What is the focus of Japanese art?

The focus of Japanese art varies. Many traditional Japanese artists sought to capture the beauty of nature in their works. However, other Japanese artists have produced work with Buddhist themes, and contemporary artists working in the country have been inspired by a range of subjects, from socioeconomic and political issues to pop culture. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Japanese art.

What is the writing on Japanese art?

The writing on Japanese art is calligraphy art called shodo. It uses Japanese kanji and kana characters. There are a variety of different shodo styles of art, including Kaisho, which is the basic, foundational form of the art. On 1stDibs, find a range of Japanese calligraphy art from top sellers..

What are characteristics of Japanese art?

There are a variety of different types of Japanese art. One of the oldest and most admired forms of Japanese art is the art of calligraphy, which originated in the sixth or seventh century. Another type of art, ukiyo-e, is the art of the woodblock print, which depicts scenes of female beauties; kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers and more. You’ll find a variety of Japanese artwork from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

What is the most popular Japanese art style?

Many art styles originated in Japan and grew in popularity over the years. Some of the most popular styles include shodo (calligraphy), ikebana, kanou and yamato-e. You’ll find a wide variety of authentic Japanese art from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

What is Japanese wall art called?

What Japanese wall art is called depends on its type. There are numerous kinds of Japanese paintings and prints, including nihonga and ukiyo-e. A Japanese wall scroll is known as a kakejiku or kakemono. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Japanese wall art.

What is the Japanese sea art called?

What the Japanese sea art is called depends on its type. Many examples of sea art from Japan are called ukiyo-e. This term refers to woodblock prints made during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai is arguably the most famous ukiyo-e print depicting the sea. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of Japanese woodblock prints.

How can you tell if art is Japanese or Chinese?

To tell if art is Japanese or Chinese, study the piece's characteristics. With paintings, Chinese artists often use more color and tend to fill their entire canvases, while Japanese artists often include more negative space and choose subtler colors. There are also differences between the brushstrokes typical of traditional Chinese and Japanese art. In Japanese paintings, brushstrokes are often short and sharp. On the other hand, Chinese paintings often display longer, more fluid brushstrokes. Learning about the defining features of various art forms and periods and looking at examples of pieces made by Japanese and Chinese artists can help you learn to spot subtle differences. Explore a diverse assortment of Japanese and Chinese art on 1stDibs.

Japanese Foil Art

Ginbari Cloisonne

20th Century Cloisonne

Painted Asian Wall Panels

Japanese Etched Vase

Japanese Silver Bowl Meiji

Japan Copper Vase

Small Cloisonne Vase

Master Craft Furniture

Japanese Art Nouveau Cloisonne and Ginbari Amphora Vase, Meiji Period, Japan

$1,200

H 7.25 in Dm 3.5 in

Japanese Art Nouveau Cloisonne and Ginbari Amphora Vase, Meiji Period, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

An unusual and elegant Japanese Art Nouveau amphora shaped cloisonne and ginbari foiled vase, Meiji

Category

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Art Nouveau Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Enamel, Foil, Wire

Two Small Japanese Cloisonne Dragon Vases, Early 20th Century, Japan

$385 / set

H 4 in Dm 2 in

Two Small Japanese Cloisonne Dragon Vases, Early 20th Century, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

Two charming, small Japanese cloisonné dragon vases, Meiji to Taisho period, early 20th century

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Enamel, Foil

Group of 5 Small Japanese Cloisonne and Ginbari Vases, Early 20th Century, Japan

$1,050 / set

H 5 in Dm 2.5 in

Group of 5 Small Japanese Cloisonne and Ginbari Vases, Early 20th Century, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A charming group of five Japanese cloisonné and ginbari foiled vases, Meiji period, early 20th

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Enamel, Foil, Wire

Japanese Contemporary Red Porcelain Bowl by Master Artist, 2

$17,500

H 5.5 in Dm 19.5 in

Japanese Contemporary Red Porcelain Bowl by Master Artist, 2

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Extraordinary Japanese contemporary museum-quality porcelain bowl/centerpiece in silver based foil

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Silver, Foil

Japanese Contemporary Gold Blue Green Porcelain bowl by Master Artist, 2

$17,500

H 7.5 in Dm 18 in

Japanese Contemporary Gold Blue Green Porcelain bowl by Master Artist, 2

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Extraordinary Japanese contemporary museum-quality highly collectible decorative porcelain bowl

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Gold, Platinum, Silver, Foil

Japanese Platinum Gold Blue Pink Porcelain Charger by Contemporary Master Artist

$19,800

H 4 in Dm 21.5 in

Japanese Platinum Gold Blue Pink Porcelain Charger by Contemporary Master Artist

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Extraordinary Japanese contemporary award-winning highly-collectible decorative porcelain charger

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Gold, Platinum, Silver, Foil

