Japonisme Andirons

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.

Style: Japonisme

Group of 6 Franco/Dutch 19th/20th Century Japonisme Style Komodo Dragon Chenets

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A Group of Six Franco/Dutch 19th/20th Century Japonisme Style Gilt and Ebonized Bronze and Gilt-Bronze Figural Chenets (Andirons), Gilt-Bronze Figural Fire-Tools and Metal Fire-Screen. The tall orientalist flavor chenets, each surmounted with a figure of a Komodo dragon, the fire-tools comprising of tongs, a poker and a shovel, the large spark screen with decorative elements. The chenets stamped 'Belgium'. Circa: 1900. Japonisme[a] is a French term that refers to the popularity and influence of Japanese art and design among a number of Western European artists in the nineteenth century following the forced reopening of foreign trade with Japan in 1858. Japonisme was first described by French art critic and collector Philippe Burty in 1872. While the effects of the trend were likely most pronounced in the visual arts, they extended to architecture, landscaping and gardening, and clothing. Even the performing arts were affected; Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado is perhaps the best example. From the 1860s, ukiyo-e, Japanese woodblock prints, became a source of inspiration for many Western artists.These prints were created for the commercial market in Japan. Although a percentage of prints were brought to the West through Dutch trade merchants, it was not until the 1860s that ukiyo-e prints gained popularity in Europe. Western artists were intrigued by the original use of color and composition. Ukiyo-e prints featured dramatic foreshortening and asymmetrical compositions. Japanese decorative arts...

Category

Early 1900s Belgian Antique Japonisme Andirons

Materials

Bronze

Group of 6 Franco/Dutch 19th/20th Century Japonisme Style Komodo Dragon Chenets

Pair French 19th Century Japonisme Style Gilt-Bronze & Marble Chenets, Bouhon

By Bouhon Frères 1

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fine pair of French 19th century Japonisme Louis XV style Gilt-Bronze and Marble Figural Chenets (Andirons) by BOUHON FRES, each depicting a flaming dragon atop an "L" shaped base surmounted with an allegorical gilt-bronze and marble urns with floral garlands and paw-feet, the base with a draped ormolu design and raised on tapered feet. Stamped: "B&H". Circa: Paris, 1890-1900. The bronziers Bouhon et Cie. Bouhon Frers. specialized in bronze-decorated fire-places and fire-fittings. These large and fine chenets are supreme examples of their output. The firm participated in the 1878 and 1900 Paris Expositions Universelles. Japonisme[a] is a French term that refers to the popularity and influence of Japanese art and design among a number of Western European artists in the nineteenth century following the forced reopening of foreign trade with Japan in 1858. Japonisme was first described by French art critic and collector Philippe Burty in 1872.[3] While the effects of the trend were likely most pronounced in the visual arts, they extended to architecture, landscaping and gardening, and clothing.[4] Even the performing arts were affected; Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado is perhaps the best example. From the 1860s, ukiyo-e, Japanese woodblock prints, became a source of inspiration for many Western artists.These prints were created for the commercial market in Japan. Although a percentage of prints were brought to the West through Dutch trade merchants, it was not until the 1860s that ukiyo-e prints gained popularity in Europe. Western artists were intrigued by the original use of color and composition. Ukiyo-e prints featured dramatic foreshortening and asymmetrical compositions. Japanese decorative arts, including ceramics, enamels, metalwork, and lacquerware, were as influential in the West as the graphic arts. During the Meiji era (1868–1912), Japanese pottery was exported around the world. From a long history of making weapons for samurai, Japanese metalworkers had achieved an expressive range of colours by combining and finishing metal alloys. Japanese cloissoné...

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Japonisme Andirons

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Fabulous 19th century gilt bronze Napoleon sculpture. Extremely detailed bronze of Napoleon Bonaparte. It measures: 9 inches high 3 3/4 inche...

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Andirons

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Gilt Bronze Napoleon

H 9 in W 3.75 in D 2 in

Japonisme andirons for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme andirons for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage andirons created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bronze, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme andirons made in a specific country, there are Europe, Belgium, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original andirons, popular names associated with this style include and Bouhon Frères. 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 andirons differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $12,450 and tops out at $18,450 while the average work can sell for $15,450.