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Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

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
Japanese Antique Wood Carving Elephant 1860s-1920s / Wabi Sabi Sculpture Object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese elephant wood carving. This wood carving dates from the Meiji period (1860s-1920s). We estimate the material to be cedar w...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cedar

Japan Beautiful Big Antique Hand Painted Kutani Garden Bowl, 1910
Located in South Burlington, VT
From our recent Japanese Acquisition Travels- a big and lovely big 13 inch diameter hand painted bowl from Japan. Japan hard to find early hand painted ceramic lush "garden scene" serving bowl, circa 1910. Inside painting depicts elite individual with his attendants seated amidst a three some of cranes, plush patterns, foliage and seas. The exterior a dragon style...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Ranma Wood Carving Featuring "Birds in Flight" & "Long Blades of Grass"
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Japanese Ranma are traditionally positioned in open space, above a doorway, or in a high open area to enjoy. What is unique about this Ranma is that carvings on one side are "Birds i...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Ranma Wood Carving Featuring "Birds in Flight" & "Long Blades of Grass"
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Japanese Ranma are traditionally positioned in open space, above a doorway, or in a high open area to enjoy. What is unique about this Ranma is that carvings on one side are "Birds i...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Ranma Wood Carving Featuring "Birds in Flight" & "Long Blades of Grass"
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Japanese Ranma are traditionally positioned in open space, above a doorway, or in a high open area to enjoy. What is unique about this Ranma is that carvings on one side are "Birds i...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Chicken Object 1860s-1900s / Animal Sculpture Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese chicken figurine. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The body is made of paper, the beak of wood, and the legs ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Paper

Meiji Period Carved Lion and Tiger
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an outstanding pair of Meiji Period carved hardwood figures of a ferocious lion and tiger. The carving is exceptional as is the bone detailing of the mouthes and teeth. The f...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bone, Hardwood

Japan 1890 Meiji Period Signed Assembling of Okimono with a Group of Skeletons
Located in Miami, FL
A signed Okimono from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912). Very rare, unusual and large sculptural assembling of a dysplaying piece of okimono. Created in Japan during the imperial period of the Meiji (1868-1912). This extraordinary piece okimono sculpture depict a group of four intricately and realistically rendered carousing males skeletons representations (Gaikotsu) standing in several position. One skeleton is crouched down playing with mouses in the floor. The second is seated resting in the other's back, peacefully smoking opium. The others two are fully standing in interacting position. The entire composition is arranged freely displayed on the wood base including a woven basket, apparently with food and four playfull mouses. There are an extra five mouses in different positions, freely playing around, all of them with the eyes accented with carved black ebony. The composition is displayed on a four-legged free form carved wood platform with an inlaid red plaque engraved with the artist's signature. The level of detail and the quality of the carving is truly exceptional. Has an exact measurements of 216.15 mm by 139.7 mm by 359.41 mm (8.51 x 5.5 x 14.15 Inches). After an extensive collection of data, comparables and references to this piece, we have only been able to find only three okimono sculptures like this, with similar themes and the same quality of work. References Note: A similar carving of four skeletons playing an animated game of dominos, signed Shutaro in an inlaid rectangular red plaque, was sold in London by Christie’s South Kensington in October 14 2014, Lot 120 Sale 5546. References Note: A similar carving with four skeletons in an otherwise typical victorian scene of a photographer and three sitters signed Shutaro in an inlaid rectangular red plaque, was sold in Edinburgh at Lyon & Turnbull in November 7, 2018. References Note: A similar carving with five skeletons seated, playing cards and drinking, was sold in London by John Nicholson Fine Art on September 26, 2018. Meiji period, is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji. It was preceded by the Keio era and was succeeded by the Taisho era, upon the accession of Emperor Taisho. Okimono, is a Japanese term meaning for display an ornament; art object; or decorative object, usually displayed in a tokonoma or butsudan "Buddhist altar". It is an ornament or figure, especially one placed in a guest room. An okimono may be a small Japanese carving...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Japan 1890 Meiji Period Ebisu Sculpture in Wood Carving of an Old Fisherman
Located in Miami, FL
An extremely well detailed wood carving of Ebisu, as a fisherman. Beautiful and well detailed sculpture, created in Japan during the Meiji dynastic period (1868-1912) back in the 1890's. This piece represent the god of good fortune Ebisu. Was exceptionally carved and executed from one solid single piece of rose wood, showing a gorgeous face expression, with intricate details in the hands and feets, he's carrying as usual a rod and a fish. Ebisu (yebisu), ???, god of fortune, the ocean and fisherman. In the japanese mythology is one of the seven gods of luck, sichi-fuku-jin, the patron of the fisherman and tradesmen. he is depicted as a bearded, smiling fisherman with formal long court ropes, often carrying a rod in one hand and a tai, symbolic fish of the good luck, in the other. The height is 14.25 inches (36.20 cm) and the base measurements is 6.5 by 6.45 inches (16.5 x 16.38 cm). Meiji period, is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Japan Early Ikebana Planter Garden Cart with Children, Meiji Period
Located in South Burlington, VT
A rare 19th century hard to find Japanese Usubata Flower Planter Cart "Norimono", Late Meiji Period. Japan, this handsome quality old style "garden cart" ikebana planter is an exceptionally rare find and an authentic old work of Japanese art. Brilliantly designed and a handsome plant presentation with removable ikebana vase inserted into an openwork wicker basket set on a wheeled cart...
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

