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 Black Lantern Box /1896s Objet d'art WabiSabi
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 lante...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Cedar, Paper
Japanese Antique Katana Tansu / Paper Pasted Drawer / Meiji Period WabiSabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old box for storing Japanese swords called "Katana Tansu".
It seems to be around the Edo period to the Meiji period.
Paulownia is used as a material, and a number of Jap...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Paper
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 ...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Metal, Iron
Belle Époque Floral Hand-Painted Fan
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This exquisite early 20th-century hand-painted fan (SKU: ZD25) is a superb reflection of aristocratic elegance, once a cherished accessory of a noble lady. Finely crafted with an art...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Paper
Antique Japanese Wooden Nestuke 'Three Turtles' 1900s Meiji Era
Located in Paris, FR
This is an antique netsuke made in Japan around meiji period 1900s.
Netsuke is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th century Japan.
Initially a simply-carved button fastener on...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood
19th Century Kanzashi: Elegance Entwined
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Step into the world of Meiji-era grace with this pair of Kanzashi, traditional Japanese hair ornaments (SKU: ZD8). Crafted in the 19th century, these exquisite pieces were designed t...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Copper, Silver Leaf
19th Century Kanzashi: Elegance Entwined
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Step into the world of Meiji-era grace with this pair of Kanzashi, traditional Japanese hair ornaments (SKU: ZD7). Crafted in the 19th century, these exquisite pieces were designed t...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Silver, Copper
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
Japanese Antique Wooden Board Art Single Board 1910s-1930s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba-Shi, JP
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 were harsh, rice cakes and other f...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Meiji-Era Japanese Wooden Plant Pot – Timeless Elegance for Your Greene
Located in Hamburg, DE
Introducing our unique Japanese Meiji-era elevated wooden plant pot. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, the lower base features elegantly blackened metal with a striking wav...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Metal
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
Hanakago (flower Basket) For Ikebana, Japan Late Meiji Era
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
Rare gourd-shaped basket (hyotan) in smoked bamboo (suzudake) used in the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging (ikebana), attached to a support made of twisted branches.
Fine...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Japanese Antique Wooden Horse Tricycle 1860s-1900s / Sculpture Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old tricycle with wooden horse made in Japan.
It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of iron, cedar wood, straw, and paper.
In Japan ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Iron
Japanese Antique Tree Bark Basket 1860s-1920s / Plant Cover Bowl Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This basket is made of very old tree bark.
It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1920s).
It seems to be a very rare tool that was made only in certain areas in the Tohoku region.
It se...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood
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
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood
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, Copper, Bronze
Japanese Antique Wooden Boat 1860-1900s / Wood Bowl Wabi Sabi Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese wooden boat.
It is a piece of furniture from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood.
We found it in an old house along the overseas in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Cedar
Antique Japanese Bamboo Spinning Wheel
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Japanese Bamboo Spinning Wheel
Mingei (Folk Craft) utilitarian tool traditionally used for everyday spinning. It has Wonderful Patina due to many year...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo, Wood, Cedar
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
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 staples were newly applied in...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Antique Japanese Zelkova Wood Mortar Vessel
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 staples were newly applied in...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood
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
Andrianna Shamaris 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
Shokudai Candle Holders of Wood from Japan, Meiji 1868-1912
Located in London, GB
Pair of Shokudai candle holders made of stained wood during the Meiji period (1868-1912) in Japan. Includes original box as pictured.
Candle holders H. 71 cm.
Wooden box H. 25 ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Softwood
Japanese Antique Lacquered Maki-E Incense Case
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
A work that shines with detailed expression typical of Japan.
The design expressed on the lid is the famous "Kiyomizu temple" of Kyoto.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Wooden Mortar 1860s-1900s/Flower Pot Primitive Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese wooden mortar.
It is from the Meiji period (1860-1900s).
The material is cedar.
It is a rare shape that can only be made in t...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Cedar
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. After many years of use, it has become a very...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique 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
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 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
Japanese Old Folk Tools 1860s-1900s/Antique Mingei Object Wabi-Sabi Primitive
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a very old Japanese folk tool.
It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is a very rare item.
The detailed use is unknown.
It may be a candlestick.
It is a combination of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Cedar
Four Seasons Flower and Birds Enamel Designed Silver Incense Burner, 19C
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Incense burner inlaid with cloisonne enamel on silver, made in the Meiji period.
This is a gem of the Meiji period by Ipposai.
The circular body, has eight demensions with four l...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Silver
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 Drum-Shaped Bronze Box, Meiji Period
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
An excellent work of metalwork inlay in the Meiji era.
It's shaped in a traditional Japanese drum.
The grape motif is expressed by "takaniku-zougan...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Samurai Doll or Figure, Meiji Period, Circa 1830
Located in Savannah, GA
Japanese Samurai Doll or Figure, Meiji Period, circa 1830. Skirt purple and red colors.
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Japanese Silk Embroidered Tapestry with Gold Hammered Silk Thread
Located in Nova Scotia, NS
Thank you for taking the time to view this magnificent and extremely rare antique Japanese silk embroidered tapestry.
This stunning wall ha...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Gold, Metallic Thread
Japanese Maki-E Lacquer Stand with Pine-Tree and Fenix Design, Meiji Period
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
This maki-e stand expressed by a graceful curve was made in Meiji period.
This type of stand is displayed as a central table in the most important part of Japanese alcove.
It fe...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
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
Japanese Antique Farming Tools / Vine Knitting Bag / Wall Hanging Flower Case
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
We have an aesthetic sense peculiar to Japanese people.
And we introduce the unique items that only we can do, the route of purchasing in Japan, the experience value so far, and the...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Natural Fiber
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
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
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 bras...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Brass
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
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 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
Japanese Antique Wabi Sabi Wooden Board 1860s-1900s / Exhibition Stand Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese workboard.
It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of pine wood.
It was originally a workboard for kneading wheat.
Through years of...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Pine
Japanese Old Wooden Octagonal Display Stand / 1880-1920 / Withered Small Stand
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese octagonal pedestal.
The Material is zelkova wood.
It is believed to have been made between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Fine Quality Japanese Antique Gold Painted Satsuma Earthenware Flower Vase, Meij
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
This work was produced in Kagoshima at the beginning of the Meiji era and exported to Europe.
It is likely specially made by order from overseas.
Despite being a masterpiece, i...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Earthenware
Antique Japanese Standing Samurai Foot Soldier, Circa 1870-1880
Located in Savannah, GA
Antique Japanese standing samurai foot soldier, Circa 1870-1880.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
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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