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Japonisme Furniture

JAPONISME STYLE

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.

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Style: Japonisme
Japanese Export Carved Dragon Chair
Located in New York, NY
Eye catching highly carved sculptural dragon armchair. Japanese dragon motif carried throughout arms and chair with fantastic detailed hand carvings. Victorian era cabriole legs fini...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare Inscribed Japanese Wood Chest Zenibako on Custom Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare original and impressively intact Japanese Zenibako (banker's money box) from late 19th century circa Meiji Period (1868-1912). The chest was made from cypress wood and fitted ...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th Century Chinese Carved Wooden and Marble Side Table or Etagere
Located in New York, NY
Antique (19th century) Chinese hand-carved table with inset marble top with two stretchers.
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique Asian Lacquered and Inlayed Cabinet
Located in Buxton, GB
This antique Japanese lacquered cabinet is a beautiful piece of furniture that is perfect for any collector of antique furniture. The ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Shell, Wood

Japanese Lacquer Meiji Period Cabinet on Stand, circa 1890
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A exquisite, fine quality Meiji period (1868-1912) Japanese black lacquer cabinet on stand with wonderful scrolling gilded decoration. H...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Janetti Father & Sons Japanese Pedestal in Engraved and Painted Bamboo, ca 1880
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Japanese pedestal, this delightful object was made in Japan in the late 19th-century and imported into Italy by a famous merchant, Emportio Janetti Padre e Figli. They were the first in trading Japanese art in Florence in the second half of the 19th century. This spectacular piece of rare beauty was fully hand-crafted with perfect proportions. The complex structure is made in engraved and lacquered crossed bamboo with fantastic floreal details. The two round trays are in black lacquered wood with hand-painted decorations. The fine details and the beauty make this pedestal a masterpiece. An unique decorative pedestal of outstanding quality that can be mixed in a neoclassical or mid-century project or in a Japanese style project. Dimensions (cm): Diameter - 37 Height - 112 In the 1870s collecting Japanese art products started to be popular among a wider range of collectors, not only among circles of intellectuals, artists, and designers. This cultural phenomenon also reached Italy, and when a group of Japanese diplomats (Iwakura Mission) arrived in Florence in May 1873, it reported a very positive impression of a shop that sold Japanese...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

A Set of (2) Antique Rosewood Carved Chairs
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A set of 2 rosewood chairs. Each chair has a delicate hummingbird and cherry blossom carving. Dimensions: Height – 37.5 inches from floor to the highest point and 36.5 inches from...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Teak

Japonisme Mother of Pearl Inlaid Hardwood Display Cabinet after Viardot
Located in London, GB
This wonderful display cabinet is designed in a ‘Japonisme’ (Japanese) style, which was popular in Europe in the mid-late 19th century. This craze was kick-started by Japan reopening to trade with the West, and exporting Japanese goods—including furniture and decorative art—to Europe. One craftsmen by the name of Gabriel Viardot (1830-1906) established a name for himself in France producing Chinese and Japanese style furniture...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Metal

Shelf 02 Takuya Hamajima Contemporary Zen modern Japanese Ceramic
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Contemporary Japanese style small shelf. This shelf is inspired by Japanese tradition teaware shelf. Made of steel and wood.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Japanese Table Cabinet with Cloisonne Panels in the style of Namikawa Sosuke
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese wood and cloisonne cabinet circa Meiji period, late 19th-early 20th century. The small table top cabinet features a single drawer on top, four small doors with cloisonne panels on the second tier, a pair of larger cloisonne doors on the main level flanked by two skinny panels, and finally two drawers on the low level. It has a scroll carved base and sides as well four pagoda-shape cornices. The cloisonne panels were obviously the work of two different artist studios and were assembled on purpose to demonstrate a mixture of styles. The small top and the two skinny panels on the main level are of an earlier scrolling design that emphasize the wire work; The rest of the eight larger panels were done in a much later and painterly style attributed to Namikawa Sosuke...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Metal

A 19th C.French Japanism Style Dragon Design Hardwood Sofa, by Gabriel Viardot
Located in New York, NY
An Incredible 19th Century French Hardwood Japanism Sofa, by Gabriel Viardot. The backrest of this exceptional sofa is adorned with a stunning display of carved open fret-work design...
Category

1890s French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Japanese Rosewood Hand Carved Pedestal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Japanese rosewood hand carved pedestal. Japan, circa 1920 Measures: Height 24", width 19".
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Japanese Style Red Lacquer Fall-Front Chest, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
20th century red lacquer barqueno with Japanese style design. Fine painted motif in gold gilt, brass fitting, beautiful color form and detail.
Category

20th Century European Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

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Pair of Late Qing Dynasty Stands with Carved Aprons and Floral Bird Decor
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of late Qing Dynasty stands with painted floral and bird decor and carved aprons. This pair of antique late Qing Dynasty stands, from the early 20th century, captivates with i...
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Early 20th Century Chinese Japonisme Furniture

