Japonisme Paintings and Screens
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 Meiji Period Four-Panel Screen w Flying Cranes and Landscape, Ca. 1900
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Meiji Period Four-Panel Screen with Flying Cranes and Landscape, Ca. 1900
DIMENSIONS
Wid...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Japanese Art Deco 4-Panel Screen with Riders Taming Horses, Ca. 1920
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Art Deco 4-Panel Screen with Riders Taming Horses, Ca. 1920
DIMENSIONS
Width: 97 inches
Height: 48 inches
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Japanese Two-Panel Screen with Snow Cranes on a Willow Tree, 19th C
Located in New York, NY
This great masterpiece is one of the most amazing screen paintings we have seen, each snow crane is painted with its own personality and attitude, using the finest pigments and Gofun...
Category
1860s Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Brocade, Wood
Set of Four Japanese Silk Hanging Scrolls Screens C.1920
Located in London, GB
A stunning set of four Japanese silk mounted vertical hanging scrolls.
Dating from C.1920 Taisho Period.
The watercolour and ink on silk depicts a larg...
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk
$5,976 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Hand Painted, 4 Panel Folding Screen with Crane Birds, Room Divider
Located in Waasmunster, BE
Hand Painted, 4 Panel Folding Screen with Crane Birds, Room Divider
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Antique kimono textile art "Prosperity Tree" by ikasu Black, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work uses an antique kimono fabric dated Taisho era (early 1910th), with a pine tree motif, and arranges it so that it looks like a tree decorated with various auspicious symbols - persimmons, pines, peonies, etc.
The line in the middle symbolizes “kintsugi” - concept of wabi-sabi, which values imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of aging.
It is elegantly framed with paulownia wood originally used for kimono chest-of-drawers, and is filled with storytelling and sense of luxury.
I used pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and kiritansu chest-of-drawers that would normally be discarded to create the ultimate upcycled piece.
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
The art work features the matsu - pine pattern, which depicts the Japanese pine tree spreading over deep black fabric. It appears as if the pine dranches are decorated with various auspicious symbols - persimmons, pines, peonies, etc.
In East Asia, the pine tree is revered as a symbol of longevity due to its vibrant green leaves, even during the winter season.
In Japan, it's often referred to as the "evergreen tree" because its leaves remain green throughout the year, making it a symbol of good fortune that has been cherished for a long time.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
The fabric is hand-painted in traditional Japanese technique "yuzen".
<< About the frame >>
Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Rare Antique Japanese Folding Screen by Kano Tanshin
By Kano Tanshin
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite Japanese folding screen painted and signed by Kano Tanshin (Morimasa) (1658-1719), circa early Edo Period. An important member of the Kano painter family, the son of Kano Tanyu...
Category
17th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Brass
Pair of Rare Antique Japanese Folding Screens with Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
An amazing pair of matching antique Japanese folding screen predating 1812-1813, most likely from Kano School. Six panels each depict C...
Category
1810s Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Brass
Japanese Taisho/Showa Period Six - Panel Screen with Galloping Horses, Ca. 1920
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Taisho/Showa Period Six - Panel Screen with Galloping Horses, Ca. 1920
ABOUT
Taisho/Showa Period (1912 – 1926)
DIMENSIONS
Width: 70 inches
Height: 35 inches
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Japanese Silk Scroll Painting of Moneys Edo Period Mori Tetsuzan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese mounted vertical hanging scroll painting by Mori Tetsuzan (Japanese, 1775-1841) circa 19th century Edo period. The watercolor and ink on silk ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Paper
Philippine Handcrafted Solid Mahogany Carved Screen, Philippines, 1930
Located in Madrid, ES
Traditional Philippine hand carved solid Mahogany 3-panel see-through screen.
