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Meiji Vases

MEIJI STYLE

From 1868 to 1912, Emperor Mutsuhito oversaw an era of transformation in Japan. Formerly a country of feudalism and isolation, Japan entered an age of modernization influenced by newly established trade and exchange with the West. The Meiji period, or period of “enlightened rule,” also saw the global impact of the East Asian country’s culture. Japanese Meiji furniture was exhibited at expositions from Paris to San Francisco and created for export.

Prior to the Meiji era, furniture was mostly made by commission for the ruling class; now there were new domestic and international markets. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.

Meiji furniture made for Japanese homes and buildings constructed in Western styles resulted in taller tables, chairs, cabinets with large drawers and other features. The government invested in areas such as transportation and communication, and because people could freely choose occupations after the restrictions of feudalism, industries of various types were energized by expressive new ideas during those years. Art schools were formed and, for the first time, design was an area of study in the country, leading to the evolution of professional design as a career by the 1890s.

The work of Japanese designers was transmitted widely through lavishly illustrated pattern books that included designs for screens and lacquerware for the home. While screens today may be of use as decorative accents or partitions to ensure privacy in one’s space, Japanese screens were adorned with paintings and were featured in performing arts such as concerts, tea ceremonies and more. The color illustrations that characterize Meiji woodblock prints, a genre of Japanese art that grew out of 17th-century developments in printing and book publishing, depicted the sweeping changes that the era brought to East Asia.

Although it was a time of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions. From colorful porcelain table lamps with silk shades and hardwood tables decorated with dark lacquer to cabinets featuring iron hardware and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, Meiji furniture showcased Japan’s artistic heritage to the world.

Find a collection of antique Japanese Meiji period case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Meiji
Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Blue-Ground Vases and Covers, Meiji
Located in New York, NY
A Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Blue-Ground Vases and Covers, Meiji Period. A decorative pair of cloisonne enamel vases, the bodies decorated with colorful birds, butter...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Ginbari Baby Blue Enamel Floral Double Handel V
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome ginbari cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, Squat round shape, long neck and decorative side handles. Blue body with pink and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Japanese Meiji Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, Ginbari enamel over copper vase. The globular shaped vase is enameled with a polychrome image of blossoming Bluebells flowers on the light blue g...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Kutani Japanese Meiji Porcelain Vase Painted with Figures
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Japanese Meiji porcelain Kutani vase hand painted with decorative and a figural panel dating between 1868 and 1912. The elegantly shaped tall ...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Antique Large Pottery Vase 1860s-1900s / Flower Vase Wabisabi
By Axel Vervoordt
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old paper-covered pottery made in Japan. It dates from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). This large vase was used to transport and store tea leaves. It appears to have ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Pottery

Late Meiji era, Circa 1870s Miniature Imari Vase, Japanese
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1870s miniature Imari vase, Japanese. Late Meiji era. Elongated, slightly flared neck. Finely painted & gilded with floral reserves. 4 1/8" h., 2 3/8" dia. Whitehall Antiques ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Butterfly Vase Attributed To Honda
Located in New York, NY
Antique Japanese, late Meiji era, enamel over copper vase. The vase has an urn shaped body and a wide neck. The body of the vase is adorned with polychrome medallions depicting birds...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Pair Of Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Brush Pots
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Japanese brush pots, Meiji era, 1868 to 1912. The exterior of both matched pieces is enameled with polychrome enamel blossoming flowers and butterflies on a cobalt ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Cotton Candy Pink Enamel Butterfly Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, enamel over copper vase. The urn shaped vase is adorned with a polychrome image of butterflies against a bright pink background made in the Clois...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Rare Kinkozan Totai Shippo Japanese Cloisonne on Porcelain Bottle
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji era, 1868 to 1912, Totai Shippo cloisonne enamel and porcelain sake bottle. Decorated with finely detailed birds, flowers and butterflies in turquoise blue ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Kinkozan Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Totai Scholars Satsuma Signed Vases
Located in New York, NY
A large pair of antique Japanese Totai Shippo cloisonne enamel and Satsuma porcelain vases, Meiji era, 1868 to 1912. Of a baluster form, on the body is painted with butterflies to to...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Cloisonne Wireless Mount Fuji and Wire Cranes
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, Silver wire and enamel vase. The urn shaped vase has a narrow fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of cranes in the Mount...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Early 19th Century Japanese Satsuma Gilded Vase Geishas and Character, Marked
Located in Richmond Hill, ON
Hand-painted and gilded Japanese Satsuma pottery vase with figures and geisha girls on a floral background. Marked on the base. 20th Century 5 1/4 x 2 3/4 in. (13.3 x 7 cm.) Good con...
Category

