Edo Metalwork
EDO STYLE
Edo furniture was created during a flourishing time for the decorative arts owing to the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate rule in Japan. Spanning from 1603 to 1867, this era of peace and economic growth supported artistic advancements in lacquer, woodblock printing, porcelain and other artisanal trades. Because the country was largely isolated, there was little outside influence, leading to centuries of exceptional attention to the design of its furnishings and the quality of its traditional arts.
Unlike during the Meiji period that followed, with an increase in domestic and international markets, furniture during the Edo period was predominately commissioned by the ruling class, although people from across social groups benefited from the burgeoning metropolitan hubs for artisanal trades. For instance, Kyoto became a major center for lacquer art. Most furniture pieces were made from wood such as cedar or ash, including the era’s sashimono cabinets, which involved fine joinery and were rooted in the Heian period.
Sashimono cabinets, which were built by master craftsmen in a range of different wood types owing to the various trees that populate Japan, occasionally featured a stack of slender drawers as well as sliding doors. They were popular with everyone from samurai to kabuki actors. Tansu storage chests crafted from wood with metal fittings were also common in Edo-period homes. Some were designed to be easily portable while others were made to double as staircases.
Painted folding screens, called byōbu, were also fashionable, with Japanese artists inspired by nature, literature and scenes of history and daily life to create vivid works. In Buddhist temples and the palatial homes of the aristocratic class, fusuma, or large sliding panels, would sometimes be adorned with gold or silver leaf. These dividers allowed interiors to change throughout the day, closing in small spaces for personal use or reflecting candlelight to illuminate communal spaces after dark.
Find a collection of Edo tables, lighting, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Edo
18th Century Japanese Silver Inlaid Iron Shogun Stirrup (Abumi) Red Lacquer
Located in Stamford, CT
18th century iron abumi of typical form, the stirrup inlaid in silver, an encircled peony flower crest surrounded with a geometric pattern, the interior retains the original wood lin...
Category
Early 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Silver, Iron
Imposing Japanese censer, 19th century, patinated bronze.
Located in Monza, IT
Imposing Japanese censer, 19th century, patinated bronze.
Japanese censer dating back to the end of the 19th century, patinated bronze, worked with friezes, animal, bird and floral t...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Pair Japanese Choshi Sake Ewers
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a wonderful pair of 19th century Octagonal Choshi or Sake Ewers that was created during the late Edo or Meiji Period. The Choshi are composed of an Octagonal finely cast iron kettle with and open end spout which differentiates them from the traditional Japanese tea kettle...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Iron
Japanese Nanban Tsuba with Dragons, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A dramatic Japanese iron tsuba in the nanban (foreign) style, decorated with dragons and openwork and inlaid with silver and gold, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan.
The fantast...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Gold, Iron, Silver
19th Century Japanese Edo Period Bronze Gong
Located in New York, NY
Unique and impressive 19th century Japanese Toshogu shrine gong honoring Tokugawa leyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled from 1603 to 1867, known as the Edo period. Wi...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Japanese Iron Tomyodai with Copper Oil Dishes
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese Tomyodai, a temple light stand created of hand wrought iron in an upright form of a circle or "tama" ( flaming jewel of spiritual enlightenment )...
Category
Early 1800s Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Iron
Antique Japanese Patinated Bronze Buddhistic Lion Censer 17th/18th Century
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable Edo Period (1603-1868) Japanese patinated bronze Buddhistic lion censer, exceptionally executed sculptural shishi foo dog form, finely detailed, retaining the original r...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Samurai Helmet Kabuto Edo Period (1603-1867)
Located in Hampstead, QC
A Japanese Samurai black-lacquered helmet (kabuto) in suji bachi style and of a goshozan shape consisting of the:
- main dome (hachi) made from 16 plates in natural iron riveted to...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Iron
Sensational Japanese Shakudo & Mixed Metal Tsuba by Yoshihisa
Located in Christchurch, GB
As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this sensational late Edo period 1615-1868 solid shakudo and mixed metal Tsuba ( sword hand guard) artist si...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Metal
Japanese Shakudo and Mixed Metal Tsuba – Iwamoto Konkan (1744-1801)
Located in Christchurch, GB
As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this exceptionally fine Edo Period 1615-1868, mixed metal artist signed Tsuba ( sword hand guard), the well ...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Metal
Japanese Cast Bronze "Longevity" Mirror, Edo Period, 18th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A heavy and finely cast Japanese bronze mirror with longevity symbols, Edo Period, 18th century, Japan.