Category
1930s Philippine Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Japanese Two-Panel Screen with Chrysanthemums & Morning Glory Flowers, Ca. 1900
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Two-Panel Screen with Chrysanthemums & Morning Glory Flowers, Ca. 1900
PERIOD
Meiji/Taisho Period – ca. 1900/1920
DIMENSIONS
Width: 54 inches
Height: 53.5 inches
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Japanese Art Deco 4-Panel Screen with Falcon, Ca. 1920
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Art Deco 4-Panel Screen with Falcon, Ca. 1920
DIMENSIONS
Height: 36.25 inches
Width: 71.25 inches
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Pair of Japanese Ink Hanging Scrolls Kano Tanyu
By Kano Tan'yu 1
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine matching pair of hanging scrolls ink on paper mounted in green brocade borders circa Edo period (17-18th century). The Kano school painting depicts wild geese in the reeds by the margin of water, a popular subject borrowed from the Chinese tradition. Both painting were signed as Tanyu with a red seal of Morinobu, his birth name. The storage box is also present and was inscribed with the title Painting of Geese and Reeds and Kano Tanyu...
Category
Late 17th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood, Paper
$6,000 / set
Japanese Kyoto Embroidered Screen
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a finely stitched Kyoto embroidery screen that dates to the Meiji Era (1868 - 1912). Kyoto has been celebrated for its skilled artistic embro...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Brass
Japanese Meiji Period Pair of Shibayama Panels, Ca. 1868
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Pair of Shibayama Panels, Ca. 1900
ABOUT
Both panels have immensely rich detail articulated in shell, mother-of-pearl, and bone along with ca...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Japanese Meiji Two-Panel Embroidery Screen w/ Rooster and Chicken, Ca. 1890s
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Meiji Period Two-Panel Embroidery Screen with Rooster and Chicken, Ca. 1890s
Meiji Period (1868-1912) – Ca. 1890/1910
Signed
DIMENSIONS
Width: 60 inches
Heigh...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk
Japanese Meiji Period Six-Panel Screen with Blue Lake and Flowers, Ca. 1900
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Meiji Period Six-Panel Screen with Blue Lake and Flowers, Ca. 1900
Meiji Period (1868-1912)
DIMENSIONS
Length: 145 inches
Height: 69.5 inches
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Antique obi textile art " Pine forest ~ Longivety ~ " by ikasu Green , Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
<< Story behind the work >>
Obi fabric I used for this artwork is taken from three different over 100-years-old antique sashes, and is framed in wood taken from antique chest-of-dra...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Vintage kimono textile art "View from the Window ~Maple&Plum~" by ikasu, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is a glorious nod to buddhist temples circle windows, with beautiful Japanese garden scape seen outside. Golden leaf on the border of a frame is an expression of light goin...
Category
1930s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Vintage kimono textile art "Snowflake ~New Beginnings~" by ikasu Purple, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Six canvases (Diameter approx. 30cm, 25cm, 20cm) use the fabric taken from antique kimono, its' various parts, to create one harmonious fluid image of a snowflake - a symbol of new b...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Canvas, Silk
Vintage kimono textile art " Growing ~ Longevity ~ " by ikasu Pink, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
<< About this canvas >>
This set is a depiction of a tall chrysanthemum stem, entirely dyed in a traditional shibori technique.
<< Period / Story >>
The haori featured in this canvas was created and used during the late Showa period (1960-80ies).
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
A charming chrysanthemum flowers all around a stem seem to reach the heavens.
The chrysanthemum flower, which retains its vitality long after being cut, symbolizes longevity, purification from malevolent spirits, and good fortune. In ancient times, during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), emperors loved the chrysanthemum pattern, and it remains the most prestigious flower and the emblem of the Japanese imperial family...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Canvas, Silk
Antique kimono textile art " Waves and clouds ~Eternity~ " by ikasu Beige, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by traditional hand-dying technique edo-komon, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
It is elegantly framed with paulo...
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Vintage Japanese Watercolor Painting of Two Geisha, Signed, Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage watercolor painting of two Geisha under an umbrella - watercolor over graphite with gold gilt border - signed upper right (unidentified artist/maker...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Paint, Paper
$1,050 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique kimono textile art " Plum Blossom Night ~Resilience~ " by ikasu Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This artwork uses antique fabric from Taisho era (early 1920ies) kimono and paulownia wood taken from antique kiritansu - chest-of-drawers used initially to keep kimonos.