Japan 1890 Meiji Period Signed Okimono Sculpture of a Group of Skeletons Smoking
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural signed Okimono from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912). Very rare, unusual and large sculptural assembling of a dysplaying piece of okimono. Created in Japan during the imperial period of the Meiji (1868-1912). This extraordinary okimono was carefully carved depicting a group of three intricately and realistically rendered carousing skeletons (Gaikotsu) in relax and resting position, drinking and smoking. Two of them, probably males representations are resting on a wicker sofa. The third, is a woman seated in a lower stool offering drinking cups of sake on a round tray. A small rectangular bench is arranged in the scene. The composition is displayed on a four-legged carved wood platform with an inlaid red plaque engraved with the artist's signature. The level of detail and the quality of the carving is truly exceptional. Has an exact measurements of 209.55 mm by 196.85 mm by 127.76 mm (8.25 x 7.75 x 5.03 Inches). After an extensive collection of data, comparables and references to this piece, we have only been able to find only three okimono sculptures like this with similar themes and the same quality of work. References Note: A similar carving of four skeletons playing an animated game of dominos, signed Shutaro in an inlaid rectangular red plaque, was sold in London by Christie’s South Kensington in October 14 2014, Lot 120 Sale 5546. References Note: A similar carving with four skeletons in an otherwise typical victorian scene of a photographer and three sitters signed Shutaro in an inlaid rectangular red plaque, was sold in Edinburgh at Lyon & Turnbull in November 7, 2018. References Note: A similar carving with five skeletons seated, playing cards and drinking, was sold in London by John Nicholson Fine Art on September 26, 2018. Meiji period, is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912. The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji. It was preceded by the Keio era and was succeeded by the Taisho era, upon the accession of Emperor Taisho. Okimono, is a Japanese term meaning for display an ornament; art object; or decorative object, usually displayed in a tokonoma or butsudan "Buddhist altar". It is an ornament or figure, especially one placed in a guest room. An okimono may be a small Japanese...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Pair of Wood Rice Measure Vessels
Located in South Burlington, VT
Special find from our last Japanese Acquisition Here's a beautiful and unique way to accent your indoor or outdoor garden space with these treasures from Japan! This special ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

Japan Meiji 1900 Three Bronze Ducks Sculpture in Wood Stand and Coral
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural composition of the ducks from the Japanese Meiji Period. Beautiful and very well realized sculptural composition of three ducks, made during the japanese imperial perio...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Coral, Bronze

Jizai Koi and Water Motif, Japan, Miji Period
Located in Point Richmond, CA
This jizai is an excellent example of a well-balanced and pleasingly carved sculpture of koi swimming in waves. Once part of a Japanese hanger (jizagake) for a kettle hook, it served...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Meiji Period Red and Black Painted Kimono Storage Box, Japan
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese Kimono storage box, constructed of wood and bamboo, painted black with family crest painted in red on the sides. The top has wood slats, which ...
Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Wooden Raccoon Figurine / 1868-1920 / Good Luck Charm
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
I would like to introduce a very interesting Japanese old wooden kimono. This is a wooden figurine in the shape of a tanuki. The raccoon dog has long b...
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Antique Japanese Yew Wood Tree Trunk Ikebana Vase Planter
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique Japanese tall ikebana vase / planter from a yew wood tree trunk with beautifully aged glowing surface color and great natural sculptural for...
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Yew