The small, round mirror with high walls...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lanterns Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi
Located in New York, NY
A Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lanterns Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi, Edo Period, 19th century
Japanese cloisonne lanterns were made during the Meiji period, from the late 19th to early 20th century, and were often used as decorative lighting fixtures in temples and shrines.
Kaji Tsunekichi (1866-1916) was a Japanese cloisonné artist who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born in Tokyo and learned the art of cloisonné from his father, Kaji Sataro, who was also a cloisonné artist. He was renowned for his mastery of the shippo-yaki technique, which involves creating intricate designs with thin wires on a metal base before filling in the spaces with enamel.
Tsunekichi was known for his exceptional technical skills and his ability to create intricate designs with vibrant colors. His works often featured nature motifs, such as flowers, birds, and fish, which were rendered in a highly detailed and naturalistic style. He also experimented with new techniques, such as plique-à-jour, a type of cloisonné that creates a stained-glass effect.
Tsunekichi's works were highly prized during his lifetime and continue to be sought after by collectors today. He won numerous awards for his cloisonné creations, including a Gold Medal at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. His works are characterized by their fine wirework, precise enamel application, and attention to detail.
Some of Tsunekichi's most famous works include a pair of large cloisonné vases...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Pair of Japanese Edo Period Iron Silver Inlaid Red Lacquered Stirrups 'Abumi'
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Japanese Edo Period (1603–1867) iron, silver inlaid, and red lacquered stirrups (Abumi). Each of typical form, made of iron with silver inlay on the front with floral bloss...
Category
1690s Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Silver, Iron
Japanese Antique Copper Alloyr Tray / 1800-1900 / Gong / Wabi-Sabi Art
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
I bought a very attractive copper tray.
This is an item that was once used as a gong.
In other words, it was used as a percussion instrument.
It was also used in temples.
The materi...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Copper
Japanese Parcel Gilt Copper Hibachi, Edo Period, 18th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A sublime Japanese parcel gilt copper hand warmer, hibachi, with chrysanthemum design, Edo Period, 18th century, Japan.
The hand warmer, called a...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Copper
A Very Good 19th Century Iron & Mixed Metal Tsuba, Japan Edo Period (1603-1868)
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A finely decorated iron & mixed metal tsuba, showing a dark-brown iron ground decorated in low relief with organic inspired motifs in gold, silver & copper.
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron
Japanese Edo/Meiji Gilded Bronze Folded Paper Handled Basket with Applications
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual antique Japanese gilded bronze basket of folded paper form body with applied panels and decoration dating from the 19th century and either late Edo or early Meiji period (...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Bronze Usubata with Waves and Plovers, Edo Period, Mid-19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
An impressive Japanese cast bronze usubata, vessel for ikebana, in the form of a large conical vessel being supported by crashing waves and flying chidori. Edo Period, mid-19th centu...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Edo Period Chain Mail Armor Jacket, Kusari or Karuta, Japan
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Edo period Chain Mail Armor Jacket, Kusari or sometimes known as Karuta, Japan
Japanese chain mail armor jacket is composed of brass metal plates linked together with metal wires an...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Brass
Pair of Japanese Edo Period Parcel-Gilt Bronze Dragon Vases, Early 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A pair of well cast and dramatic Japanese parcel gilt bronze dragon vases, Edo period, early 19th century. The heavy bronze vases of pear shape, each with a single writhing dragon cast in high relief...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Edo Period Bronze Vase of Mimikuchi Flying Handle Form
Located in London, GB
A rare Edo period bronze vase with Mimikuchi flying handles, with quartered pear shaped body with spiral to the front and back, supported on a flared...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Antique Japanese Buddhist Temple Headdress and Necklace Ornaments
Located in Hudson, NY
Pair of antique Japanese Buddhist temple headdress and necklace ornaments. Gilt bronze with decorative stones and beads, and intricate metalw...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Superior Quality Japanese Bronze Vase with Grape Vine Handles
Located in Hudson, NY
