Japonisme Furniture
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.
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo
1970s German Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo, Paper
1970s German Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo, Paper
1880s French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic, Faience
Mid-20th Century American Japonisme Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
Early 20th Century American Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Paint
1970s German Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo, Paper, Cotton
1970s German Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo, Paper
Late 20th Century Danish Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
1910s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Pottery
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Stoneware
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Resin
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Iron
2010s Asian Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Oak, Plywood
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Bronze
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Oak
1970s Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Glass, Oak
Late 20th Century Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Oak, Plywood
1930s Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Lacquer
1970s Dutch Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Oak
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Aluminum
2010s Danish Japonisme Furniture
Stainless Steel
2010s Asian Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Oak, Plywood
1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood
1920s Asian Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Plastic, Bakelite, Wood
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Plywood, Oak
Mid-20th Century Japonisme Furniture
Tin
Early 20th Century Unknown Japonisme Furniture
Paper
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wool
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Silver
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo, Faux Bamboo
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Iron
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Canvas, Oak, Plywood
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Wood
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Bentwood
1940s English Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Gold, Enamel
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Concrete
1940s English Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Bronze
16th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Steel
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Canvas, Oak, Plywood
1980s Thai Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Gold Leaf
19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Enamel, Ormolu
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Iron
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Bronze
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Metal
1940s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Wood
2010s Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain