Japonisme Scholar's Objects
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 Stone Object medium / wabi-sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese stone object.
This stone object has a beautiful black and beige gradation.
An art object that gives you a sense of wabi-s...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Exquisite Japanese Lacquer Maki-e Suzuribako by Koma Kyūhaku Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
One of the finest Japanese Maki-e Suzuribakos (ink box) we have on offer, the roiro color box showcases an ambient nocturnal scene in which two shakudo inlaid crows perched on the handrails of a bridge (possible the Uji Bridge...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone, Metal
Large Kokeshi by Kyutaro Ogura
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Vintage Large "Kokeshi" by Kyutaro Ogura. This large size is very rare. With signature.
Kyutaro Ogura (Ogura Kyutaro: 1906-1998)
Master: Hisashiro Ogur...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Maple
Japanese Lacquer Tray with Maki-e and Inlay Hara Yoyusai Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A lovely Japanese lacquer rectangular lacquer tray with a slightly scalloped corner and four L shape supporting feet by one of the most celebrated lacquer artist active in Edo period Hara Yoyusai (1772-1845). Yoyusai lived in Edo (Tokyo) and worked under the patronage of Lord Matsudaira. He operated a large workshop and had a very prolific output of lacquer objects. Most survived pieces being inro...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Bronze Boat-Shaped Suiteki
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese bronze suiteki c. 1980's.
A suiteki is a small vessel for holding water to be added to ink for calligraphy. This particular suiteki features ...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Satsuma Ceramic Ewer Yabu Meizan
By Yabu Meizan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Satsuma ware miniature ewer from the studio of Yabu Meizan (birth name Yabu Masashichi; 1853-1934), who was one of the most celebrated and collectible Satsuma artists from the Meij...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Meiji Han Koto with Maki-e Lacquer Decoration
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare Japanese Koto made from carved Paulownia wood and lavishly decorated with lacquer Maki-e circa late 19th century of Meiji Period (1868-1912). The ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Wood
Elegant Japanese Lacquered Ikebana Bamboo Basket
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Japanese ikebana made from lacquered bamboo basketry circa first half of the 20th century. This piece of bamboo art displays an very light and delicate classic tapered squa...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
$1,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Finely Carved Japanese Okimono on Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique Okimono (Japanese means artsy display ornament object) displayed on a small custom wood stand from Meiji Period circa early 2oth century. T...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Wood
Japanese Glazed Ceramic and Silver Koro Incense Burner Makuzu Kozan
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tri-pod ceramic incense burner (koro) by Japanese Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa late Meiji to the start of Taisho period (1890-1910s). A fine example of the artist's work belonging to the late part of his underglaze paint phase (started around 1887 until his death), the surface of the koro was painted in beautiful shades of blue to depict a continuous landscape not unlike a traditional ink and watercolor hand scroll. The rise and fall mountains recede and fade into the horizon and are dotted with groves of pines. The sky is painted with a beautiful subtle shade of pink, suggesting a time of sunrise or sunset. The koro is fitted with an ensuite reticulated sterling silver hoya (incense cover), pierced with swirling cloud and marked with "pure silver' in Kanji. The base is signed in underglaze blue "Makuzu Kozan Sei" within a double ring. The piece is beautifully potted in form and the decoration was done with expertise using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting), in order to achieve the striking landscape known as "Mountain and Water" with sense of dimensions and gradient, the poetic effects normally conveyed only by sumi ink staining on paper. The piece comes with an unsigned tomobako (wood storage box) of a recent age.
Also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), Makuzu Kozan was one of the most established and collected ceramist from Meiji Period. Born as Miyagawa Toranosuke, Kozan established his pottery studio in Yokohama around 1870s and later became one of the appointed artists to the Japanese Imperial household. His work was exhibited in many international fairs that the Meiji government participated at the turn of the century and won many grand prizes. Being one of the most creative ceramists, Kozan started experimenting with new chemical colors from the West in the format of his porcelain glaze around 1880s. New colors allowed him to create underglaze designs that appeared bright, smooth and glossy. He even invented his own receipt of cobalt blue to achieve a much brighter yet softer shade, as evident on this vase. To create landscape that is realistic and dimensional, more common in the western paintings, he was inspired by the native Japanese ink painting technique developed around 1900 by Yokoyama...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Silver
Japanese Bamboo Basket Ikebana Suzuki Gengensai
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegantly woven bamboo basket with handle as an ikenana container by Suzuki Gengensai (1891-1950) circa 1923-50. Suzuki Gengensai was from Kansai region and active in Osaka. He studied bamboo art under Yamashita Kochikusai (1876-1947) and became an independent artist in 1913. He received his artist name Gengensai in 1914 and in 1923 he changed the characters to Gen, a slight written variation of the character. This basket was signed in this later variation, which helps to date the piece to post 1923.
The basket is woven entirely in a free style irregular plating on the body and with a twisted bundled handle. The surface is lacquered in a deep reddish color. The seemingly less rigid technique renders the piece a more rustic and natural aesthetic that is more suitable for certain occasions. It is singed on the base with artist's signature in the variation post 1923.
A very similar basket of the irregular weaving but without the handle is illustrated in plate 72 in "Baskets Masterpieces of Japanese Bamboo Art...
