Edo Metalwork

EDO STYLE

Edo furniture was created during a flourishing time for the decorative arts owing to the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate rule in Japan. Spanning from 1603 to 1867, this era of peace and economic growth supported artistic advancements in lacquer, woodblock printing, porcelain and other artisanal trades. Because the country was largely isolated, there was little outside influence, leading to centuries of exceptional attention to the design of its furnishings and the quality of its traditional arts.

Unlike during the Meiji period that followed, with an increase in domestic and international markets, furniture during the Edo period was predominately commissioned by the ruling class, although people from across social groups benefited from the burgeoning metropolitan hubs for artisanal trades. For instance, Kyoto became a major center for lacquer art. Most furniture pieces were made from wood such as cedar or ash, including the era’s sashimono cabinets, which involved fine joinery and were rooted in the Heian period.

Sashimono cabinets, which were built by master craftsmen in a range of different wood types owing to the various trees that populate Japan, occasionally featured a stack of slender drawers as well as sliding doors. They were popular with everyone from samurai to kabuki actors. Tansu storage chests crafted from wood with metal fittings were also common in Edo-period homes. Some were designed to be easily portable while others were made to double as staircases.

Painted folding screens, called byōbu, were also fashionable, with Japanese artists inspired by nature, literature and scenes of history and daily life to create vivid works. In Buddhist temples and the palatial homes of the aristocratic class, fusuma, or large sliding panels, would sometimes be adorned with gold or silver leaf. These dividers allowed interiors to change throughout the day, closing in small spaces for personal use or reflecting candlelight to illuminate communal spaces after dark.

Find a collection of Edo tables, lighting, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.

Style: Edo

Nikkō and Gakkō Bodhisattvas Temple Bell, Bunsei Era 1822

Located in Fukuoka, JP

This remarkable Buddhist temple bell is an authentic piece of spiritual history, cast in 1822, during the Bunsei era. Adorned with the august symbols of Nikkō and Gakkō, the Bodhisat...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Nikkō and Gakkō Bodhisattvas Temple Bell, Bunsei Era 1822

Imperial Edo Period Bronze Temple Lantern

Located in Fukuoka, JP

Exemplifying the grandeur of the Edo period, this substantial bronze Buddhist temple lantern is a relic steeped in both imperial provenance and spiritual significance. Circa 18th cen...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Imperial Edo Period Bronze Temple Lantern

18th Century Japanese Silver Inlaid Iron Shogun Stirrup (Abumi) Red Lacquer

Located in Stamford, CT

18th century iron abumi of typical form, the stirrup inlaid in silver, an encircled peony flower crest surrounded with a geometric pattern, the interior retains the original wood lin...

Category

Early 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Silver, Iron

18th Century Japanese Silver Inlaid Iron Shogun Stirrup (Abumi) Red Lacquer

Imposing Japanese censer, 19th century, patinated bronze.

Located in Monza, IT

Imposing Japanese censer, 19th century, patinated bronze. Japanese censer dating back to the end of the 19th century, patinated bronze, worked with friezes, animal, bird and floral t...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Imposing Japanese censer, 19th century, patinated bronze.

Pair Japanese Choshi Sake Ewers

Located in Pasadena, CA

This is a wonderful pair of 19th century Octagonal Choshi or Sake Ewers that was created during the late Edo or Meiji Period. The Choshi are composed of an Octagonal finely cast iron kettle with and open end spout which differentiates them from the traditional Japanese tea kettle...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair Japanese Choshi Sake Ewers

Japanese Nanban Tsuba with Dragons, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A dramatic Japanese iron tsuba in the nanban (foreign) style, decorated with dragons and openwork and inlaid with silver and gold, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan. The fantast...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Gold, Iron, Silver

Japanese Nanban Tsuba with Dragons, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan

19th Century Japanese Edo Period Bronze Gong

Located in New York, NY

Unique and impressive 19th century Japanese Toshogu shrine gong honoring Tokugawa leyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled from 1603 to 1867, known as the Edo period. Wi...

Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Brass, Bronze

19th Century Japanese Edo Period Bronze Gong

Japanese Iron Tomyodai with Copper Oil Dishes

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Japanese Tomyodai, a temple light stand created of hand wrought iron in an upright form of a circle or "tama" ( flaming jewel of spiritual enlightenment )...