Early 1800s Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Phoenix Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, Meiji era, enamel over copper vase. The exterior of the ware is enameled with a polychrome design depicting Phoenix birds surrounded by foliate scroll and foliag...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Large Japanese Cloisonne Lavender Enamel Paulownia and Phoenix Bird Vase
Located in New York, NY
A rare large antique Japanese, Meiji era, enamel over copper vase. The vase has a globular shaped body and a long narrow neck with a fluted mouth. The exterior of the vase is enamele...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Japanese Cloisonne Rainbow Meiji Era Ginbari Vase Signed
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome ginbari cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period Ovoid bottle shape. Purple and blue body with grapevine motif. High quality. Kanji...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Large Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Fan Motif Vase
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese Meiji era enamel over copper vase. The urn shaped vase is enameled with polychrome fan shaped medallions featuring floral, foliage and butterfly motifs surro...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Pair of Maroon Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large Japanese copper vases with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period . Elongated shape with pronounced neck. The body of both pieces is decorated with polychrome clo...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

High Quality Japanese Cloisonne Forest Green Dragon Vase Attributed to Honda Yos
Located in New York, NY
A high quality antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over copper vase. The globular form vase with a short narrow neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of a dragon...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Early 20th Century Japanese Satsuma Pottery Gilded Vase, Marked
Located in Richmond Hill, ON
This exquisite Satsuma vase is a perfect addition to any collector's treasure trove. With panels of intricately detailed figures and a beautiful decorative lattice border, this 20th-...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Pair of Late 19th Century Satsuma Vases Depicting Warriors, Marked
Located in Richmond Hill, ON
Pair of Delicate satsuma vases. Both are marked, richly decorated, and gilded. Maybe the Late 19th Century? Behold the refined warriors, immortalized in stunning detail. Their streng...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Pottery

Early 20th Century Japanese Satsuma Cabinet Vase and Bowl Set, Marked
Located in Richmond Hill, ON
There are two Satsuma Canton Vases with cartouches and rouleau shapes, each featuring one panel of figures. Additionally, there is a uniquely shaped Satsuma bowl. Vase: 5 x 2 in. (1...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Pair of JAPANESE SATSUMA warriors vases, Early 20th Century
Located in Richmond Hill, ON
A pair of Japanese Satsuma vases with parcel gilt and enameled decorations from the early 20th century are available for sale. The vases feature gilt mouths, waisted necks, and spira...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Pottery

Japanese bronze vase decorated with Kintaro riding Carp Koi - Meiji - 19th Japan
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty Japanese Meiji bronze vase representing a naked boy, like a cherub, very muscular on a Koi carp in the middle of crashing waves. The bronze work is very beautiful, the mo...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Bronze

High Quality Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Blossoming Iris’s Vase
Located in New York, NY
A high quality antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over gilt copper vase. The vase has an urn shaped body and a fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of b...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Japanese Meiji Era Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, Meiji era, enamel over copper vase. The vase has an urn shaped body and a wide neck. The ware is enameled with polychrome floral, foliage, geometrical, and retic...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

19th Century Japanese Cloisonné Lidded Jar Fine Decoration, Early Meiji Period
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very decorative cloisonné lidded jar, made in Japan and dating to the 19th century, early Meiji period, circa 1875 or possibly earlier....
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Kyoto School Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of identical antique Japanese, late Meiji era, enamel over copper vases. Each vase has an urn shaped body and a fluted neck. The ware is enameled with polychrome figural medal...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Antique Japanese Geisha Yellow Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, enamel over copper vase. The urn shaped vase is adorned with a polychrome image of a Geisha lady in a traditional costume against a bright yellow...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Large Chinese Floral Cloisonne Enamel Vase W Stand
Located in New York, NY
A large rare Chinese enamel over brass vase. The unusual shaped vase is adorned with polychrome images of flowers surrounded by floral and wavy motifs against a bright turquoise back...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Rare Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Red Enamel Pink Dragon Vase
Located in New York, NY
A rare Japanese enamel over copper vase. The vase has an urn shaped body and a narrow fluted neck. The ware is made in a lobbed design. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image o...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Antique Pair of Lobe Shaped Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Goldstone Dragon Butterfly
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Japanese Meiji era enamel metal vases. The lobed shaped vases are enameled with polychrome medallion images of dragons and butterflies, floral, foliage, and geometr...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly Vase Attributed to Hayashi Kodenji
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, Meiji era, Silver wire enamel vase attributed to Hayashi Kodenji, Japanese, 1831 to 1915. Circa 1900s. The baluster form vase is enameled with polychrome images ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Japanese Cloisonne White Enamel Vase with Birds
Located in New York, NY
The globular shaped vase is adorned with polychrome enamel floral, foliage, and swirl motifs, and an image of a Phoenix bird on the white ground made in the Cloisonne technique. The ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Pair of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Turquoise Enamel Silver Birds In Bamboo Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of identical antique Japanese, late Meiji era, Silver wire enamel vases. Each vase has an urn shaped body and a wide fluted neck. Each vase is enameled with polychrome images ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lotos Vase
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese early Meiji period vase attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki, a prominent cloisonne artist of the time. Showcases the highly regarded craftsmanship and intricate ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Attributed to Kyoto Shibata
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese Meiji period vase attributed to Kyoto Shibata. Features vivid depictions of birds and floral motifs, showcasing the meticulous application of cloisonne ename...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Large Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese, Meiji era, enamel over copper vase. The vase has a globular shaped body and a long narrow neck. The ware is enameled with polychrome medallions depicting a ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Large Pair of 19th Century Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Birds in Blossoming F
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large antique Japanese, late Meiji era, enamel copper vases. The urn shaped vases are adorned with polychrome images of birds in blossoming flowers against a bright turquoi...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Flying Cranes Vase
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese, Meiji era, Silver wire enamel over brass copper vase. Circa: 1900s. The urn form vase is enameled with polychrome images of cranes made in the Cloisonne tec...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel, Copper

Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Goldstone Mount Fuji Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period goldstone vase, attributed to Honda Yasaburo, an artist active from the 1870s to 1910. The vase features two intricately detailed plaques on its body...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Double Gourd Dragon Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of rare large Japanese, late Meiji era, double gourd enamel vases. Each ware is enameled with polychrome bands and panels with dragon, floral, foliage, and foliate scroll orna...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Lapis Enamel Dragon & Phoenix Bird Vases Ando Jubei
Located in New York, NY
A pair of rare identical antique Japanese Meiji era enamel vases. The amphora shaped vases are adorned with polychrome enamel panels depicting symmetrical images of Phoenix birds, qi...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Pair of Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Floral Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Japanese Early Meiji period cloisonne enamel vases attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki. Each vase is adorned with intricate floral designs, showcasing the meticulous ar...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Monumental Japanese Sake Vessel, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant, large-scale vessel is a Japanese widemouth stoneware jar (kame) traditionally used for storing water and other liquids. This 19th-century example continues traditional ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain, Stoneware

Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Amphora Shaped Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of high quality Japanese, Meiji era, enamel over brass vases. Each vase has an amphora shaped body and a short wide neck. Each ware is enameled with polychrome medallions depi...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

A Pair of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Millefiori Chrysanthemum Flowers Butte
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel vases. Late Meiji period, Circa 1890 of Elongated baluster shape. The pieces are richly covered with silver wire in Multi color chrysant...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Rare Bubblegum Pink Silver Wire Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Iris Flower Vase
Located in New York, NY
A rare high quality antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over gilt copper vase. The amphora shaped vase has a narrow fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Cranes Flying over Waves Attributed to Honda Yasa
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese early Meiji vase, most likely copper, decorated with cloisonne enamel and attributed to Honda Yasaburo, active circa 1870s - 1910. The elongated vase features a n...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Rare Forest Green Silver Wire Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Rooster Vase
Located in New York, NY
A rare high quality large antique Japanese, late Meiji period, Silver wire and enamel over copper vase. The amphora shaped vase has a narrow fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

A Pair of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon, Doves, Ho Ho Birds Attributed
Located in New York, NY
A pair of high quality Japanese Meiji period cloisonne enamel vases, each of a globular form with a short flared neck with an everted rim, decorated with stylized floral patterns and...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Elegant Pair of Hand Painted Imari Vases, Meiji Perion, 1880's
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of bulbous classic cobalt blue and iron red Imari vases. The 7.5 inch tall vases with rounded bodies with small necks with had painted scenic views on each side, Japan, Circa...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Plique-a-Jour Cloisonne Vase
Located in Brisbane, QLD
This plique-a-jour cloisonne vase is an exceptional example of Japanese craftsmanship from the tail end of the Meiji period (1868-1912). The most remarkable thing about this delicate...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Metal

Japanese Meiji Period Arita Omoikane Deity of Wisdom 思兼 Vase, Fukagawa Studio
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Japanese Meiji Period Arita Omoikane Deity of Wisdom 思兼 Vase, Fukagawa Studio  Japan, circa 1900s Inscribed or signed on the side  An extraordinary Japanese Meiji Period Arita Omoik...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Japanese Meiji Satsuma Porcelain Vase, Garden Scene & Pheasant, C1910
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Japanese Meiji Satsuma Porcelain Vase, Garden Scene & Pheasant, C1910 Measures- 6.25''H x 3''W x 3''D
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Very Large Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in London, GB
This stunning Meiji period vase is a wonderful example of the quality of craftsmanship during the late 19th century Japanese Meiji period. The Meiji era was famed for being the perio...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Antique Pottery Jar 1860-1910s / Flower Vase Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese pottery jar. It dates from the Meiji period (1800s-1860s). It is thought to have been used to extinguish charcoal fir...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Pottery

Signed Ando Jubei Japanese Green Cloisonné Vase Clematis
Located in Somis, CA
A masterpiece of Ando Jubei wireless cloisonné vase. In his signature green enamel, portraying an intricate arabesque design of a blooming clem...
Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Meiji vases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji vases 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 vases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji vases 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 vases, popular names associated with this style include Ando Jubei, Satsuma, Kinkozan, and Makuzu Kozan. 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 vases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $83 and tops out at $98,000 while the average work can sell for $2,994.

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