19th century superior quality Japanese bronze vase with grape vine handles. Beautifully shaped Edo period (first half of the 19th century) vase with c...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Bronze Koro 'Incense Burner' in the Form of a Badger
Located in Hudson, NY
Japanese bronze Koro (Incense Burner) in the form of a Badger, Edo Period (circa 1800) bronze incense burner with removable top. Badger face and t...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
A Japanese Bronze Monkey Smoking A Pipe
Located in Dallas, TX
A Japanese bronze monkey smoking a pipe. Early 20th century
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 18th Century Japanese Edo Period Lacquered Samurai Iron Stirups
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century Japanese Edo period Lacquered Samouri Iron stirups with original wooden lacquered insoles. Truly a beautiful pair of Japanese ...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Iron
Pair of Japanese Abumi Samurai Stirrups with Dragons, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Inlaid with brass and silver, this extraordinary pair of Japanese bronze stirrups, known as Abumi, were crafted in the Edo period (1603-1868) for use on a Samurai's horse. Each is wo...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Silver, Bronze, Iron
Pair of Japanese Edo Period Foliate and Bird Relief Decorated Bronze Vases
Located in Milford, NH
An attractive pair of Japanese Edo Period bronze vases with relief foliate and bird decoration, probably dating to the early 19th century, in very go...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
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Japanese Iron Pagoda Garden Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Japanese cast iron pagoda lantern with lattice fret work hinged door.
Bird and bamboo iron cut outs surround pagoda. Beautiful slo...
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Mid-20th Century Japanese Edo Metalwork
Materials
Iron
19th Century Japanese Bronze Vase
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality Meiji period (1868-1912) Japanese patinated bronze vase, depicting two seated dogs below a Bamboo plant.
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
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Bronze
Japanese Cast Bronze "Longevity" Mirror, Edo Period, 18th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A heavy and finely cast Japanese bronze mirror with longevity symbols, Edo Period, 18th century, Japan.
The small, round mirror with high walls...
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Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
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Small Burmese Karen 4 Frog Drum, 18th century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Burmese Karen Frog Drum, a small bronze tribute drum (Heger Type III), Pazi (Burmese), pam klo’ (Karen) also known as “The Magical Bronze Pond” (Cooler - ...
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18th Century Burmese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Cloisonne Box, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A very fine and intricately decorated Japanese cloisonné box and cover, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan.
The lidded trinket or jewelry...
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1890s Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Copper, Enamel
Large 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Vase
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large and elegant Meiji period bronze vase with floral decoration and original patina, unsigned.
Japan, last quarter of the 19th century.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Japanese Meiji Era Patinated Bronze Foo Dog Lion Group Censer
Located in Forney, TX
A large and impressive Japanese Meiji period (1852-1912) patinated bronze guardian lion censer.
Late 19th century, Japan, exceptionally executed, the group consisting of four shishi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Old Copper Drop Object 1940s-1960s / Figurine Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This object is a stack of old Japanese copper drops.
Item dates from the mid-Showa period (1940s-1960s).
This type of object sometimes occurs when copper drops naturally accumulate and harden during the casting process at copper refineries.
'Accidental beauty...
Category
1940s Japanese Vintage Edo Metalwork
Materials
Copper
Large Japanese Cloisonné Box and Cover, Japan, Meiji Period, 19th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
A rare Japanese bark tree large cloisonné box on metal from the Meiji period. Usually bark tree cloisonné was on porcelain (totai Shippo)
A very attracti...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Metal
Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Sake Pot
Located in Newark, England
Fine Japanese Meiji period cloisonne enamel Sake pot. The Sake pot of rounded form with with clean edges profusely decorated with blossoming flowers throughout upon a black ground ba...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Enamel
19th Century Japanese Bronze Gourd Incense Burner
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable 19th century Japanese Meiji cast bronze gourd incense burner with a pierced top with stem handle and supported on three legs, each being a branch with leaves and one with lotus pod.