Antique Japanese Samurai Suit of Armor, Edo Period, 18th Century

$26,000

H 69.5 in W 23 in D 20 in

Antique Japanese Samurai Suit of Armor, Edo Period, 18th Century

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Antique Japanese Samurai Suit of Armor, Edo period, 18th century. A complete matching set of

Category

Antique 18th Century Japanese Edo Metalwork

Materials

Metal, Silver, Foil, Iron, Gold Leaf

Recent Sales

Japanese Cloisonne and Goldstone Phoenix Box, Meiji Period, Japan

Sold

H 2 in W 5 in D 4.13 in

Japanese Cloisonne and Goldstone Phoenix Box, Meiji Period, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A striking Japanese turquoise ground cloisonne and goldstone trinket or jewelry box, Meiji Period

Category

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Metalwork

Materials

Brass, Copper, Enamel, Foil

Japanese Contemporary Blue Ceramic Vase by Master Artist

Sold

H 11 in Dm 4 in

Japanese Contemporary Blue Ceramic Vase by Master Artist

Located in Takarazuka, JP

This Exquisite contemporary ceramic vase with horizontal etchings features silver foil in a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Ceramics

Materials

Silver, Foil

Japanese Yellow Gilded Ceramic Vase by Master Artist

Sold

H 12.5 in Dm 4.5 in

Japanese Yellow Gilded Ceramic Vase by Master Artist

Located in Takarazuka, JP

This exquisite contemporary ceramic vase with stunning etchings features silver foil in a beautiful

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Ceramics

Materials

Silver, Foil

Japanse Ginbari Cloisonné Vase or Pen Holder, Early 20th c, Japan

Sold

H 3.5 in Dm 3 in

Japanse Ginbari Cloisonné Vase or Pen Holder, Early 20th c, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A bold and striking small Japanese ginbari foil and cloisonne vase or pen holder, Meiji to Taisho

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Enamel, Foil

Japanese Two-Panel Rimpa School Autumn Foliage Screen

Sold

H 30 in W 74.5 in D 0.75 in

Japanese Two-Panel Rimpa School Autumn Foliage Screen

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Unique Japanese two-panel folding screen depicting a garden scene of autumn grasses, leaves, and

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Paintings and Screens

Materials

Brass, Foil

Set of 6 panel Japanese screen on silver foil. Signed.

Sold

H 72 in W 24 in

Set of 6 panel Japanese screen on silver foil. Signed.

Located in Westport, CT

Each panel measures 72"Hx24" wide.
Photos taken outside under natural light. Colors seem darker indoor. Some damage on the sides between of 2nd and 3rd panels and between thi...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Decorative Art

BEAUTIFUL 8 PANEL JAPANESE WALL MURAL

Sold

H 48 in W 140 in

BEAUTIFUL 8 PANEL JAPANESE WALL MURAL

Located in Miami, FL

,hand-painted,Japanese village scene wall mural with a silver leaf background. Great metal hardware as

Category

20th Century Japanese Paintings and Screens

Materials

Foil

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Pair of Victorian Cabinets with Taxidermy Quetzal by Henry Ward

$69,548 / set

H 32.68 in W 24.02 in D 7.09 in

Pair of Victorian Cabinets with Taxidermy Quetzal by Henry Ward

By Henry Ward

Located in Amsterdam, NL

A pair of extremely rare Victorian display cabinets with taxidermy resplendent quetzal (PHAROMACHRUS MOCINNO), cotinga and hummingbirds, attributed to Henry Ward (1812-1878) Engla...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy

Materials

Other

Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase

$1,600Sale Price|20% Off

H 8.75 in Dm 4 in

Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

A rare elegant Japanese vase cast of metal, possibly brass, featuring a baluster shaped body and a wide short neck. The surface is decorated with a delicate image of a thistle flowe...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Metal

Japanese Lacquer Box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay and Parquetry Drawers

$1,024

H 10 in W 11.75 in D 6 in

Japanese Lacquer Box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay and Parquetry Drawers

Located in Yonkers, NY

A finely crafted Japanese tabletop cabinet from the early 20th century, this compact storage piece is richly detailed with traditional decorative techniques and export-era flourishes...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Antique Japanese Meiji Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase

$500

H 3.75 in Dm 3 in

Antique Japanese Meiji Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Located in Long Island City, 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

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Superb Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase

$9,433

H 24.41 in Dm 9.45 in

Superb Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase

Located in London, by appointment only

A very fine a superb scale Japanese Cloisonné vase, the light blue ground with flowers and floral details. In perfect condition.