Large and Impressive Meiji Period Bronze Bison by Sano Takachika for the Kakuh
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A large and impressive Meiji period bronze bison by Sano Takachika for the Kakuha Company, the animal powerfully modelled with his head low and turned slightly to the left and with a...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Carved Boxwood and Lacquer Netsuke of a Noh Dancer, Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A fine lacquer decorated carved boxwood netsuke of a Noh dancer in a Hannya role, unsigned, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The boxwood netsuke finely carved as a kneeling Noh dancer dressed in striking geometric patterned robes. The actor holds an opened war fan behind their back in one hand, a Shinto wand slung over the shoulder in the other. The war fan, tessen, decorated in red lacquer with a golden rising sun at the center. Tessen were sturdy fans used by samurai as protective devices, and sometimes as weapons. The wand, called an onusa, is a traditional Shinto ritual implement comprised of folded paper streamers, shide, attached to a wooden wand, often used in purification rituals. Here, the shide are crafted from silver maki-e, with the handle of the natural boxwood. The actor wears a fierce and unearthly hannya mask...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Boxwood, Lacquer

Japanese Momotarō Folktale Bronze Monkey Sculpture on Base, 1960s
Located in San Francisco, CA
A delightful 1960s Meiji period-style Japanese cast bronze monkey figure on lacquered wood base, inspired by the popular ancient Muromachi/Edo period folktale of Momotaro (“Peach Boy...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Antique Tree root Penis 1860s-1900s / figurine Mingei Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a natural wood in the shape of an old Japanese penis. It is extremely rare. It is believed to have been collected during the Meiji period (1860...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Wood Carving Monkey 1860s-1900s / Figurine Sculpture Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese wood carving of a monkey. It is a wood carving from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It appears to be carved from cedar wood. "Monkey holding a peach" Pea...
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Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Gilt Wood Fukukenjaku Kannon, Meiji Period or Earlier, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
An attractive and esoteric Japanese carved and gilt wood figure of Fukukenjaku Kannon, Amoghapasa, Meiji period or earlier, Japan. Fukukenjaku Kannon is portrayed in an usual six...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cypress

Boxwood and Lacquer Netsuke of Hotei by Shunsho, Meiji period, circa 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A charming and finely decorated carved and lacquered boxwood netsuke of Hotei by Shunsho (probably Shunsho XI, Masaoki), Meiji period, circa 1900, Japan. This delightful and colorful netsuke features the beloved figure Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. The god of fortune and happiness is seated upon his treasure bag, and being dragged by a smiling child. Carved from boxwood and decorated in bright lacquers of gold, silver, red, black and green. Hotei's chest and ample stomach mostly exposed, his skin covered in gold lacquer. Large elephantine ears frame his bearded face. His red-lipped mouth open in an uproarious laugh. Hotei's treasure bag formed as a patchwork of various brocades in gold, red, and black lacquer. The black lacquer further decorated in the lac burgaute...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Boxwood, Lacquer

Scultura Bronzo Raffigurazione Arciere Periodo Meiji Firmata
By Saeki Yoshimitsu
Located in Milano, MI
Scultura Bronzo Raffigurazione Arciere periodo Meiji Firmata Descrizione: Scultura giapponese antica raffigurazione di arciere in bronzo realizzata...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Japanese White Glazed Hirado Ware Puppy, Edo/Meiji Period, Mid 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
An absolutely adorable Japanese Hirado Mikawachi ware white glazed porcelain model of a puppy dog, Edo to Meiji period, early to mid 19th century, Japan. The cute puppy is portray...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Meiji Period Bronze & Bone Elephant Sculpture, Japan, 19th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique Meiji Period bronze and bone sculpture - dramatic fine casting of an elephant and tiger - mounted to an black painted wood base - unsigned -...
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Paloma Wood Carving Okimono of Jurojin
Located in New York, NY
A Japanese carved paloma wood Okimono of Jurojin (god of longevity with a turtle). A symbol of long life, the sculpture also depicts a young boy representing the beginning of life. Carved from one piece of boxwood with a beautiful rich patina. Jurojin originated from the Chinese Daoist god, the old man of the South Pole, he may have been a historical figure of the Northern Song Dynasty...
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Boxwood