It is eleg...
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silver Leaf
Large C19th Japanese Silk & Bamboo Screen or Room Divider
Located in London, GB
Large C19th Japanese silk and bamboo screen.
A truly superb four-fold room divider with silk panels depicting a forest scene with birds and flowers. Each panel features a bamboo cro...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Bamboo
Vintage kimono textile art "On Coral Waves ~Everlasting~" by ikasu Pink, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
<< About this canvas >>
This kimono canvas set of three pieces portrays mountains surrounded by the sea. While each of the three pieces is crafted from different kimonos, they all s...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Canvas
Antique obi textile art " View from the Window ~ Shochikubai ~ " by ikasu, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is a glorious nod to buddhist temples circle windows, with beautiful Japanese garden scape seen outside. Golden leaf on the border of a frame is an expression of light goin...
Category
1910s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Rare Triptych Scroll Paintings by Watanabe Seitei Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of three paintings of ink and watercolor on silk mounted within brocade borders as scrolls by Watanabe Seitei (1851-1918). This is a very rare an...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Brocade, Silk, Wood
Antique kimono textile art " Kobachi ~Marine Collection~ " by ikasu Blue, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by the blue color palette, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
In this artwork, the aim was to capture the wide pale...
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Vintage kimono textile art "Marble Story ~ Healing ~" by ikasu Grey, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work uses a vintage kimono fabric with marble pattern, that makes it look like a real piece of marble.
The line in the middle symbolizes “kintsugi” - concept of wabi-sabi, which values imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of aging.
It is elegantly framed with paulownia wood originally used for kimono chest-of-drawers, and is filled with storytelling and sense of luxury.
I used pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and kiritansu chest-of-drawers that would normally be discarded to create the ultimate upcycled piece.
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
Kintsugi (金継ぎ), which translates to "golden joinery" or "golden repair," is a traditional Japanese art form of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. I used this tecnique here to "repair" antique kimono by transforming it into art work. Beyond its literal meaning of mending broken ceramics, kintsugi carries profound philosophical and cultural significance in Japanese tradition:
・Embracing Imperfection: Kintsugi celebrates imperfection and impermanence. Rather than disguising or concealing flaws, it highlights them, treating the breakage as part of the object's history. This philosophy encourages acceptance of imperfection as an essential aspect of life, beauty, and human experience.
・Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic: Kintsugi embodies the principles of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic worldview centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Wabi-sabi values simplicity, authenticity, and the beauty of things that are imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. Kintsugi exemplifies these principles by turning what might be considered flaws into features that enhance the object's beauty and character.
・Resilience and Transformation: The act of repairing broken things with precious metals symbolizes resilience and transformation. Instead of discarding or replacing the broken object, kintsugi honors its history and transforms it into something new and valuable. This reflects broader philosophical themes of overcoming adversity, finding beauty in imperfection, and embracing change.
・Honoring the Past: Kintsugi preserves and honors the history of the object. Rather than erasing or ignoring its past, it acknowledges and celebrates it. This aspect of kintsugi can be seen as a metaphor for honoring our own personal histories, including the challenges and setbacks we have faced, and recognizing how they have shaped us into who we are today.
・Spiritual and Philosophical Symbolism: Kintsugi has spiritual and philosophical implications, reflecting concepts such as the interconnectedness of all things, the cycle of life and death, and the pursuit of harmony and balance. The process of repairing broken objects with precious metals is seen as a metaphor for spiritual growth, enlightenment, and the journey towards wholeness.
Overall, kintsugi represents not only a practical technique for repairing ceramics but also a profound philosophical and cultural perspective on life, beauty, and the human experience. It embodies values such as resilience, acceptance, and the transformative power of embracing imperfection.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
This vintage textile is hand-painted with a traditional painting technique where the colors are added on wet surface, which creates an effect of marble.
<< About the frame >>
Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Vintage kimono textile art "Fern ~Connection to Nature~" by ikasu Black , Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work uses an antique tomesode (festive kind of kimono) with fern design to evoke feelings of tranquility, harmony, and appreciation for the beauty of the environment. Can be used both vertically and horizontally.
It is elegantly framed with paulownia wood originally used for kimono chest-of-drawers, and is filled with storytelling and sense of luxury.
I used pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and kiritansu chest-of-drawers that would normally be discarded to create the ultimate upcycled piece.
<< Explanation of colors and patterns >>
In Japanese traditional culture, ferns, particularly the Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum), hold several meanings and symbolisms:
・Elegance and Beauty: Ferns are admired for their graceful, delicate appearance and intricate leaf patterns. In Japanese aesthetics, they are appreciated for their natural beauty and are often used in gardens, landscapes, and floral arrangements to add a sense of refinement and elegance.
・Resilience and Perseverance: Ferns are known for their ability to thrive in diverse environments, including shady forests, rocky cliffs, and damp soil. Their resilience in the face of challenging conditions is seen as a symbol of endurance and perseverance. In Japanese culture, ferns may represent the ability to overcome adversity and flourish despite obstacles.
・Connection to Nature and Tranquility: Ferns are native to forested areas and are often associated with the natural world. In Japanese traditional culture, they symbolize a deep connection to nature and the importance of maintaining harmony with the environment. The lush green foliage of ferns evokes feelings of tranquility and peacefulness, making them popular motifs in Zen gardens and traditional landscape paintings.
・Purity and Simplicity: Ferns are emblematic of simplicity and purity in Japanese aesthetics. Their unassuming beauty and understated elegance reflect the principles of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic worldview that values imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. Ferns may be used in tea ceremonies, Ikebana (flower arranging), and other traditional arts to evoke a sense of tranquility and appreciation for life's fleeting moments.
Overall, ferns in Japanese traditional culture symbolize elegance, resilience, connection to nature, purity, and simplicity. Their presence in art, literature, and landscape design underscores their enduring significance as symbols of natural beauty and spiritual resonance.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
This vintage textile is hand-painted with a traditional Japanese technique called "yuzen".
<< About the frame >>
Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Vintage obi textile art " Moon phase II " by ikasu Silver, Black, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
<< About this artwork >>
This artwork has been upcycled from a stunning obi, which is adorned with calligraphy weaving saying "moon" and "moonlight".
<< Period / Story >>
The obi...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silver Leaf
Vintage kimono textile art "Autumn branches ~ Kintsugi ~" by ikasu Brown, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
The frame for this work is made of paulownia wood taken from antique Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono.
I use antique kiritansu that can’t be used as furniture anymore to crea...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
VIntage kimono textile art " Wish for prosperity " by ikasu Gold, Black, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by traditional Japanese nature colors symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
It is filled with storytelling ...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Vintage kimono textile art " Seaside ~ Kintsugi ~ " by ikasu White/Blue Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by the sea and the sky, uses golden leafing as a creative point, framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
In this artwork, the aim was to capture the splendor of Japanese nature, showing the sea, sky, and forests. Traditional Japanese culture, represented by the kimono, and wood, an integral element of Japanese craftsmanship, were used to bring this vision to life.
I used two pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and bark that would normally be discarded to create the ultimate upcycled piece.
The marriage of Japanese natural materials - silk, paulownia (frame), and pine (branch slices for the center decoration) - and Japanese natural patterns - blue ocean waves and clouds - expresses the magnificent beauty of Japanese nature from various angles.
The central golden leaf decoration stands out as a distinctive feature of this work. The piece uses the concept of "kintsugi" - it "unites" the pieces of antique kimono back together with golden leaf to give it a second wind as art work.
<< Period / Story >>
The kimono used in this piece was originally crafted during the late Showa period (1960-80ies).
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
The kimonos on this canvas have been creatively repurposed into interior artwork. The one on the left represents ocean wave pattern.
Seigaiha waves is regarded as a pattern of good fortune, embodying wishes for eternal happiness and a tranquil life for future generations.
