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Meiji Antiquities

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
Japanese Antique Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is a Japanese antique cabinet made in the Meiji period. This is a masterpiece that highlights traditional techniques and craftsmanship, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Low Table, Wabi Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique wooden low table from the Meiji period (1986-1912). The curved legs are beautiful. It was used as a workbench by craftsmen at the time. The material is high-qual...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Pottery Statue "Daikokuten & Ebisu" 1900s-1920s / Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account is operated by five different companies. As for me, I specialize in Japanese antiques and carefully selected items. With my 20 years of experience, I am re-proposing Jap...
Category

1910s Japanese Vintage Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

Japanese Antique Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese-style cabinet made in the Meiji period. The texture of the black lacquer, smoked with soot from the hearth, has a unique depth and charm that is unlike a...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique wooden low table from the Meiji period. At the time, it was used as a workbench by craftsmen. There are traces of work that look like they were done with a hammer...
Category

Early 20th Century Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Old Japanese simple wood grain wall hanging board / 1868-1920 / Wabi-sabi board
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old wooden work board made in Japan between the Meiji and Taisho periods. It was used by farmers to cut mochi, udon, and soba noodles. It was probably used on special occa...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Low Partition "結界" 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old low partition made in Japan. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood. In Japanese Kanji, it is called “結界” . It is a partition,...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Tin Plate Door 1860s-1900s / Wall Decoration
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account consists of 5 companies. I specialize in carefully selected Japanese antiques. With 20 years of experience, I re-propose Japanese antiques from a new perspective. This ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Cement, Iron, Tin

Japanese antique wabi-sabi board/wall hanging object/like an abstract painting
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a workbench board made during the Meiji era to the early Showa period. It was used in a traditional house in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. Originally employed for tasks s...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Maple

wabi sabi reclaimed boat wood wall decor, bamboos engraved. circa 1870s-1920s
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Wooden wall decor made of a piece of reclaimed wood from antique wood river boat. Words & bamboos engraved, together with the signature. Strings for hanging attached. manufactured ci...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Japanese White Maneki neko Cat Object Edo period
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This charming and rare hand-made, hand-painted Maneki Neko (beckoning cat) dates back to the Meiji period (1868–1912), showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. K...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Wooden Flower Stand, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique wooden flower stand from the Meiji period. At the time, it was used as a workbench by craftsmen. There are small marks on it, probably from using a hammer. A clo...
Category

Early 20th Century Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique wooden low table from the Meiji period. It was used as a workbench by craftsmen at the time. It is made of high-quality Japanese zelkova wood and finished with l...
Category

Early 20th Century Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Wooden Board Art Single Board 1910s-1930s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba, Chiba
This is an old Japanese work board. This was used to roll mochi into balls. That is why traces of wheat remain. In the past, when food conditions...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Thatched Roof Tools / Folk Art Object / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
It is called "Gangi" and it is a tool used to beat and push the thatched roof. Kaya, a material, is a general term for rice plants that can be used for roofing materials such as pam...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Hardwood, Cedar

Antique Primitive Japanese Straw Cutter, Sculptural Rustic Farm Equipment
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE JAPANESE STRAW CUTTER A sculptural and decorative piece made from elm and steel. A fixed blade is mounted in a wooden frame in which lengths of straw can be drawn and place...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Steel

Japanese Antique Tree Bump / Object Flower Stand /1968-1912s Primitive Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese tree bump. You can put it on a sideboard or shelf and decorate it as an object. Also, there is a hole in the middle, so I think you...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese bronze dragon vase
Located in FITZROY, AU
Japanese bronze dragon vase Meiji period(Signed) Decorated in detailed high relief with encircling dragon chasing the elusive flaming wishfully ...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

Pr, Meiji Period Japanese Gilt Bronze & Parchment Pierced Lanterns Hang Or Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Japanese, (meiji era 1868–1912). An absolutely stunning pair of Japanese Meiji period gilt bronze and brass lanterns. Each hand cast bronze oval openwork "vase" form lantern crafte...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Japanese Antique Black Lantern Box /1896s Objet d'art Wabi-sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is a lantern box from the old days of Japan. The box is pasted with Japanese paper and painted with black lacquer. There is a description of "Meiji 29" on the back. The lantern box is a box that stores folded lanterns...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood, Cedar, Paper