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Japanese Bronze Vase With Gilt Decoration, Meiji Period
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Meiji Period diminutive bronze vase with lovely etched and applied decoration. A raised gilt bird is shown flying above etched bamboo on one side, gilt applied lilies wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Previously Available Items
Japanese Shibuichi Hamano School Tsuba – Sennin and Dragon
Located in Christchurch, GB
As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this fine quality Edo period shibuichi & mixed metal Tsuba depicting a seated Handaka Sennin holding aloft a...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Gold, Silver
Japanese Mokko Shaped Shakudo Tsuba - Shi Shi Dog
Located in Christchurch, GB
As Part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this fine Edo/Meiji period shakudo and mixed metal tsuba of mokko form , the tsuba finely worked with a nanako stippled ground and depicts a gold Shi Shi...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Gold, Silver
Japanese Bronze & Mixed Metal Tsuba- Iwamoto Konkan 1744-1801
Located in Christchurch, GB
As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this Edo period bronze and mixed metal Tsuba depicting a fisherman out boating with a basket or lantern in h...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Exceptional Japanese Shakudo and Mixed Metal Tsuba
Located in Christchurch, GB
As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this exceptional quality Edo/ Meiji period shakudo tsuba of oval from, this striking example finely detailed in nanako ground depicts a school of fish upon bamboo, a most unusual combination , the fish formed from solid gold and shakudo, the tsuba carries a red collectors reference to one side and is part of a single owner collection that we are featuring on our gallery in the coming days, a delightful piece of mixed metal work from the golden era of Japanese metalworkers and sword smiths.
Provenance :
UK based...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Gold
Pair of Japanese Edo Period Foliate and Bird Relief Decorated Bronze Vases
Located in Milford, NH
An attractive pair of Japanese Edo Period bronze vases with relief foliate and bird decoration, probably dating to the early 19th century, in very go...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Antique Copper Vase/1750-1868/Late Edo Period/Beautiful Copperware
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
We have a unique Japanese aesthetic sense.
And only we can introduce unique items through our purchasing channels in Japan and the experience we have gained so far, in such a way th...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Copper
Japanese Antique Copper Vase / Wonderful Oriental Sculpture/ 1750-1850/Cast Vase
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A copper vase from the middle to late Edo period in Japan.
In the Edo period, we made vases with such a Chinese design.
In a somewhat wealthy house, such a vase was displayed in ...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Copper
H 9.45 in W 4.06 in D 4.73 in
Edo Period 1708 / Bronze Hanging Bells of Japanese Temples / Antique Bells
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
We have a unique Japanese aesthetic sense.
And only we can introduce unique items through our purchasing channels in Japan and the experience we have gained so far, in such a way th...
Category
Early 1700s Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
H 6.7 in W 7.88 in D 2.37 in
Japanese Antique Handcast Bronze Temple Bell / Edo Period 1822 / Hanging Bell
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
1880s Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
H 13.39 in W 14.57 in L 13.39 in
Japanese Bronze Drip Design Ikebana Vase
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fine bronze vase with deep copper tone patina with the effect of abundant overflowing shown in a sculpted drip design surround. Unsigned and believed to be Post War or possibly Taish...
Category
20th Century Japanese Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Dō Maru Tosei Gusoku, Japanese Armor of Do-Maru Type, Early Edo Period, 17th-18t
Located in Milano, IT
Japanese armor of Do-maru type
Early Edo period, 17th-18th century
Certificate
The armor accompanied by a certificate of registration as Koshu Tokub...
Category
Late 17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Iron
Free Shipping
H 59.06 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
19th Century Japanese Samurai Suit of Armor (Dò), Complete with Original Sode
Located in Brescia, IT
Edo Period Japanese Samurai suit of armor, complete with relevant shoulder cover (Sode).
Made in lacquered and gilded metal, leather silk and colored rop...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Gold
H 30.71 in W 14.97 in D 12.6 in
Edo metalwork for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Edo metalwork for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage metalwork created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bronze, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Edo metalwork made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 metalwork differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,400 and tops out at $8,800 while the average work can sell for $8,500.
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