The fabric on the right is embellished with cloud patterns woven in various techniques. Clouds, with their ever-shifting shapes and colors, have long intrigued people as signs of big events or omens.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
The kimono used for a part on the left has a lustrous, ivory-colored ground that serves as a backdrop for the vibrant ocean wave pattern expressed through the ground pattern.
On the right fabric, the cloud pattern is beautifully rendered by dyeing both the plain fabric and delicate patterns. This is achieved through the so-called "Yose-komon" technique, where each cloud is adorned with small patterns such as hail, sharks skin pattern, and other intricate details.
Edo komon, created using a refined and advanced dyeing technique that appears as a solid color from a distance, originated during the Edo period (1603-1868) and remains highly popular as formal kimono attire to this day.
<< About the frame >>
Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Vintage kimono textile art " Turquoise Forest ~Strength~ " by ikasu Blue, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Fabrics featuring iconic Japanese plants like chrysanthemum, maple, and bamboo were gathered from various long underwear and kimono pieces to create a set of canvases (diameter 30, 25 and 20cm) showcasing exquisite gradations.
The top canvas, in pristine white, originates from long under-kimono, while the middle and bottom canvases are skillfully upcycled from kimono fabrics.
<< Period / Story >>
The long under-kimono and kimono fabrics used in these canvases were originally crafted and worn during the late Showa period (1960-80ies).
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
The pattern on the top canvas features a chrysanthemum, an auspicious emblem symbolizing longevity. It is affectionately referred to as the "raccoon dog chrysanthemum" due to the large, overlapping petals resembling the fur of a muzina, a creature similar to a raccoon dog or badger. This motif is highly popular in various plant-inspired designs and frequently seen in Edo komon, katazome, and jimon textiles.
The top canvas naga-juban under-kimono, being entirely white and devoid of any additional dyes, suggests its use as formal wear. Its pristine white hue accentuates the silk's luster when exposed to light and highlights the beauty of the woven patterns.
The fabric used here is rinzu, a type of fabric thinner than crepe de chine, characterized by its soft, smooth texture and subtle sheen. This particular lintel distinguishes itself with the way its ground pattern emerges and also incorporates a woven chrysanthemum pattern.
The central canvas showcases a maple tree, symbolizing longevity, which changes its colors with the seasons, bringing joy and happiness to people's lives.
The bamboo featured on the lower canvas has been regarded as a symbol of good fortune since ancient times, given its straight and vigorous growth, along with the Chinese legend that a phoenix consumes its fruit. It embodies concepts such as "immortality," "longevity," and "strength" because it remains green even in winter. The hollow stem also signifies "innocence," suggesting that there are no hidden agendas.
All three canvases are adorned with ground patterns that, when viewed from a distance, appear as modern works of art, yet upon closer inspection, they reveal a distinct Japanese ambiance.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
All three canvases are made of fabrics with jimon. The unique and high level of Japanese weaving...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Canvas, Silk
Antique kimono textile art " Kobachi ~ Coral Collection ~ " by ikasu Pink, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by the coral color palette, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
In this artwork, the aim was to capture the wide pal...
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Lacquered Wooden Screen Decorated With A Peacock And A Refined Landscape
Located in Milano, IT
Majestic and rare lacquered wooden screen with an elegant peacock in the center that stands out among golden and silver clouds. The peacock is depicted on a gnarled cherry blossom tr...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Antique kimono textile art "Kobachi ~ Green Collection ~" by ikasu Green, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by the green color palette, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
In this artwork, the aim was to capture the wide pal...
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Vintage kimono textile art "Sunset Timelapse ~Ephemerality~" by ikasu Red, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
The art piece uses two sides - front and reverse - of the same kimono, to show beautiful sea surrounding Japan, in hues and in late sunset, as a timelapse.
The frame for this work is made of paulownia wood taken from antique Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono.
I use antique kiritansu that can’t be used as furniture anymore to create basis and frames for my works. It adds them even more authentic atmosphere of traditional wabisabi spirit. Can you feel it?