Japanese Antique Ceramic Large Shrine of God "ZUSHI" 1860s-1900s / Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old and large ceramic shrine made in Japan. It is called “zushi” in Japanese. It is usually made of wood, but this one is ceramic. It is...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Meiji Japanese Imari Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Japanese Imari plate. With a white ground and decorated with geometric and floral devices in blues, reds, oranges, and oranges. The blue cross device to the middle is reminiscent of a shimazu mon. The exterior of the rim has blue underglaze devices and accent lines to the footrim. Simply a wonderful Meiji porcelain plate...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Red Samurai Armour Beginning of Meiji period 1900s
Located in Paris, FR
This is an armour of samurai. It was made around 1900s in Meiji era. This armour was not used in actual war so it was made as decoration, because of that, it is in good condition as its age. There are some scratches and missing parts, if you need some more information, please let us know, we will respond you as soon as possible and send more photos. This armour can be folded in a box. The box is getting damaged so it is not in good condition. We might send this armour in other box. Dimensions: 50 x 50 x H170 cm Scholars agree that Japanese armour first appeared in the 4th century, with the discovery of the cuirass and basic helmets in graves. During the Heian period, the unique Japanese samurai...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Metal, Iron

Large Pair of Fine Quality Japanese Meiji Mixed Metal Vases - Antique, c.1910
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Large Pair of Japanese Bronze Mixed Metal Vases - Exquisite Meiji Period Artist Pieces! These stunning Japanese bronze mixed metal vases, dating back to the Meiji Period cir...
Category

1910s Japanese Vintage Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

Antique Japanese Export Meiji High Relief Dragon Carved Throne Chair.
Located in Nantwich, GB
An impressive Imperial Meiji period Japanese throne chair which is finely and lavishly carved with dragons holding the eternal pearl in their mouths. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Japanese Meiji Dressing Stand with Mirror Black Lacquer
By Vintage Japanese Monochrome
Located in Valladolid, ES
Elegant and beautiful Dressing Table or it could be suitable for a jewellery box , Meiji Period ( 1868 - 1912 ). Executed with black lacquer, holding a bronze hand mirror ( ekagami) Configured with five smooth-running drawers of different Size. Two are equipped with slender "hirute"-shaped bail handles and three with decorative pull-rings. The front-and backside featuring oval grips for easy transport. Surmounted by a mirror frame in a shape reminiscent of a Shintô shrine torii-gate- a twin-posted framework with a triangular crossbar flared in upswept Chinese-style gable ( Karahafu) endings. Resting of the frame is the Japanese traditional handheld mirror with auspicious embossed design of wisteria ( fuji) and lovely patina. Inscription on the right. Considering its age the set is in a very good condition with some traces of usage and wear conform age. Dimensions: Dressing stand...
Category

1880s Dutch Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Antique Paper Tray 1860s-1900s/Mingei Wabi-Sabi Object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese paper plate. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of thick paper and very solid. It is called a "cocoon dish. It was used to collect s...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Paper

Japanese Meiji Mixed Metals Plate with Birds and Foliage
Located in Louisville, KY
This stunning work of Japanese metal work is brilliant in detail and craftsmanship. Made of copper, bronze and perhaps other metals, the imagery cr...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Copper

Antique Bronze Vase Cloisonné Japan Meiji 19th Century Japanese
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Absolute top Quality vase with superb decoration of flowers Cloisonné is a way of enamelling an object, (typically made of copper) whereby fine wires are used to delineate the dec...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Antique Black Wooden Box 1860s-1900s/Sofa Table Tansu Mingei Storage
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese black wooden box. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The material is cedar. This is black and beautiful. Afte...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Shokudai Candle Holders of Bronze from Japan, Meiji 1868-1912
Located in London, GB
Pair of Shokudai candle holders made of bronze during the Meiji period (1868-1912) in Japan. Includes original box as pictured. Candle holders H. 66cm; diameter 26cm. Lidded bro...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Antique Wooden Object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
An old tool for making textiles in Japan. It's a very rare object. The light and shadow that pass through the even holes are very beautiful. A nice art ob...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Oak

