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.
Organic Modern Moroccan Rug, Biophilic Design Meets Enigmatic Japandi
Located in Dallas, TX
30990 Organic Modern Biophilic Moroccan Rug, 12'01 x 13'11. In the mystical realm of design, where shadows sway and secrets linger, Biophilia and the enigmatic charm of Japandi style...
Wool
Organic Modern Skagen Moroccan Rug, Japandi Simplicity Meets Cozy Cohesiveness
Located in Dallas, TX
81077 Organic Modern Skagen Moroccan Rug, 09'01 x 12'06. Step into a realm of understated elegance and tranquil comfort with our hand-knotted wool Organic Modern Skagen Moroccan area...
Wool
Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in New York, NY
A modern Moroccan rug in the Azilal style from the 21st century.
Wool
Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in New York, NY
A modern Moroccan rug from the 21st century in ivory, red, black, and grey.
Wool
$885
W 39.38 in L 59.06 in
Moroccan Rug African Tribal Japandi Style Design Djoharian Collection Beige
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Beige Moroccan Amazigh rug North African tribal design - Djoharian Collection. Berber rugs and carpets are mainly made in Morocco, Tunesia and Algeria. Largest producer are the tribal and nomadic Berber people of Morocco. Different areas produce very beautiful works of art. This small sized beige ground Berber rug comes from Morocco, North Africa. This stunning piece of art was hand knotted with tribal designs and Bauhaus inspirations. The abstract design of these Berber rugs inspired many modern European artists who visited Moroccan in the first half of the 20th century. The condition of the rug is excellent and new. Origin: Morocco Size: 150 x 100 cm / 5 x 3.3 ft Pile material: fine hand-spun wool Structure: Soft and with a high, plush pile - soft wool Colors: beige pile and charcoal kilim...
Wool
Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in New York, NY
A modern Moroccan rug from the 21st century.
Wool
New and Modern Moroccan Design Rug
Located in New York, NY
Roughly woven, with two rounded corners, a very long pile, and a sketchy large charcoal open lozenge lattice on a natural ecru wool ground. No borders. Shows a bit of age in the end ...
Wool
$2,811
W 37.41 in L 214.57 in
Beige Black Moroccan Hallway Runner Beni Ourain Rug North African Tribal Japandi
By Berber Tribes of Morocco, djoharian-design
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Monumental Tribal Art – Oversized Beni Ourain Hallway Runner (545 x 95 cm / 18 x 3.1 ft) A Masterpiece of Moroccan Heritage Experience the authentic soul of the Atlas Mountains wit...
Wool
Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in New York, NY
A modernist Moroccan throw rug in the style made famously by the Beni Ourain nomadic tribe from the Atlas Mountains.
Wool
Vintage Moroccan Berber Rug
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century, One of a kind Berber rug in Geometric design. Morocco ca. 1930 Measures: 11'3" x 4'11" (343 x 150 cm).
Wool
$3,577
W 78.75 in L 118.12 in
Beni Ourain Moroccan Rug North African Japandi Style Djoharian Collection Beige
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your home with this handcrafted Japandi-style rug. The perfect blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality, this rug is designed t...
Wool
Modern Moroccan Rug
Located in New York, NY
Modern, handwoven wool rug with pictorial design Multicolor Moroccan circa 1940s Rug Measures 5'6x8'7.
Wool
$1,818
W 55.12 in L 84.65 in
North African Moroccan Berber Rug Wool White Orange Hand Knotted Japandi Style
By djoharian-design, Berber Tribes of Morocco
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
North African Moroccan Berber Rug Wool White Orange hand knotted - Sabah Collection Berber rugs and carpets are mainly made in Morocco, Tunesia and Algeria. Largest producer are the...
Wool
1960s Moroccan Vintage Ethnic Orange Organic Wool Rug Africa
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1960s authentic Moroccan vintage tribal organic wo rug, earth orange tone cors, Handwoven by the Berber women of the Middle Atlas of Morocco. Geometrical abstract designs, great clector pile ethnic carpet...
Wool
Modern Moroccan Hand-Carved Biomorphic Rug, Biophilic Japandi Meets Wabi-Sabi
Located in Dallas, TX
81073 Organic Modern Moroccan High-Low Rug, 08'07 x 11'08. Step into a realm of timeless elegance and harmonious balance with our hand-knotted wool Moroccan area rug, a masterful fus...
Wool
Modern Moroccan Hand-Carved Biomorphic Rug, Biophilic Japandi Meets Wabi-Sabi
Located in Dallas, TX
81076 Organic Modern Moroccan High-Low Rug, 08'10 x 11'09. Introducing our hand-knotted wool Organic Modern Moroccan high-low rug, a stunning embodiment of tranquil beauty inspired b...
Wool