<< Period / Story >>
The kimono used in this piece was originally crafted during Showa period (around 1960ies).
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
Sea waves, depicted in two color variations here, are a symbol of transience and Impermanence in Japanese culture. The ebb and flow of the tides, the ever-changing currents, and the relentless motion of the waves serve as reminders of the fleeting nature of life. This artwork featuring the sea convey themes of impermanence, reminding viewers to cherish the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life's fleeting moments.
The theme of impermanence is strengthen by two colors of the sea - the lighter in early hues and the darker when the sun is just about to set in the sea.
<< About the frame >>
This artwork frame is crafted from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos, and it serves to convey the refined beauty of Japanese nature.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
Paulownia wood is closely linked to kimono culture. During the Edo period (17th cent.~), it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Antique Japanese Ink Hanging Scroll Hidaka Tetsuo with Wood Storage Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
A hanging ink (Sumi-e) silk scroll by Japanese Zen artist Hidaka Tetsuo (1791-1871). Well presented in brocade boarders and mounted on paperback, this scroll depicts "Three Noble Friends in Winter" in a poetic and novel way. One of the favorite subjects by Chinese painters, the three noble friends in winter consists of pine, bamboo and plum flowers. They were admired for their characters of strength in cold resistance to remain evergreen and even blossom in unfavorable condition. The artist, however, composited the subjects in a none-conventional way as Ikebana. Bamboo and flowering plum branches were presented in an oversized pot...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Brocade, Wood, Paper
Vintage obi textile art " Camellia ~ Serendipity ~ " by ikasu Blue, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by traditional Japanese nature motifs symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
In this artwork, the aim was to capture the the auspicious symbol of camellia used in antique kimono. Traditional Japanese culture, represented by the kimono, and wood, an integral element of Japanese craftsmanship, were used to bring this vision to life.
I used pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and kiritansu chest-of-drawers that would normally be discarded to create the ultimate upcycled piece.
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
This delicate piece features hand-drawn camellia motifs flowing gracefully on a softly brightened grayish background.
Camellias, native to Japan, bloom from winter to early spring. As an evergreen tree with green leaves throughout the year, it symbolizes the anticipation of spring and is considered an auspicious plant. Due to its seasonal significance and auspicious meanings, camellias have been used as motifs symbolizing good fortune. Additionally, they were highly valued for their use in oil, cosmetics, and medicine, representing nobility. Believed to possess the power to ward off misfortune, camellias also carry the meaning of "protection from calamity" and have strong ties to traditional ceremonies. In this artwork, camellias are delicately depicted alongside flowing branches, subtly representing good fortune with their pale pink and white hues.
"Sora-iro nezumi 空色鼠" refers to a light grayish color with a hint of blue, reminiscent of the slightly brightened sky on a lightly cloudy day. Popular during the late Edo period (19th cent.), it elegantly captures the slightly brighter sky pattern seen on lightly overcast days. Notably, the term "nezumi-iro" (mouse gray), popular during the late Edo period, was paired with brown tones, collectively known as "Forty-eight Teas and a Hundred Mice 四十八茶百鼠." Colors within the "nezumi" (gray) spectrum, particularly "sora-iro nezumi," were favored by young people for their cool and sophisticated appeal.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
The fabric features intricately woven patterns that reveal subtle gradations through dyeing, creating a grid pattern that transforms depending on the light conditions.
Originally, this fabric was part of a formal kimono known as a "hōmongi 訪問着," featuring motifs along the hem, shoulders, and sleeves. These motifs have been carefully selected and combined to create a unified piece of artwork.
<< About the frame >>
Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
VIntage kimono textile art "Geometry ~Marble~" by ikasu Gold, White, Grey, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by traditional Japanese nature motifs symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
It is elegantly framed with pau...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
VIntage kimono textile art " Monochrome Geometry " by ikasu Gold, Grey, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by traditional Japanese nature colors symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
It is filled with storytelling ...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Vintage kimono textile art " Plum Gradation " by ikasu Pink, White, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This canvas featuring a plum color gradient kimono showcases a unique decorative variation of the popular seigaiha (青海波) sea waves pattern.