Category

Early 1800s Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Iron

Japanese Iron Tomyodai with Copper Oil Dishes

Antique Japanese Patinated Bronze Buddhistic Lion Censer 17th/18th Century

Located in Forney, TX

A remarkable Edo Period (1603-1868) Japanese patinated bronze Buddhistic lion censer, exceptionally executed sculptural shishi foo dog form, finely detailed, retaining the original r...

Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Antique Japanese Patinated Bronze Buddhistic Lion Censer 17th/18th Century

Japanese Samurai Helmet Kabuto Edo Period (1603-1867)

Located in Hampstead, QC

A Japanese Samurai black-lacquered helmet (kabuto) in suji bachi style and of a goshozan shape consisting of the: - main dome (hachi) made from 16 plates in natural iron riveted to...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Iron

Japanese Samurai Helmet Kabuto Edo Period (1603-1867)

Sensational Japanese Shakudo & Mixed Metal Tsuba by Yoshihisa

Located in Christchurch, GB

As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this sensational late Edo period 1615-1868 solid shakudo and mixed metal Tsuba ( sword hand guard) artist si...

Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Sensational Japanese Shakudo & Mixed Metal Tsuba by Yoshihisa

Free Shipping

Japanese Shakudo and Mixed Metal Tsuba – Iwamoto Konkan (1744-1801)

Located in Christchurch, GB

As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this exceptionally fine Edo Period 1615-1868, mixed metal artist signed Tsuba ( sword hand guard), the well ...

Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Japanese Shakudo and Mixed Metal Tsuba – Iwamoto Konkan (1744-1801)

Free Shipping

Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lanterns Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi

Located in New York, NY

A Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lanterns Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi, Edo Period, 19th century Japanese cloisonne lanterns were made during the Meiji period, from the late 19th to early 20th century, and were often used as decorative lighting fixtures in temples and shrines. Kaji Tsunekichi (1866-1916) was a Japanese cloisonné artist who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born in Tokyo and learned the art of cloisonné from his father, Kaji Sataro, who was also a cloisonné artist. He was renowned for his mastery of the shippo-yaki technique, which involves creating intricate designs with thin wires on a metal base before filling in the spaces with enamel. Tsunekichi was known for his exceptional technical skills and his ability to create intricate designs with vibrant colors. His works often featured nature motifs, such as flowers, birds, and fish, which were rendered in a highly detailed and naturalistic style. He also experimented with new techniques, such as plique-à-jour, a type of cloisonné that creates a stained-glass effect. Tsunekichi's works were highly prized during his lifetime and continue to be sought after by collectors today. He won numerous awards for his cloisonné creations, including a Gold Medal at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. His works are characterized by their fine wirework, precise enamel application, and attention to detail. Some of Tsunekichi's most famous works include a pair of large cloisonné vases...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lanterns Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi

Pair of Japanese Edo Period Iron Silver Inlaid Red Lacquered Stirrups 'Abumi'

Located in New York, NY

A Pair of Japanese Edo Period (1603–1867) iron, silver inlaid, and red lacquered stirrups (Abumi). Each of typical form, made of iron with silver inlay on the front with floral bloss...

Category

1690s Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Silver, Iron

Pair of Japanese Edo Period Iron Silver Inlaid Red Lacquered Stirrups 'Abumi'

Japanese Parcel Gilt Copper Hibachi, Edo Period, 18th Century, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A sublime Japanese parcel gilt copper hand warmer, hibachi, with chrysanthemum design, Edo Period, 18th century, Japan. The hand warmer, called a...

Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Japanese Parcel Gilt Copper Hibachi, Edo Period, 18th Century, Japan

Japanese Cast Bronze "Longevity" Mirror, Edo Period, 18th Century, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A heavy and finely cast Japanese bronze mirror with longevity symbols, Edo Period, 18th century, Japan. The small, round mirror with high walls...

Category

Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Cast Bronze "Longevity" Mirror, Edo Period, 18th Century, Japan

Japanese Antique Copper Alloyr Tray / 1800-1900 / Gong / Wabi-Sabi Art

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

I bought a very attractive copper tray. This is an item that was once used as a gong. In other words, it was used as a percussion instrument. It was also used in temples. The materi...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Japanese Antique Copper Alloyr Tray / 1800-1900 / Gong / Wabi-Sabi Art

Japanese Edo/Meiji Gilded Bronze Folded Paper Handled Basket with Applications

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

An unusual antique Japanese gilded bronze basket of folded paper form body with applied panels and decoration dating from the 19th century and either late Edo or early Meiji period (...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Edo/Meiji Gilded Bronze Folded Paper Handled Basket with Applications

Free Shipping

A Very Good 19th Century Iron & Mixed Metal Tsuba, Japan Edo Period (1603-1868)

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

A finely decorated iron & mixed metal tsuba, showing a dark-brown iron ground decorated in low relief with organic inspired motifs in gold, silver & copper.

Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron

A Very Good 19th Century Iron & Mixed Metal Tsuba, Japan Edo Period (1603-1868)

Japanese Bronze Usubata with Waves and Plovers, Edo Period, Mid-19th Century

Located in Austin, TX

An impressive Japanese cast bronze usubata, vessel for ikebana, in the form of a large conical vessel being supported by crashing waves and flying chidori. Edo Period, mid-19th centu...

Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Bronze Usubata with Waves and Plovers, Edo Period, Mid-19th Century

Edo Period Chain Mail Armor Jacket, Kusari or Karuta, Japan

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Edo period Chain Mail Armor Jacket, Kusari or sometimes known as Karuta, Japan Japanese chain mail armor jacket is composed of brass metal plates linked together with metal wires an...

Category

Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Brass

Edo Period Chain Mail Armor Jacket, Kusari or Karuta, Japan

Pair of Japanese Edo Period Parcel-Gilt Bronze Dragon Vases, Early 19th Century

Located in Austin, TX

A pair of well cast and dramatic Japanese parcel gilt bronze dragon vases, Edo period, early 19th century. The heavy bronze vases of pear shape, each with a single writhing dragon cast in high relief...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Japanese Edo Period Parcel-Gilt Bronze Dragon Vases, Early 19th Century

Japanese Edo Period Bronze Vase of Mimikuchi Flying Handle Form

Located in London, GB

A rare Edo period bronze vase with Mimikuchi flying handles, with quartered pear shaped body with spiral to the front and back, supported on a flared...

Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Edo Period Bronze Vase of Mimikuchi Flying Handle Form

Pair of Antique Japanese Buddhist Temple Headdress and Necklace Ornaments

Located in Hudson, NY

Pair of antique Japanese Buddhist temple headdress and necklace ornaments. Gilt bronze with decorative stones and beads, and intricate metalw...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique Japanese Buddhist Temple Headdress and Necklace Ornaments

19th Century Superior Quality Japanese Bronze Vase with Grape Vine Handles

Located in Hudson, NY

19th century superior quality Japanese bronze vase with grape vine handles. Beautifully shaped Edo period (first half of the 19th century) vase with c...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Superior Quality Japanese Bronze Vase with Grape Vine Handles

Japanese Bronze Koro 'Incense Burner' in the Form of a Badger

Located in Hudson, NY

Japanese bronze Koro (Incense Burner) in the form of a Badger, Edo Period (circa 1800) bronze incense burner with removable top. Badger face and t...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Bronze Koro 'Incense Burner' in the Form of a Badger

A Japanese Bronze Monkey Smoking A Pipe

Located in Dallas, TX

A Japanese bronze monkey smoking a pipe. Early 20th century

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

A Japanese Bronze Monkey Smoking A Pipe

Pair of 18th Century Japanese Edo Period Lacquered Samurai Iron Stirups

Located in Dallas, TX

18th century Japanese Edo period Lacquered Samouri Iron stirups with original wooden lacquered insoles. Truly a beautiful pair of Japanese ...

Category

Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Iron

Pair of 18th Century Japanese Edo Period Lacquered Samurai Iron Stirups

Pair of Japanese Abumi Samurai Stirrups with Dragons, c. 1800

Located in Chicago, IL

Inlaid with brass and silver, this extraordinary pair of Japanese bronze stirrups, known as Abumi, were crafted in the Edo period (1603-1868) for use on a Samurai's horse. Each is wo...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Silver, Bronze, Iron

Pair of Japanese Abumi Samurai Stirrups with Dragons, c. 1800

Pair of Japanese Edo Period Foliate and Bird Relief Decorated Bronze Vases

Located in Milford, NH

An attractive pair of Japanese Edo Period bronze vases with relief foliate and bird decoration, probably dating to the early 19th century, in very go...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Japanese Edo Period Foliate and Bird Relief Decorated Bronze Vases

Edo metalwork for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Edo metalwork for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage metalwork created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bronze, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Edo metalwork made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 metalwork differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,400 and tops out at $8,800 while the average work can sell for $8,500.