Category

Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Flying Cranes Hayashi School

$2,500

H 4 in W 4 in D 3 in

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Flying Cranes Hayashi School

Located in Long Island City, NY

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Flying Cranes Hayashi School An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel . The vase has a sphere shaped body and a wide fluted n...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Japanese Marquetry and Lacquer Jewelry Chest, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan

$3,400

H 15.75 in W 14.25 in D 7 in

Japanese Marquetry and Lacquer Jewelry Chest, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A very attractive Japanese wood table top jewelry or collector's chest with marquetry and lacquer decoration, Meiji period, circa 1900, Japan. Previously in the collection of Asbjorn...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Softwood, Lacquer

Chinese Black Enamel Cloisonné Chrysanthemum Flower Vase

$450

H 4.5 in Dm 4.5 in

Chinese Black Enamel Cloisonné Chrysanthemum Flower Vase

Located in New York, NY

Chinese black enamel cloisonné and brass ginger jar vase with chrysanthemum flowers, dogwood flowers and a butterfly and beautiful rich colors. Hand crafted on solid brass.

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Meiji Period Kutani Japanese Porcelain Temple Jar

$2,250

H 13 in Dm 8 in

Antique Meiji Period Kutani Japanese Porcelain Temple Jar

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Antique Meiji period Japanese porcelain temple jar with intricate hand painted decoration and gilt. The jar in Classic Kutani colors with floral and phoenix birds all over the top an...

Category

Antique 1880s Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Exquisite Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Dragon Motif Vase, Meiji / Taisho Period

$1,100

H 10 in Dm 4 in

Exquisite Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Dragon Motif Vase, Meiji / Taisho Period

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Enamel Vase, likely from the Meiji period (1868–1912) or possibly the early Taisho period (1912–1926). The vase features a dynamic depiction of a Japanese...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper

Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet

$187,500

H 102 in W 84.5 in D 22.5 in

Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet

Located in Houston, TX

Large-scale 19th century English display cabinet executed in the Chinoiserie tradition. Constructed in carved mahogany and conceived as a tripartite architectural façade, each glazed...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Loetz Candia Silberiris Glass Vase with Silver Overlay

$1,240

H 5.2 in Dm 3 in

Loetz Candia Silberiris Glass Vase with Silver Overlay

By Loetz Glass

Located in Dallas, TX

Loetz Candia Silberiris Glass Vase with Silver Overlay Circa 1900 Height: 5.2 inches (13.0 cm) Diameter: 3 Inches (7.5 cm) Condition: Glass vase with silver overlay etched with Art ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Czech Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Large Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Vase

$9,000

H 13 in Dm 3 in

Large Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Baluster shape, flower brunches and birds decor against turquoise background. ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Large Late 19th Century Rose Medallion Chinese Export Bowl

$7,200

H 5.75 in Dm 14.5 in

Large Late 19th Century Rose Medallion Chinese Export Bowl

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Large Rose Medallion Chinese Export bowl from the late 19th century. Surrounded by classical oriental scenes around the outside and within the centre. Dimensions: 5.75" H x 14.5" D.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Bowls

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Japanese Silver Repousse Iris Vase Meiji Period

$1,950

H 5.25 in Dm 0.75 in

Japanese Silver Repousse Iris Vase Meiji Period

By Samurai Shokai

Located in Sarasota, FL

Japanese silver repousse vase finely decorated with blown out iris flowers. It is of the Meiji period, circa 1890s. The vase is 5 1/4" tall and weighs 4.1 oz. It is signed on the bot...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Cameo Vase With Silver Mounting, Nancy, France 1904

$1,709

H 3.15 in Dm 2.56 in

Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Cameo Vase With Silver Mounting, Nancy, France 1904

By Émile Gallé

Located in Vienna, AT

Bulbous shoulder vase on a flush stand, short neck piece of colourless glass with white powder meltings, overlay in blue-violet and green, meadow flower decoration etched in various ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Glass

Materials

Glass

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Japanese Foil Art For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic piece of Japanese foil art available at 1stDibs. An item from our selection of Japanese foil art — often made from foil, metal and ceramic — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a choice in our collection of Japanese foil art, we have 7 options in-stock, while there are 6 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for newer or older items, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. An object in our assortment of Japanese foil art is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Art Nouveau styles are sought with frequency.

How Much is a Japanese Foil Art?

Prices for a piece of Japanese foil art start at $385 and top out at $16,500 with the average selling for $1,200.

Finding the Right Asian Art And Furniture for You

From Japanese handmade earthenware pottery, originating circa 14,500 B.C. and adorned with elaborate corded patterns known as jōmon, to natural elm case pieces and storage cabinets built in Qing dynasty–era China to mid-century Thai rice-paper charcoal rubbings, antique and vintage Asian art and furniture make for wonderful additions to all kinds of contemporary interiors.

