Meiji Metalwork
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
Large Japanese Bronze and Mixed Metal Vase After Suzuki Chokichi
Located in Christchurch, GB
As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this large and unusual form Meiji Period (1868-1912), bronze and mixed metal vase manufactured in the style ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Okimono - Bronze Sculpture Of An Eagle, Japan Meiji Era
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
Rare bronze okimono with multiple patina representing a bird of prey perched on a hollow trunk.
This sculpture is astonishingly realistic : observe the somewhat crude appearance of t...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Large Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Dish, Japan Meiji period
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
Bronze and cloisonné enamel dish very finely decorated with an egret in flight above various flowers on a background of copper inclusions and gold powder.
The wing decorated in parti...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Pair Fine Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Double Gourd Vases 1890
Located in Portland, OR
A very good pair of antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonné vases, circa 1890.
This is a very handsome pair of antique double gourd shaped cloisonné vases, one with a blue ground the...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Enameled & Lidded Scent Dragon Jar C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Enameled, Footed & Lidded Scent Jar with Dragon and Flowers C1920
Measures- 5''H x 5.25''W x 5.25''D
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Metal
Japanese Wireless Musen Cloisonne Vase by Ando Jubei
By Ando Jubei
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese cloisonne vase in bottle-form made by Ando Jubei (1876-1963) circa 1910-20s (late Meiji to Taisho period). The vase features a completely smooth surface without showing an...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly Match Box Holder
Located in New York, NY
The exterior of the ware is covered with polychrome enamel floral, foliage, and butterfly motifs framed by a geometrical ornament against a bright turquoise background made in the Cl...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel
19th Century Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Floral Box
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, covered enamel over brass jewelry or trinket box. The exterior of the ware is enameled with polychrome images of blossoming flowers surrounded by...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel, Brass
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Yellow Enamel Butterfly Plate
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji era decorative enamel plate. The plate is adorned with a polychrome image of butterflies in blossoming flower on a bright yellow ground made in the Cloisonn...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel
Rare Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Red Enamel Green and White Dragon Jar
Located in New York, NY
A rare antique Japanese late Meiji Era tripod and covered enamel copper censer koro. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The sphere form censer koro is enameled with poly...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Antique Edo Japanese Cloisonne Geometric Design Box
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese brass enamel ceremonial food container with a cover adorned with a pointed finial. Characterized by cloisonne floral designs adorning the surface, this ceremonial...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Large Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel on Porcelain Totai Jar Signed
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese late Meiji era covered Totai enamel on porcelain ginger jar. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The ware is enameled with a polychrome fan shape...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel
Large Pair of Fine Quality Japanese Bronze Vases Dated 1903 Meiji Period Antique
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique Very Large Pair of Japanese Bronze Vases - Exquisite Meiji Period Presentation Pieces!
These magnificent Japanese bronze vases, dating back to the Meiji Period and dated 190...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Antique Edo Japanese Cloisonne Geometric Design Box
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese flat brass enamel ceremonial food container with a cover. Characterized by cloisonne floral designs adorning the surface, this ceremonial container showcases the ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Meiji Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Geometric Pattern Plate Charger
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji era decorative enamel over copper plate. The plate is made in a swirl panel design. The panels are adorned with polychrome images of blossoming flowers, and...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Brush Pot Vase
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese late Meiji Era cylindrical shaped enamel over copper brush pot. Circa: late 19th century. The cylindrical form pot is enameled with a polychrome image of gee...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Scalloped Wisteria Plate
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period enamel plate charger. The plate is amde in a floral design with scalloped rims. The plate is enameled with a polychrome image of blossoming flowers a...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Phoenix Bird Tray
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, Early Edo period, enamel copper tray. The oval shaped tray is enameled with a polychrome image of a Phoenix bird with flowers and leaves made in the Cloisonne te...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Geometric Brush Pot Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese late Meiji Era cylindrical shaped enamel brush pot. Circa: late 19th century. The cylindrical form pot is enameled with polychrome medallions depicting a scene wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Brush Pot with Bugs
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese late Meiji Era cylindrical shaped enamel over copper brush pot. Circa: late 19th century. The cylindrical form pot is enameled with a polychrome image of a burd a...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Rare Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Green Dragon Oil Lamp
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period brass oil lamp. Features a vivid cloisonne enamel dragon motif set within a flower design, a distinctive characteristic of Japanese decorative arts during the era. The inclusion of three mounts for hanging suggests a functional and versatile design, allowing it to be suspended for ambient lighting. Circa the early 20th century. Antique Japanese Lamps...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel, Brass
Large Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Black Hawk in Cherry Blossom Tree Charge
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese late Meiji era decorative enamel over copper charger plate. The interior of the plate is adorned with a polychrome image of a hawk seated on a sakura tree branch,...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Japanese Head Bucket (Kubi-Oke), Lacquer, Meiji Period
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese Head Bucket (Kubi-Oke), Lacquer, Meiji period.