The artwork got a Mr. & Mrs. Abe Arts & Cu...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Canvas, Silk
Vintage kimono textile art "Flowers ~Life Circle~" by ikasu Pink, Black, Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
<< About this canvas >>
This canvas is crafted from three different haori fabrics, each adorned with a shibori dyeing flower motif going through entire fabric. These fabrics tell a ...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Canvas, Silk
Vintage kimono textile art " Cranes ~ Kintsugi ~ " by ikasu White/Red/Gold Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
The frame for this work is made of paulownia wood taken from antique Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono.
I use antique kiritansu that can’t be used as furniture anymore to create basis and frames for my works. It adds them even more authentic atmosphere of traditional wabisabi spirit. Can you feel it?
The piece uses the concept of "kintsugi" - it "unites" the pieces of antique kimono back together with golden leaf to give it a second wind as art work.
<< Period / Story >>
The kimono used in this piece was originally crafted during the late Showa period (1960-80ies).
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
The Japanese saying goes, "A crane lives a thousand years, a tortoise lives ten thousand years," making cranes a symbol of longevity.
Cranes are also known for staying with the same partner for their entire lives, which is why they are often used at weddings and other celebrations to symbolize "marital bliss" and the desire for harmony between husband and wife.
On this particular piece, cranes are flying through snow woven on the fabric, as if they are overcoming all the disasters to get to their beloved ones.
The color scarlet, or deeply dyed red, used for the most of the cranes here, has long been associated with the meaning of "warding off evil." It is believed to possess the power to repel malevolent forces and invite good fortune.
During the Heian period, scarlet was reserved for sacred buildings and ceremonial objects that held great significance. Ordinary people were prohibited from wearing scarlet-red kimonos, which made it a highly special color.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
Cranes, going up and down, are generously decorated by kimpaku here. "Kimpaku" (金箔) refers to gold leaf/foil in Japanese. Gold leaf is a traditional material used in various aspects of Japanese culture, including art, crafts, and even in culinary applications.
In traditional Japanese art, gold leaf is often applied to religious objects, sculptures, paintings, and lacquerware to create a luxurious and decorative effect. The use of gold leaf in art dates back centuries and is associated with a sense of wealth, prestige, and the divine.
Traditional kimpaku technique is used here to make an accent decoration in the middle.
<< About the frame >>
This artwork frame is crafted from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos, and it serves to convey the refined beauty of Japanese nature.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
Paulownia wood is closely linked to kimono culture. During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf
Antique kimono textile art " Peacock Feathers ~Royalty~ " by ikasu Blue , Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work uses an antique furisode (festive kind of kimono with long sleeves) with peacock feathers - a symbol of royalty and prosperity. Can be used both vertically and horizontally...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
VIntage kimono textile art "Geometry ~Chrysanthemums" by ikasu, white, red Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This work is inspired by traditional Japanese natural symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers.
It is elegantly framed with paulownia...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Vintage obi textile art "Under the Sun ~Serendipity " by ikasu Red / Beige Japan
By Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
This artwork creatively uses tree bark to evoke the imagery of woods and mountains during both the morning and nighttime on left and right. It is elegantly framed with paulownia wood, a tree closely connected to kimono culture, and is filled with storytelling and sense of luxury.
By incorporating both the front and back sides of the same obi fabric woven in different colors, the play of light and shadow on the mountains is depicted through the contrasting appearances of these surfaces.
The intention behind this piece is to convey the exquisite beauty of Japanese mountains and the lush forests that inhabit them. To achieve this, traditional elements of Japanese culture, such as obi textiles and craftsmanship involving wood, were used.
The outer side and inner linings of the same obi, no longer suitable for clothing, along with bark material that would normally be discarded, have been repurposed to create this exceptional upcycle artwork.