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Japanese Carved and Lacquered Shibayama Cabinet, Meiji Period
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elaborate and finely detailed carved wood, and gold lacquered Shibayama cabinet (Chigaidansu). Having beautifully applied semi-precious stone and ...
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19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

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Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

19th Century Hand Carved Stand with Marble Top
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautifully carved hardwood square stand with marble top. Carved rosewood with a figurative rouge marble top with lower shelf. Perfect accent piece or for use as a stand for sculpture...
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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique Japanese Imperial Meiji High Relief Carved Dragon Throne Armchair-A Pair
Located in Pomona, CA
Up for sale are this stunning original Japanese Export 19th Century Meiji period hand carved Dragon Throne chair with intricate carving works of d...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Japonisme Furniture

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Wood

Korean Campaign Style Secrétaire Cabinet Chest with Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Impressive Asian campaign style cabinet featuring two large front doors that open to reveal a drop down writing desk and fitted with numerous storage drawers. Adorned with opulent brass hardware, hinges, and pulls. Rare Tansu...
Category

20th Century Korean Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Brass

Japanese Rinpa Style Lacquer Box Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A black lacquer tebako (hand box) with maki-e decoration and silver trim, circa late 19th century, Meiji period. The surface of the lid features a Rinpa style maki-e paint depicting ...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Provincial Chinese Guanyin Table Stand, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
For thousands of years, precious Chinese artworks have been elevated for display on fine wooden table stands. Recognized today as works of art in their own right, these display stands are typically finely carved, crafted of exquisite hardwoods, or designed with the refined proportions of larger furniture pieces. Resembling a low kang table, this waisted table...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Elm

Chinese Export Coromandel Lacquer Cabinet on Stand, Mid-19th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful Chinese coromandel brown lacquer cabinet on stand, made for the export market, early to mid-19th century, China, presented on an early 20th century custom fitted stand. The gem of a cabinet is fitted with doors and drawers, and decorated on all sides. The top, back and sides with lacquer painted scenes of birds and flowers. The front of the cabinet featuring a pair of stunning coromandel doors carved with a shanshui (mountain and water) landscape scene, complete with temples and pagodas, boats and bridges, and figures, all set against craggy mountains shrouded in clouds and rippling water. The cabinet mounted with brass hinges and lock plates (key included) and a pair of carrying handles. Opening the doors reveals eleven wondrous black lacquer drawers...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Korean Tansu Butterfly Cabinet or Chest Elm Wood with Brass Inlay
Located in Plainview, NY
A stunning late 19th century Campaign Korean tansu cabinet or chest. The Korean chest features 4 small drawers on top of a two door cabinet offeri...
Category

19th Century Korean Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Black Lacquer Book Chest, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
A rolled-up scroll or treasured root pot may have once been among the erudite objects stored in this stately 19th-century book chest. Expertly constructed of northern elm (yumu) with...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Elm

Japanese Taishō Period Early 20th Century Kiri Wood Mizuya Dansu Kitchen Cabinet
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Taisho period kiri wood clothing Mizuya Dansu kitchen cabinet from the early 20th century, with sliding doors and 10 drawers. Created in Japan during the early years of th...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Metal

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 Lunde (1927 - 2017). The chest is crafted in the form of a Chinese seal...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood, Softwood, Lacquer