Antique Wood Chest
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful antique chest with remnants of the original color. We only source the best. This bench was sourced in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a J...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood

Vintage Japanese Hand-Carved Zelkova Wood Vessel Planter
Located in Asheville, NC
This antique Japanese mortar is hand-carved from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). It is made of the most stunning Zelkova wood with incredible texture. The s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Fine Cloisonne Lidded Box, Japan, Meiji Era, with Phoenix Decoration
Located in Hamburg, DE
Fine Japanese cloisonne lidded box from the Meiji period. The small box stands on three brass feet. The lid, also made of brass, has a small flowe...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Japan 1890 Meiji Shibayama Round Urn in Gilded Wood and Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
Shibayama urm from the Japan meiji (1858-1912) period. Gorgeous piece of art, created in the imperial Japan during the Meiji period, circa 1890. This is a little urn with a lid crafted in gilded wood, shibayama panels and sterling silver. Composed by a four footed round vase with two sterling silver handles in the shape of trees and the lid on top accented with the figure of a crab in sterling silver. The gilded wood is decorated with flowers, sea patterns and the imperial flower...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Leaf

Japan Satsuma Porcelain Vase and Golden Metal 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Large Satsuma porcelain vase from the Meiji on a gilt metal frame from the Napoleon III period. On one side of the vase is represented a deity, probably ...
Category

19th Century Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Metal

19th Century Chinese Export Royal Crane Vase Table Lamp
Located in Savannah, GA
In the Chinese culture cranes are the symbols of longevity. This ceramic vase was converted into a table lamp and features a pair of cranes with flowers on a decorative filigree brass base, lovely muted pastel colors, brass fittings and an Asian script...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Brass

Meiji Era circa 1900 Antique Japanese Bronze Sea Dragon 3-Arm Candelabra
Located in Tustin, CA
Magnificent and powerful, fantastically sculptural, ferocious bronze Japanese writhing sea dragon candleholder is coiled around itself, with an uplifted head and a stylized plume of ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

Antique ca 1900 Japanese Satsuma Obiyama Candle Holders Richly Decorated Marked
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Sharing with you is this nice pair of Japanese Satsuma candle holders, Obiyama, Meiji/Taisho period. Absolute top quality pieces. ...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Porcelain

Monumental and Massive Japanese Sakyamuni with Disciples Buddhist Painting
Located in Greenwich, CT
Monumental and massive Japanese Sakyamuni with disciples Buddhist painting. Very large massive Japanese Buddhist painting, painting on silk ...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Silk

Japanese Bronze Vessel with Dragon Handles and Falcon Lid
Located in Greenwich, CT
Japanese bronze vessel with pair of dragon handles, falcon lid, birds in landscape and elephant heads base.
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

Rare Japanese Meiji Period circa 1870 Pair of Bronze Dragon Candlestick Holders
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original pair of Japanese Meiji bronze candlestick holders wrapped with dragons circa 1870 A lovely decor...
Category

1870s Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 14‘’ Large Japanese Golden Black Lacquer Cover Boxes
Located in Brea, CA
A pair of large Japanese golden black lacquer cover boxes, very big beautiful pieces. possibly 19th century, each 14 inch diameter x 10 inch high, one ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Lacquer

Japanese Meiji Lacquer Writing Set
Located in New Orleans, LA
This remarkable Japanese portable writing set contains the instruments of sublime artistic expression. Also known as a yatate, this Meiji-period set i...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Stone

Japanese Erotic Otofuku Folk Art Carving, Late Meiji Period, circa 1900
Located in Prahran, Victoria
Rare and highly unusual Japanese Folk Art wood carving depicting the folk heroine and good luck figure Otafuku with a finely painted erotic design on the interior and a carved inscri...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities

Materials

Cypress

Meiji antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji antiquities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage antiquities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji antiquities 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 antiquities, popular names associated with this style include Andrianna Shamaris, and Vintage Japanese Monochrome. 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 antiquities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $250 and tops out at $85,000 while the average work can sell for $1,764.

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