The head bucket was used for storing and transporting severed heads. During the Samurai era clashes and battles ensued, cutt...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Pair Hayashi School
Located in Newark, England
Meiji Period (1868-1912)
From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this pair of Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases by the Hayashi School in their Original Tomoba...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Enamel, Metallic Thread
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Iron Box
Located in Newark, England
Meiji Period (1868-1912)
From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this Antique Japanese Meiji Period Iron Box. The Box of slim rectangular form cast in iron and raise...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Silver, Enamel, Iron
Japanese Bronze Hawk Okimono by Maruki
Located in Christchurch, GB
As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this most endearing Meiji Period (1868-1912) bronze okimono of a hawk perched upon a rootwood base, the hawk...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Flying Cranes Covered Jar Attributed to Hayashi
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel lidded jar . Late Meiji period, Circa 1895 Rounded shape with pronounced base. Blue ground color. The piece is decorated with a crane bird motif....
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel
Large Polylobed Cloisonné Enamel Dish, Japan Meiji Era c. 1890
Located in Milano, IT
Large polylobed cloisonné enamel dish decorated in several concentric orders. A delicate composition of flowers and birds adorn its central part, all in the style of Namikawa Yasuyuki.
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel
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 Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Antique Japanese Meiji Kyoto School Cloissone Enamel Vase Blue Ground with Birds
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Kyoto style Meiji Period Japanese cloisonne vase.
In silver and enamel.
With gold wire sparrows, reeds, and plant decoration against a deep blue ground and geometri...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel
19th Century Japanese Bronze Horse Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Antique (19th century) patinated bronze figurine of a horse with bridle and saddle, mounted on later wooden pedestal. Figurine alone measures 14 by 11 by 3.5 inches. Total height w...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enameled Vase with Flowers C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enameled Vase with Flowers C1920
Measures- 9''H x 4.5''W x 4.5''D
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Metal
Six Miniature Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enameled Flower Vases C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Six Miniature Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enameled Items including Flower Vases, Urns and Covered Jar C1920
Measures- Green Jar: 3''H x 2.5''W x 2.5''D; Green Turquoise: 4.75''...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Metal
Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Vase with Bird Form
Located in New York, NY
19th century Meiji period Japanese patinated bronze vase in the form of a stylized goose or duck. Signed.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Signed Ando Jubei Japanese Green Cloisonné Vase Clematis
By Ando Jubei
Located in Somis, CA
A masterpiece of Ando Jubei wireless cloisonné vase. In his signature green enamel, portraying an intricate arabesque design of a blooming clem...
Category
20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Japan 1890 Meiji Period Decorative Vase In Cloisonné Enamel With Wood Base
Located in Miami, FL
Japanese vase from the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
Beautiful antique decorative vase, created in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), circa 1890s. It was carefully crafted in so...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Vase with Koi Fishes and Flowers, 19th Century
Located in Bochum, NRW
A Japanese bronze vase from the Meiji Period (late 19th) signed on the bottom. The vase is beautifully decorated with two koi fishes and a floral motif, a branch with flowers and lea...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze, Copper
Rare Japanese Meiji Gold Silver Inlay Peacock Bronze Usubata Ikebana Flower Vase
Located in New York, NY
Rare peacocks and peonies antique Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze gold and silver inlaid signed Usubata vase for Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement
Late 19th Cent...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Gold, Silver, Bronze
Okimono - Bronze sculpture of a puppy, by Munechika, Japan Meiji Era
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
Charming bronze okimono depicting a sitting puppy raising its paw and looking into the distance.
High quality, highly detailed sculpture, the eyes inlaid with gold and shakudo.
Signe...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese bronze vase, by Akichika, with dragonfly seal, Japan Meiji era
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
An extraordinary baluster-shaped bronze vase with multiple patinas carved with a lizard watching a frog.