Previously Available Items
Korean Cabinet furniture “Samcheungjang”, fruit wood and bronze fittings
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a Kind three-tier Korean wardrobe or chest known as samcheungjang, made in the 19th century during the Choson period (1392 - 1910) in South Korea. The most common are two-level chests, such as the one in the Korean Folk Museum, while three-level chests are less frequent and rarer, as in this case. Each of these three levels or chests features a pair of paneled doors that open in the center to offer ample storage space. The first module, for its part, presents a row of four small registers or drawers at the top. The entire structure is raised from the ground thanks to four legs, joined by a kind of chamber on the sides, which serves as support and support. Impeccable sense of proportion in the use of straight lines and simple planes. The frame of this furniture is made of Korean pine wood, visible on the top and on the sides. The façade, however, is configured with meticulously chosen persimmon wood panels (diospyros kaki). It is a wood veneer with a strong two-tone grain, thanks to the dark heartwood, which fits perfectly in the shape of a mirror and looks like bold ink strokes like those in abstract painting. The carpenter craftsmen of the Yi Dynasty loved this wood. It is not used freshly cut, but rather you wait a while for it to become more resistant, sometimes even 10 years. Oil finish to protect it and enhance the shine of the grain. The Korean Peninsula has a very contrasting climate as summers are hot and humid and winters are cold and dry. These extreme temperatures make the tree rings clearly visible, thus obtaining that incredible bichromaticity. The veneers of these decorative woods are covered on the back with Korean pine or paulownia wood since it does not shrink and prevents cracks. In the furniture, metal accessories are reduced to a minimum for simplicity. The bronze hardware is relatively small in size and with faint motifs so as not to overshadow the beauty of the wood: drawer handles, corner pieces, petal-shaped hinges, etc. The door lock is very original, through the bronze circumference. Inside you can see the untreated wood of the frame and some remains of old paper used as a lining. In the lower module there are remains of what appears to be a wax seal, a guarantee of Korean manufacturing. The function of this piece of furniture in the Korean house was to store clothes. In houses there used to be a female room and a male room, with furniture related to each person's work. The furniture in the anbang was mainly related to clothing storage, grooming, and the lady's duties as a housewife. These furniture were brighter and cheerful compared to the austere furniture in the male rooms. In the richest houses, chests of drawers and other types of furniture could be lacquered, covered with panels of ox horn or silk (smooth or embroidered), inlaid with mother-of-pearl and/or tortoiseshell. Furthermore, anbang furniture tended to use decorative metal elements to a greater extent than furniture in men's rooms. This piece of furniture is a perfect example of Korean furniture, where simple and discreet beauty, the absence of artificiality, and functionality are the most sought-after virtues. Korean furniture is the result of Korea's cultural environment, its climate, its housing and its customs. The furniture of the Choson period (1392-1910) is a notable example of a sense of proportion and an exact division of the surface, as in this case. Furthermore, in wooden furniture the natural grain of the wood is emphasized over the carving and colorful decoration, something that wonderfully expresses the love for nature. Examining the piece, one can see an extensive and deep patina incurred by its age and previous use. Aesthetically stunning furniture with an unexpected modern touch. It,s a museum piece!!!!!, in a very good condition with age and use Bibliography: Deprez, M. "Korean Antique Furniture...
Category

1880s Korean Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Two-Part Red Tansu Chest
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A Japanese Meiji two-part tansu chest from the mid 19th century, with Metal hardware of hand etching, vivid motifs of Woman birds turtles and even one b...
Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Metal

Japanese Meiji Two-Part Red Tansu Chest
Japanese Meiji Two-Part Red Tansu Chest
H 46.5 in W 47 in D 17.5 in
Pair of Asian Oversized Throne Chairs with Exaggerated Backs
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of exotic elegance to your home with this stunning pair of Asian oversized throne chairs. Standing at an impressive 73" high, these chairs are true showstoppers with thei...
Category

19th Century Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Oak High Relief Hand Carved Chinoiserie Extendable Dining Table
Located in Dayton, OH
An impressive oriental dining room set that made in Okinawa Japan, circa 1970s. Hand crafted from oak with high relief intricately carved vil...
Category

1970s Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak

Bamboo Chair by Ubunji Kidokoro
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a bamboo chair designed by Ubunji Kidokoro, who was enrolled in Mitsukoshi Furniture Design Office in 1937. In 1937, Ubunji Kidokoro was enr...
Category

1930s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Bamboo Chair by Ubunji Kidokoro
Bamboo Chair by Ubunji Kidokoro
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 30.71 in
Japanese Tin Lined Tea Storage Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Smaller scale Japanese tin lined tea box. Stickers, labels and designs decorate the exterior. Lid fits perfectly. In very good condition. A great side tab...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Tin

Japanese Tin Lined Tea Storage Box
Japanese Tin Lined Tea Storage Box
H 15.75 in W 20.25 in D 14.25 in
Exquisite Antique Japanese 1880 Qing Dynasty Carved Dragon Throne Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Japanese Export circa 1880 hand carved Throne chair with oversized Dragon back rest...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Taisho Japanese Chest of Drawers in Two Parts, 1912-1926
By Kosai Taisho
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing Tansu, chest of drawers in two equal parts, paulownia wood. Japan, Taisho period 1912-1926 The chest of drawers is divided into a large drawers and a small door that hides ...
Category

1910s Asian Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

1940s Vintage Wood Black Console, with Travertine Marble Top
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Vintage console table from the 1940s composed by a yellow travertine top and solid wood structure. In excellent conditions. The structure parts in black is the result of the use of j...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Marble

Primitive Wooden Object "wabi-sabi"
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Primitive wooden object A workbench used by Japanese farmers in the Meiji period There is something refined feel like a Charlotte Perriand ...
Category

1870s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Cedar

19th Century Japanese Trunk
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a good example of a 19th century Japanese small lacquered trunk that retains its original hardware and has been fitted to an appropriate wro...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Japanese Trunk
19th Century Japanese Trunk
H 16.25 in W 22.5 in D 14 in
19th Century Japanese Campaign Chest
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century Japanese campaign chest This is a traveling chest, the carrying handles of the lower part click into the upper to keep it in pl...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japonisme furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include and Ubunji Kidokoro. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $600 and tops out at $40,669 while the average work can sell for $5,700.

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