Japanese Antique Pair Buddhist Monju Fugen Bosatsu Nyorai Temple Shrine Buddhas
Located in Studio City, CA
Truly stunning pair of hand-carved wood Japanese buddha statues / sculptures that sit serenely atop their lotus petal thrones. The intricately c...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer, Paint

Great Wood Carving Lion Figurine / 1868-1920 / Rare Item
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This looks like an old copperware, but it is a wood carving work. It is glossy because it is finished with black lacquer. It is a very delicate and beautiful sculpture. The expression of the lion is cool. Also, the sculpture on the tail is wonderful. It is thought that it was carved on wood such as Japanese cypress. The name of the engraver is also engraved. The name "Kichitaro" is engraved. I don't know the details of this person. There are also small cracks and defects. There is a loss in the lower part of his right ear and part of his tail. And there are lacquer cracks and wood cracks. This is an old one, so there is something like this. Also, in the case of Japanese and Chinese lions, a ball is attached to the left hand, but this is missing. However, it is a work that is quite impressive. It is a rare item...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Asian Sculpture / Okimono with Lion and Crows, Japan, Meiji Era, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Rare and important Japanese sculpture / statue / okimono in blackened and carved wood, depicting 1 lion, 2 birds (crows or other birds of prey) and 1 snake held in the claws of one o...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Japan Fine Bronze Seated Amidha Nyorai Buddha, 19thc.
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan, an elegant and fine seated Amidha Nyorai Buddha with fingers clasped in a pensive "Dhyani" Mudra pose, a superb work of art cast in bronze. It dates to the 19th century Meiji...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze, Copper

Japanese Connoisseurs Collection Fine Antique Smoking Pipes Kiseru
Located in South Burlington, VT
Rare one-of-a-kind collection Japanese Connoisseurs Collection of Five (5) Fine Antique Smoking Pipes, Kiseru. You dont need to be a conn...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze, Copper, Sterling Silver, Gold

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Kneeling Samurai Warrior, Circa 1870-1880
Located in Savannah, GA
Antique Japanese Kneeling Samurai Warrior, Circa 1870-1880. Japanese Meiji period samurai with detailed presentation of robes and helmet.
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Fabric

Large Japanese Meiji Bronze Lidded Urn, 19th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and stylish antique Japanese Meiji bronze lidded twin handle urn standing on a rounded plinth base with tongue and grotesque head formed legs with dragon handles and a flat c...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Antique Meiji Signed Japanese Figural Woman & Lantern Incense Burner with Base
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large antique Meiji period Japanese patinated and polychromed bronze is signed by an unknown artist and presumed to have been made in approximately 1880 in the period Meiji styl...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Tokyo School Bronze Okimono of a Farmer, Meiji Period
Located in Austin, TX
A very fine and detailed Tokyo School cast bronze okimono (decorative sculpture) of a smiling farmer, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The e...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Chinese Green and Brown Serpentine Foo Dog Chop Seal
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a stunning and rare vintage Chinese green and brown serpentine foo dog chop seal, Hong Kong/Chinese, circa 1950s or 1960s A fantastically carved...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Serpentine

Antique Japanese Blanc de Chine Buddha
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A blanc de chine porcelain figure of the Buddha, Japanese, Kutani, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Porcelain

Meiji Era circa 1900 Antique Japanese Bronze Sea Dragon 3-Arm Candelabra
Located in Tustin, CA
Magnificent and powerful, fantastically sculptural, ferocious bronze Japanese writhing sea dragon candleholder is coiled around itself, with an uplifted head and a stylized plume of ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Antique Japanese Root Stand
Located in Hudson, NY
Antique Japanese root stand. Meiji period (1868-1912) carving from a single piece of fruitwood in a natural root design. Originally made for presen...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Fruitwood

Japanese Bronze of Miyao in Patinated and Gilded Bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Japanese bronze of Miyao in patinated and gilded bronze on wooden base, 19th century, Japan, Meji period. Measures: H 13 cm, W 7 cm, D 6 cm.
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Japanese Cast Bronze Figures of Niō, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A well cast pair of Japanese mixed metal okimono figures of Buddhist guardians, known as Nio or Dharmapala, protectors of Buddhist faith, Meiji Period, Japan. The smiling bronze g...
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Lovely Japanese Ningyo Doll, Tanaka Doll, Samurai Warrior, 19th-20th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Great Ningyo doll. With label Condition Overall condition very good. Size 265cm Period Meiji Periode (1867-1912) Taisho Periode (1912-1926).
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Fabric