Eastern elements elevate any home’s decor. Introduce zen sensibility to your living room, dining room and bedroom with the neutral color palettes and the natural materials such as rattan, bamboo and elm that we typically associate with traditional Asian furniture. Decorative handwoven embroideries and textiles originating from India and elsewhere on the continent, which can be draped over a bed or sofa or used as a wall hanging, can be as practical as they are functional, just as you wouldn’t seek out Japanese room-divider screens — often decorated with paintings but constructed to be lightweight and mobile — merely for privacy.

With everything from blanket chests to lighting fixtures to sculptures and carvings, it’s easy to tastefully bring serenity to your living space by looking to the treasures for which the East has long been known.

For British-born furniture designer Andrianna Shamaris, the Japanese concept of beauty in imperfection isn’t limited to her Wabi Sabi collection. She embraces it in her New York City apartment as well. In the living area, for instance, she retained the fireplace’s original black marble while swathing its frame and the rest of the room in bright white.

“We left the fireplace very clean and wabi-sabi, so that it blended into the wall,” says Shamaris, who further appointed the space with a hand-carved antique daybed whose plush pillows are upholstered in antique textiles from the Indonesian island of Sumba.

In the growing antique and vintage Asian art and furniture collection on 1stDibs, find ceramics from China, antiquities from Cambodia and a vast range of tables, seating, dining chairs and other items from Japan, India and other countries.

Questions About Japanese Foil Art

What is the focus of Japanese art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
The focus of Japanese art varies. Many traditional Japanese artists sought to capture the beauty of nature in their works. However, other Japanese artists have produced work with Buddhist themes, and contemporary artists working in the country have been inspired by a range of subjects, from socioeconomic and political issues to pop culture. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Japanese art.
What is the writing on Japanese art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The writing on Japanese art is calligraphy art called shodo. It uses Japanese kanji and kana characters. There are a variety of different shodo styles of art, including Kaisho, which is the basic, foundational form of the art. On 1stDibs, find a range of Japanese calligraphy art from top sellers..
What are characteristics of Japanese art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are a variety of different types of Japanese art. One of the oldest and most admired forms of Japanese art is the art of calligraphy, which originated in the sixth or seventh century. Another type of art, ukiyo-e, is the art of the woodblock print, which depicts scenes of female beauties; kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers and more. You’ll find a variety of Japanese artwork from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
What is the most popular Japanese art style?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Many art styles originated in Japan and grew in popularity over the years. Some of the most popular styles include shodo (calligraphy), ikebana, kanou and yamato-e. You’ll find a wide variety of authentic Japanese art from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is Japanese wall art called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
What Japanese wall art is called depends on its type. There are numerous kinds of Japanese paintings and prints, including nihonga and ukiyo-e. A Japanese wall scroll is known as a kakejiku or kakemono. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Japanese wall art.
What is the Japanese sea art called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What the Japanese sea art is called depends on its type. Many examples of sea art from Japan are called ukiyo-e. This term refers to woodblock prints made during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai is arguably the most famous ukiyo-e print depicting the sea. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of Japanese woodblock prints.
How can you tell if art is Japanese or Chinese?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
To tell if art is Japanese or Chinese, study the piece's characteristics. With paintings, Chinese artists often use more color and tend to fill their entire canvases, while Japanese artists often include more negative space and choose subtler colors. There are also differences between the brushstrokes typical of traditional Chinese and Japanese art. In Japanese paintings, brushstrokes are often short and sharp. On the other hand, Chinese paintings often display longer, more fluid brushstrokes. Learning about the defining features of various art forms and periods and looking at examples of pieces made by Japanese and Chinese artists can help you learn to spot subtle differences. Explore a diverse assortment of Japanese and Chinese art on 1stDibs.

Symbols of Happiness and Rebirth Adorn This Japanese Satsuma Bowl

Decorated with white cranes and the sought-after thousand-butterflies motif, the Meiji-period vessel offers both a celebration of traditional aesthetics and a clear reflection of the era’s appetite for exquisite export pieces.

Chicago’s Pagoda Red Has a Spirited Mix of Asian Antiques and Bold New Art

For 25 years, gallerist Betsy Nathan has leveraged her keen eye and key connections to bring a unique selection of rare finds to the market.

In L.A., Gallerist JF Chen Has Long Championed Eclectic Blue-Chip Design

Now working alongside his daughter Bianca, dealer Joel Chen has presented a most covetable array of antiques, art and contemporary creations for more than 40 years.

12 Calming Spaces Inspired by Japanese Design

From cherry-blossom-adorned walls paired with glamorous lighting to wood-paneled ceilings above checkerboard-patterned chairs, these 12 spaces seamlessly blend Eastern and Western aesthetics.

Rodrigo Rivero Lake’s Mexico City Showroom Is a Museum-Worthy Trove of Spanish Colonial and Asian Antiques

The dealer and curator has spent the past 50 years amassing a collection of exceptional art, furniture and architectural elements that trace the cultural influence of the Spanish empire from Europe to the Americas and beyond.