The details are finely chased and the lizard's eyes are gilded.
Signed "Akich...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Meiji Period Bronze Figure of a Noh, With Mask
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meiji Period Bronze Figure of a Noh, with Mask
Japan, circa 1900s
A captivating Meiji period bronze figure of a Noh performer adorned with ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Okimono - Sculpture : Elephant attacked by tigers, by Mitsumoto, Japan Meiji Era
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
Magnificent composition for this bronze okimono with double patina representing an elephant attacked by two tigers.
The skins of the different animals are rendered with great detail ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Signed Ando Jubei Japanese Yellow Cloisonné Vase
By Ando Jubei
Located in Somis, CA
Behold the remarkable beauty of a rare Ando Jubei wireless cloisonné vase. This masterpiece, adorned in a extraordinary canary yellow enamel, p...
Category
20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Japanese mixed metal inlaid bronze vase, signed Inoue
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
Bronze vase with inlaid decoration of birds and butterflies among cherry blossom branches, the neck and base with bamboo motif. The inlays are in hira...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Censor Koro
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji Era, tripod enamel censer koro. The sphere form ware is enameled with a polychrome image of a dragon on a black ground made in the Cloisonne technique...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel
Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Three Wise Monkeys Box Komyo 光明
Located in Newark, England
The Silver box of rectangular form with rounded corners features the Three Wise Monkeys to the front, see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. The monkeys cast beautifully with n...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Enchanting Japanese Bronze Owl Okimono
Located in Christchurch, GB
As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this most enchanting Meiji Period (1868-1912), bronze okimono depicting a long eared owl upon a rootwood bra...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
An Exquisite Pair Of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases with Chrysanthemum Blossoms
Located in New York, NY
An Exquisite Pair Of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases with Chrysanthemum Blossoms, Attributed to Hayashi, Meiji Period.
Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of the Meiji period wit...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Enamel
Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Koro signed Tsukamoto Hikokichi
Located in Newark, England
The Koro of exceptional quality shaped in bulbous squat form with three looped handles and removable lid raised on three tapered feet. The Koro with a sky blue ground decorated exten...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Enamel, Metallic Thread
Okimono - Bronze Sculpture of a chinese / japanese puppy, Japan Meiji Era
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
Extraordinary bronze okimono with dark brown patina representing a Japanese Chin playing with a ball.
High-quality work executed by a master craftsman, e...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese mixed metal dish with samurai decor, Japan Meiji era
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
Mixed metal dish decorated with a samurai and two dragons among peonies on a background of stylized clouds.
The chiselling is simply amazing, every subject rendered in the finest det...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Metal
Large Rare Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Plate
Located in New York, NY
A large rare antique, Meiji era, Japanese enamel over copper plate or charger. The interior of the plate is adorned with a polychrome enamel image of blossoming flowers surrounded by...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Okimono - Bronze Sculpture by Genryusai Seiya, Japan Meiji Era
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
Superb bronze okimono with dark brown patina representing a lady holding a gourd in her left hand.
Signed Seiya Sei (made by Seiya). Genryusai Seiya was a master craftsman specializi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Delightful Japanese Iron Panel of Puppies- Funakoshi Shunmin
Located in Christchurch, GB
As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this most charming late Meiji Period (1868-1912) circular wall panel upon...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Iron
Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Silver Dragon Box
Located in Newark, England
Hammered Silver Decoration Stamped Jungin Pure Silver 純銀
From our Japanese collection, we are pleased to offer a Japanese Meiji Period Silver Dragon Box...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Silver
Japanese Meiji Period Hand Mirror
Located in Sharon, CT
Meiji period cast bronze hand mirror. Very fine casting quality depicting
typical Japanese motifs.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Large Rare Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Plate
Located in New York, NY
A large rare antique, Meiji era, Japanese enamel over copper plate or charger. The interior of the plate is made in a symmetrical design, adorned with polychrome enamel medallions fe...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel
High Quality Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Charger Plate
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji era, enamel over copper charger plate. The plate is adorned with a polychrome image of a dragon on cobalt blue ground made in the Cloisonne technique. The b...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Meiji metalwork for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Meiji metalwork 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 metalwork created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji metalwork 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 metalwork, popular names associated with this style include Ando Jubei, Eisuke Miyao, Hayashi Kodenji Studio, and Inaba Cloisonne Co.. 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 $200 and tops out at $113,520 while the average work can sell for $4,200.
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