Japanese Meiji Noh Mask of Okina
Located in New York, NY
Japanese carved wood Noh mask depicting Okina. The piece was made during the late Edo - early Meiji period in the 19th century. The mask is of an older man wi...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Meiji Period Bronze of an Oni Holding a Parasol
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
This figural group shows a mendicant Oni with a tattered umbrella and wearing a voluminous shakudo cloak over gilt tiger mask greaves. A smaller Oni wears s...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

Two Rare Japanese Izumo Clay Dolls of Emperor and Tenjin, Meiji Period
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Two rare Japanese Izumo clay dolls of Emperor and Tenjin, Nara Prefecture, Meiji period. Material and simple execution impart a flavor of antiquity and great decorative power. Empero...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Clay

Japanese Theatre Mitsumekozo Theatre Mask Meiji Period, circa 1900
Located in Prahran, Victoria
Unusual Japanese Folk Art theatre mask depicting the playful character Mitsumekozo, a three eyed goblin often portrayed as a mischevious creature in comical plays, late Meiji period,...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Japanese Bunraku Ningyo Joruri Meiji Edo Puppet Head in Display Case
Located in Studio City, CA
This is a spectacular piece. Mesmerizing. Bunraku, also commonly known as Ningyo Joruri, is a form of traditional Japanese puppet theatre, founded i...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

19th Century Meiji Period Bronze of a Boy Collecting Sweet Chestnuts by Seiya
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A charming Meiji period bronze of a boy collecting sweet chestnuts by Seiya, he carries a basket and is looking down at an insect crawling over his hand, he is also evidently wearing...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Carved Burl Banana Leaf Tray
Located in Hudson, NY
Meiji period (1868-1912) beautifully carved tray in the shape of a folded banana leaf, so the viewer can appreciate both sides of the leaf from a single va...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Burl

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Painted Wood Sign with a Samurai, 19th Century
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese carved and painted wooden sign with a Samurai from the Meiji Period, 19th century. This 19th century sign with a samurai was made in wood and painted in Japan during the Meiji period. The narrow rectangular panel features a painted frame with a character depicted in the upper section, showcasing a seated samurai wearing his armour. The section below is adorned with four lightly carved and back painted calligraphies. This tall panel can be hinged thanks to two square buckles on the top. Made during the 19th century, this antique Meiji period painted wood sign...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Japanese Meiji Door Carvings Featuring Owl and Parrot in Mother of Pearl & Bones
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Meiji period pair of wooden doors featuring carvings of an owl and a parrot on perch, with birds and flowers. The carvings are executed i...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

19th Century Japanese Cockerel and Chicken
Located in London, GB
A fine quality set of two Meiji period Japanese cockerel and chicken.
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Antique Painted Scroll Two Lucky Old Friends
Located in South Burlington, VT
Two lucky old friends. A very fine Japanese antique hand-painted paper scroll of Ebisu and Daikoko , two old friends and two of Japan's seven lucky gods signifying prosperity, good ...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Paper

Large Japanese Carved and Polychromed Wood Panel of Gourds and Lotus
Located in Essex, MA
Depicting two large melons with calligraphy surmounted with lotus and flower and dragonfly. Painted in golds, reds, blues and green. Estate of John Volk, Pa...
Category

1850s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Other

Pair of Japanese Gilt Bronze Komainu by Ishikawa Komei, Meiji Period
Located in Austin, TX
A striking pair of Japanese gilt bronze komainu by the renowned Japanese sculptor, Ishikawa Komei (1852-1913), Meiji period, Japan. The pair well cast, and robustly modeled. They ar...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Elephant Sculpture on Burlwood Base
Located in New York, NY
A Japanese Meiji period bronze elephant sculpture on its original burl-wood base. Old repair to the tail; some paint chips to bronze trunk; unsigned.
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Meiji sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji sculptures and carvings 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 sculptures and carvings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji sculptures and carvings 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 sculptures and carvings, popular names associated with this style include Akasofu Gyôkkô, and Tosa Mitsuyoshi. 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 sculptures and carvings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $250 and tops out at $190,804 while the average work can sell for $1,850.

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