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.
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Style: Edo
Antique Edo Period Japanese Samurai Iron Stirrups with Brass or Bronze Inlay
Located in Centennial, CO
A pair of antique Edo period (1603–1867) Japanese Samurai Abumis (stirrups for horseback-riding) expertly crafted out of cast iron with brass or bronze inlay in the form of a stylize...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Iron
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
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
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
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 symb...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
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 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, Silver, Iron
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
Japanese Bronze Flower Vase, Edo to Meiji Period, circa 1860, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A striking Japanese cast and carved patinated bronze trumpet mouth vase for flower displays, Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, circa 1860, Japan.
The tall and elegant bronze fl...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
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
Japanese bronze image of Tanjo no Shaka
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese bronze image of Tanjo no Shaka, the infant Buddha (Shakyamuni), a standing figure with the right hand pointing towards heaven and the left hand pointing toward earth, costum...
Category
1850s Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Iron Decorative Plate with Shishi Lion Motif
Located in Fukuoka, JP
An exquisitely crafted iron plate featuring a dynamic and finely detailed depiction of a Shishi (mythical lion-dog). The figure is portrayed with expressive movement and intricately ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Iron
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 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
Bronze sculpture of an eagle on a tree stump, to be used as an incense burner
Located in PARIS, FR
This bronze sculpture represents a royal eagle standing on top of a tree stump. Its body and the stump were realized separately and mounted, the transition being right above the talo...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Rare Edo-Meiji Period Bronze Hibachi with Lion Handles
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This exceptional pair of bronze hibachi (traditional Japanese braziers) dates back to the Edo period and features exquisite craftsmanship with intrica...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
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
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 bronze incense burner in the form of an owl Signed Murata Seimin 村田製眠
Located in PARIS, FR
A bronze okimono of an owl, constructed in two sections, the short-eared owl (detachable) perched on a tree branch with its head cocked quizzically to the right and its wings folded ...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
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
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 lining decorated in red lacquer. The sides and underside also inlaid. Signed by the maker. Edo period.
This is a beautiful example of Japanese metalwork, sublime in it's design and craftsmanship, perhaps once belonging to a Shogun warrior...
Category
Early 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Silver, Iron
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
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
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
Antique Chinese Bronze Statue Guanyin China 19th / 20th century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
BRONZE top level Chinese statue
Qing period, 19th century.
Condition
29.5cm
Period
19th century
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Porcelain
Small Japanese copper vase made in the late Edo period / 1750-1868 / Flower vase
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a copper vase made around the late Edo period.
The body is cast.
This is a vase for holding flowers to be offered in a tokonoma alcove or in front of a Buddha.
The tip is sha...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Copper
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
Antique japanese forged iron tsuba from the Edo period
Located in Bilzen, BE
A forge iron Japanese samurai tsuba from the Edo period (1603 - 1868)
Katana tsuba 7.5 x 7.5 cm
Good condition as shown in the pictures uncleaned with its old patina
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Iron
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 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
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
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
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.