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Bamboo
Japanese Calligraphy Box
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very elegant and simplistic Japanese lacquered calligraphy box that dates to the mid-20th century. The minimal refined designed box includes the brush and other required wr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Unique Japanese Lacquer Maki-e Suzuribako with Woven Bamboo Cover with Tomobako
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Japanese suzuribako (ink box) of late Meiji Period (circa end of 19th century) is uncommon with its surface covered with woven basketry in che...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Rattan, Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Bamboo Basket Ikebana by Tanabe Chikuunsai II
Located in Atlanta, GA
A woven bamboo flower Ikebana basket by Tanabe Chikuunsai II (1921-2000) from Showa era (1926-1989), circa 1950-1960s. The ikebana basket takes a vertical square form, the body was e...
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
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Rare find: Ancient Japanese design gilt censer of a good luck elephant- signed Japan
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A large square tray made of Japanese antique lacquer / Late Edo period/19th
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
These trays were made after the late Edo period in Japan (after 1800).
This particular type of tray is known as "Negoro-bon."
Negoro lacquerware is a specific style of Japanese lacqu...
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H 2.09 in W 17.84 in D 18.12 in
Modern Creative Kokeshi Doll by Hideo Ishihara, Japan
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Rare Modern creative Kokeshi doll by Hideo Ishihara, Japan
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Japan lake landscape kobako box lacquer - Edo
Located in PARIS, FR
Rectangular kobako box in takamaki-e and kirigane gold lacquer circled with pewter depicting a lake landscape. Inside and back of the box in nashi-ji lacquer.
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Japanese Tall Antique Garden Stone Crowned Buddha Shakyamuni 25", Signed
Located in South Burlington, VT
An old early 20th century granite stone "Crowned" Buddha - Shyaka Nyorai Sakyamuni- sculpture with staff and "Hoju" the wish granting jewel in her left hand, the whole perched upon...
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H 25 in W 7 in D 5.75 in
Japanese Lacquer Smoking Box, Tabako Bon, Edo Period, 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A very fine Japanese maki-e lacquer decorated tabako bon, or smoking box, late Edo Period, mid-19th century, Japan.
The elegant smoking box of black lacquer decorated with a wonderful gold lacquer takamaki-e design of a gnarled and elegantly twisted plum tree with branches in full bloom. A border of golden cranes in flight to the top.
The smoking box, called a tabako bon, is comprised of an open section at the top with inset with two cylindrical metal canisters...
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Lacquer
Previously Available Items
Japanese Stone Object sphere / wabi-sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A sculpture created by nature.
A slightly distorted sphere.
It has a deep red and gray color.
An art object that gives you a sense of wabi-sabi.
1kg
Category
15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Japanese Stone Object “TAMARI-ISHI” / wabi-sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A stone object called "TAMARI-ISHI" in Japan that collects water in a hole. This has a beautiful matte black look.
A beautiful sculpture created by nature.
An art object that gives y...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
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Stone
Japanese Black Stone Object with Buddha shape / wabi-sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese stone object.
A black glossy stone object that resembles the shape of a Buddha.
A beautiful sculpture created by nature.
...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Japanese Stone Object large / wabi-sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese stone object.
This stone object has beautiful white beige color.
An attractive object with many horizontal lines.
The top...
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15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
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Stone
Japanese Stone Object with a hole
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese stone object.
It is shaped like a naturally formed lantern.
The unique expression created by moss and rainwater over many...
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15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
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Japanese Old Stone Lantern
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese stone lantern.
Stone lanterns have been used in Japan since ancient times to illuminate the outside of shrines and temples.
The oldest ones date back to the 8...
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15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
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Stone
Vintage Japanese Geisha Katsura Okimono Theatre Hair Wig & Case
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Japanese katsura or hair wig, elegantly styled for use in Noh theatre or by a geisha. The elaborately styled hair is decorated with embellishments of red and metallic silver paper ribbons, a yellowed plastic hair stick, and bow in metallic gold and silver. Wig features a metal frame inside to support the weight of the hair, and cloth ties. White wooden wig stand slots into black carrying case.
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Mid-20th Century Japonisme Scholar's Objects
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Metal
20th century Japanese wooden soroban, counting frame
Located in Oostende, BE
20th century Japanese soroban or abacus (counting frame) in hardwood.
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Wood
Tanabe Chikuunsai II '1910-2000' Bamboo Hanging Basket, Japan Mid-20th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Tanabe Chikuunsai II (1910-2000) Bamboo Hanging Basket, Japan mid 20th century.
A rare hanging basket by Tanabe Chikuunsai II, made of madake (timber bamboo) and using tobi-gozame...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Scholar's Objects
Materials
Bamboo
H 6.3 in W 6.5 in D 3.15 in
Japanese Woven Bamboo Ikebana Basket by Kosuge Kogetsu
By Kosuge Kogetsu
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant hand-woven ikebana flower backet by Japanese bamboo artist Kosuge Kogetsu (1932-) circa 1970-80s. This basket is in the classic form derived from Chinese flower basket...
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20th Century Japanese Japonisme Scholar's Objects
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Antique Japanese Ceramic Chaire Ko-Seto Ware
Located in Atlanta, GA
This small ceramic chaire from Edo period Japan circa 18th century (possibly earlier) was made in the Seto area of Gifu prefecture. This type of small jar wi...
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18th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Scholar's Objects
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Exceptional Japanese Lacquer Suzuribako Edo Period with Provenance Note
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptional Japanese suzuribako (writing box) in maki-e decoration circa 18th century Edo period. This is one of the most spectacular pieces of ...
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Japonisme scholar's objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Japonisme scholar's objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage scholar's objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, bamboo and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme scholar's objects 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 scholar's objects, popular names associated with this style include Kosuge Kogetsu, Makuzu Kozan, Suzuki Gengensai, and Tanabe Chikuunsai II. 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 scholar's objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $18,000 while the average work can sell for $5,650.
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