Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
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 Iron Garden Lantern Old Gold Finch and Bamboo
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Japanese outdoor cast iron garden lantern with gold finch and bamboo design.
Round gold finch, bamboo, and pine tree motif outdoor patio or garden lantern....
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Large Verdigris Bronze Crane Sculpture
Located in San Mateo, CA
Vintage large size bronze crane. This crane has been outdoors but could be used inside as well. The verdigris patina shows some wear and discoloration. T...
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Mid-20th Century Unknown Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Hand Carved Vintage Granite Stone Garden Pagoda 4 Pieces
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Petite 12 x 12 diameter so it can work in alotvot places. Indoor or outdoor as a candleholder or a incense burner or just decorative. Hand cut and originally polished by hand this be...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Granite
Japanese Iron Pagoda Garden Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Japanese cast iron pagoda lantern with lattice fret work hinged door.
Bird and bamboo iron cut outs surround pagoda. Beautiful slo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Japanese 4 Panels Court with 13 Ladies in the Garden
Located in New York, NY
Japanese 4 Panels Court with 13 Ladies in the Garden. Taisho Period (7/30/1912 - 12/25/1926.(Coinciding with the reign of Emperor Taisho). Circa 1920. Painted on Rice Paper. 71" wide...
Category
Early 20th Century Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Paper
Pair of Painted Cast Iron Heron Garden Sculptures - France - circa 1930s
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage pair of cast iron 'Heron' garden sculptures - suitable for indoor/outdoor use - featuring a great aged patina with remnants of a polychrome painted finish in areas - articula...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Pair French 19th Century Japonisme Style Gilt-Bronze & Marble Chenets, Bouhon
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Japanese Bronze Bonsai Planter
Located in Bradenton, FL
Fine Bronze from Japan with great weight and strength. Large form for Bonsai presentation. Elegant style and beautiful patina. Incised decoration on the front and bronze elephant hea...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Champlevé Cloisonné Square Copper Jardinière
Located in New York, NY
Antique champlevé cloisonné enamel on copper square jardinière. With bat design on each side. They are flying through the clouds and sky, ab...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Copper
French Painted Metal Life Size Figure of a Geisha by Charles Mass'e
Located in Essex, MA
Figure standing wearing kimono with arms out front. On an iron base. Signed Ch Masse , Sculp, Paris. Provenance , Estate Of William Hodgins. Interior d...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Satsuma Ware Planter and Gilt Bronze, circa 1880
By Satsuma
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Satsuma ware planter in octagonal jar shape. Decor of polychrome enamels on a white background and gilt highlights figuring two palace scenes in cartouche...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Red Painted and Gilt Plant Stand With Asian Influence
Located in Norwood, NJ
Japanese style French 19th century carved and red painted wood pedestal with gilt and silver gilt embellishments. Deep red-brown lacquer finish. Gilt dragons and floral decorations.
...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
French Japonisme Style Gilt Bronze and Faience Standing Jardinière
Located in London, GB
French Japonisme style gilt bronze and faience standing jardinière
French, late 19th century
Measures: Height 84cm, width 69cm, depth 48cm
Th...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Late 19th Century Bronze Footed Planter
Located in Bellport, NY
A large antique bronze two handled decorated planter.
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Magnificent, Monumental Japanese Bronze Lotus Leaf Planter, 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This is a rare and unique piece of Japanese verdigris bronze art.
Meiji period (1868-1912) The sheer size, condition and unusual design in the form of a huge Lotus leaf, creating th...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
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Japanese Old Little Bronze Hanging Bell / 1900-1960 / Traditional Design
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Japonisme building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Japonisme building and garden elements 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 building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme building and garden elements 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 building and garden elements, 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 building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $450 and tops out at $44,574 while the average work can sell for $2,313.
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