The fusion of Japanese natural materials – silk, paulownia wood, and pine bark for the central decoration – along with the so-called "Tozan" pattern, a unique Japanese natural design showing mountains from far-away point, captures the magnificent beauty of Japanese nature from various perspectives.
The central bark decoration stands out as a distinctive feature of this work. Pine, oak, and other tree barks are interwoven among the mountains woven into the obi, creating a tangible and authentic natural atmosphere.
<< Period / Story >>
The obi used in this piece was originally crafted during the late Showa period (1960-80ies).
<< Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >>
This upcycle artwork uses an obi with a tozan pattern woven in two colors. The design is inspired by a distant mountain range, a motif that has been used in paintings and crafts since ancient times. However, in this particular design, the mountains are depicted not as distant peaks but as graceful semicircles giving it a mild atmosphere.
<< Characteristics of the fabric >>
This upcycled Fukuro-obi (two-side obi) showcases a festive color pattern of mountains intricately woven with gold threads against a beige front and red on the back.
The way this obi interacts with light allows it to shift in expression, much like a mountain revealing different facets over time. It can transform from deep shades of color to the appearance of gold shimmering against bright hues, depending on the lighting and viewing angle.
<< About the frame >>
Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos.
Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments.
During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Silk, Wood
Japanese Ink and Wash Scroll Painting by Watanabe Seitei
Located in Atlanta, GA
Watanabe Seitei, also known as Watanabe Shotei (1851–1918), was born in late Edo period. He was one of the earliest Japanese artists who visited and be...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Brocade, Silk, Paper
Framed Japanese Ink Painting Hidaka Tetsuo
Located in Atlanta, GA
An ink painting on the fan surface by Japanese Zen artist Hidaka Tetsuo (1791-1871), now framed in a traditional Japanese carved wood frame with silk fabric mat and decorative hangin...
Category
1850s Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood, Paper
Vintage Bamboo Japanese Art, Wall Art 5 excellent pieces
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Vintage Bamboo Japanese Art, Wall Art
5 excellent pieces, on cartridge paper set on Black Silk
Wonderful Vintage pieces, from 1980, 21.5” high, 15.5” wide
ZX281
Category
1980s Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Paper
Japanese Mid-Century Modern 4-Panels Screen w/ Flower Cart, Ca. 1950
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Mid-Century Modern 4-Panels Screen w/ Flower Cart, Ca. 1950
DIMENSIONS
Length: 71.5 inches
Height: 36.5 inches
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Japanese Edo Period Two-Panel Screen with Chrysanthemums, Ca. 1750
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Edo Period Two-Panel Screen with Chrysanthemums, Ca. 1750
ABOUT
This screen is indeed a masterpiece of design and composition with a gold frame. The materials used...
Category
1750s Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Japanese Meiji Period 4-Panel Screen with a Samurai on a Horse, Ca. 1880
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Meiji Period 4-Panel Screen with a Samurai on a Horse, Ca. 1880
Meiji Period (1868-1912)
DIMENSIONS
Width: 55.5 inches
Height: 35.5 inches
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Pair of Antique Carved Stone Panels, Japanese, Decorative, Figures, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique carved stone panels. A Japanese, lacquered decorative scene with female figures, dating to the late Victorian period, circ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Stone
Japanese Meiji Period 6-Panel Screen w/ Blue Lacquered Flowers, Ca. 1900
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Meiji Period 6-Panel Screen w/ Blue Lacquered Flowers, Ca. 1900
Meiji Period (1868-1912)
DIMENSIONS
145” long x 69.5” high
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Wood
Period Japanese Ink Drawing Gheisha
Located in Roma, IT
Fascinating and important oriental coloured drawing
Japanese Gheisha.
Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Sabrina Egidi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Paintings and Screens
Materials
Paper
$844 Sale Price
40% Off
Japonisme paintings and screens for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Japonisme paintings and screens 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 paintings and screens created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme paintings and screens 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 paintings and screens, popular names associated with this style include Hidaka Tetsuo, and Kano Tanshin. 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 paintings and screens differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $235 and tops out at $40,000 while the average work can sell for $4,500.