FL
A pair of 19th century French cast iron garden urn planters. In three parts, the tall urn rests on a pedestal base which has a removable rim. Fine cast details with large lion head h...
Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Chinese Jade Foo Dogs, Set of Two
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Chinese Jade Foo Dogs. The jade, or stone resembling its pale green hue, beutifully exhibits shades that span from milky white to pale jade green. The Foo Dogs possess a playful, li...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Jade

Chinese Jade Foo Dogs, Set of Two
Chinese Jade Foo Dogs, Set of Two
H 4.93 in W 2.37 in D 3.08 in
Japanese Export Porcelain Foo Dogs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of mid century hand decorated porcelain foo dogs featuring a cinnabar ground accented with colorful glaze polychrome and gold accents.
Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Export Porcelain Foo Dogs
Japanese Export Porcelain Foo Dogs
H 7.5 in W 5.25 in D 7 in
19th Century the Lobster Japanese Bronze Lobster Meiji Period
Located in Marseille, FR
19th century the Lobster Japanese bronze Lobster Meiji Period.
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th century bronze equestrian horse sculpture.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is an early 20th century equestrian horse sculpture in bronze. This horse sculpture has a dark ebony bronze finish to the surface and stands on ...
Category

1920s American Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Small Japanese Articulate Crab Jizai Okimono Meiji Period Signed
By Myochin Hiroyoshi
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small copper crab with articulated legs made by Myochin Hiroyoshi in the late Meiji Period circa 1890-1900s. As an ornamental display item, this type of small sculpture with moving...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Pair of Japanese Satsuma Kutani Porcelain Foo Dogs Sculptures/Figurines
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
This is a pair of Japanese Satsuma Kutani porcelain Foo Dogs. They are hand painted white and adorned with gilt and silver suns, flowers and scrolls. Both of them are playing with a ...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Brutalist Torch Cut Iron Garden Sculpture Ca. 1970’s
Located in New York, NY
Impressive torch cut iron sculpture of abstract geometric form executed in the Brutalist style. The sculpture is in original rust surface, and...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Genuine Hand Carved Malachite Fish // 272 Grams
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous 272 gram malachite fish has been hand carved and hand-polished out of excellent quality malachite from the DRC. Malachite is a lusciously hued, bright and dark green ba...
Category

2010s Congolese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Malachite

Previously Available Items
Large Verdigris Bronze Crane Sculpture
Located in San Mateo, CA
Vintage large size bronze crane. This crane has been outdoors but could be used inside as well. The verdigris patina shows some wear and discoloration. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Large Verdigris Bronze Crane Sculpture
Large Verdigris Bronze Crane Sculpture
H 69.88 in W 29 in D 17 in
Japanese Bronze Heron Couple Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Japanese patinated bronze sculpture depicting two standing egrets or herons, apparently unsigned. Dimensions: 13.5" H x 9.25" W x 5.5" D. Dealer: S138XX.
Category

Late 20th Century Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Bronze Heron Couple Sculpture
Japanese Bronze Heron Couple Sculpture
H 13.5 in W 9.25 in D 5.5 in
1990 Royal Crown Derby Imari 1st Edition Gourami Fish Figurine Paperweight
Located in Dayton, OH
"Vintage 1st edition Royal Crown Derby English Bone China porcelain Tropical Fish – Gourami figurine / paperweight, painted in rus...
Category

1990s Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

1985 Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Imari 1st Edition Snail Figurine Paperweight
Located in Dayton, OH
"Vintage 1st edition Royal Crown Derby English Bone China porcelain snail figurine / paperweight, painted in rust, cobalt, and gol...
Category

1980s Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

1983 Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Imari 1st Edition Turtle Figurine Paperweight
Located in Dayton, OH
"Vintage 1st edition Royal Crown Derby English Bone China porcelain turtle figurine or paperweight, painted with rust, cobalt and ...
Category

1980s Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Japanese Glazed Porcelain Foo Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Japanese glazed porcelain foo dogs. These beautiful Japanese foo dogs or foo lions are the perfect accessory for a cocktail table or book sh...
Category

1940s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Retired Royal Crown Derby English Bone China Bird Figurine or Paperweight
Located in Tustin, CA
Very collectible, hand-made and hand-painted in England, retired Royal Crown Derby Fine bone china bird figurine or paperweight. The bird is ric...
Category

Late 20th Century English Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Retired Royal Crown Derby Fine English Bone China Seal Figurine or Paperweight
Located in Tustin, CA
Very collectible, hand-made and hand-painted in England, retired Royal Crown Derby fine bone china seal figurine or paperweight. The seal is richly deco...
Category

Late 20th Century English Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Retired Royal Crown Derby English Bone China Turtle Figurine or Paperweight
Located in Tustin, CA
Very collectible, hand-made and hand-painted in England, retired Royal Crown Derby fine bone china turtle or tortoise figurine or paperweight. The turtle ...
Category

Late 20th Century English Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Retired Royal Crown Derby Fine English Bone China Pig Figurine or Paperweight
Located in Tustin, CA
Very collectible, hand-made and hand-painted in England, retired Royal Crown Derby fine bone china pig figurine or paperweight. The pig is richly decorated...
Category

Late 20th Century English Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Silvered Bronze Sculptures of Pheasants
Located in Stamford, CT
A beautifully cast bronze pair of mid 20th century male and female striding pheasants with a nickel finish. Nice scale and full of personality, the perfect decoration for a mantle pi...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Hand Carved Japanese Rosewood Koi Fish Sculptures
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique hand carved set of three carved wooden rosewood Asian Koi fish "goldfish" with glass eyes. This koi carp appears almost fluid as if it could swim at any time with great carv...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rosewood

Japonisme animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme animal sculptures 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 animal sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, building and garden elements, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme animal sculptures 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 animal sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Royal Crown Derby Porcelain, and Bouhon Frères. 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 animal sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $31,635 while the average work can sell for $2,500.

Recently Viewed

View All