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.
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...
Iron
$2,800 / set
Cast Stone Garden Pagodas A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Beautiful large pair of Japanese cast concrete Pagoda Garden Statues. These statues are made of durable, weather resistant concrete and have a muted stone-gray appearance with subtle...
Concrete
Large Japanese Blue + White porcelain jardiniere, circa 1900
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive and fine quality late 19th Century Japanese Blue and White porcelain Jardiniere. Having wonderfully decoration motif decoration to the boarders and scenes depicting...
Porcelain
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...
Iron
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...
Bronze
Gabriel VIARDOT – Japonist carved wooden fireplace, circa 1880
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
A talented wood sculptor, Gabriel Viardot opened a furniture factory and store in Paris in 1853. In the 1870s, he decided to dedicate himself to Japanese-style furniture. Participati...
Wood
Large birdcage in Japanese style, France, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Important Japanese-style birdcage simulating a two-level pagoda. The cage’s structure is in painted and patinated wrought-iron supporting transparent glass partitions. The bottom is ...
Copper, Wrought Iron, Zinc
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...
Bronze
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...
Metal
$164,992 / set
Pair of French Japonisme Pedestals by Maison Marnyhac
Located in London, GB
Pair of French marble mounted ormolu and bronze pedestals by Maison Marnyhac French, Late 19th Century Height 105cm, width 64cm, depth 58cm This magnificent pair of pedestals, craf...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
A Pair Of Fô Dogs From The Early 20th Century By Louis Guingot
Located in Charmes, FR
A pair of fountain dogs originally from a fountain created by Louis Guingot for the entrance to the Champigneulles brewery (Meurthe-et-Moselle 54); they are made of reinforced concre...
Concrete
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...
Ormolu, Bronze
Japanese Shigaraki Green Glaze Earthenware Pottery Teapot Water Pitcher Jug 19"
Located in Dayton, OH
Extra large vintage Japanese earthenware teapot / urn / vase - jar shaped body with two handles and large cylindrical spout with strainer inside where it meets the body, recessed lid...
Earthenware
$3,875Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Jardiniere Stand, Japanese, Ebonised, Portico Planter Table, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique jardiniere stand. A Japanese, ebonised mahogany portico planter or lamp table, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. Of elegant proportion and refined Orient...
Mahogany
Japanese-Style Composition Stone Garden Lantern with Natural Moss Patina
Located in Darien, CT
A substantial Japanese-style composition stone garden lantern with a beautifully weathered surface and a rich covering of natural moss and lichen acquired over decades in the garden....
Composite stone
Japanese Champlevé Cloisonné Square Copper Jardinière
Located in New York, NY
Antique champlevé cloisonné enamel on copper square jardinière. With bat designs on each side, they fly through the clouds and sky above the...
Copper
$4,238Sale Price|20% Off
Cast bronze zoomorphic marine statue, Belgium 1960s
Located in ECHT, NL
Large mid century zoomorphic statue. Skillfully designed and cast in solid bronze. The piece was obtained from the private collection of castle Mussenborg in Edegem. A small town nea...
Bronze
$900Sale Price|21% Off
Late 19th Century Bronze Footed Planter
Located in Bellport, NY
A large antique bronze two handled decorated planter.
Bronze
Red Painted and Gilt Japonisme Plant Stand
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. ...
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
TEMPLE BELL (BONSHÔ) Japanese, from the second half of the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
TEMPLE BELL (BONSHÔ) Japanese, from the second half of the 19th century. in bronze with relief decoration. Signs of use. Dim.: (bell) 70 x 37 cm total: 110cm good condition
Bronze
$1,700
H 23.5 in W 16 in D 8.5 in
Mid-Century French Hand-Painted Concrete and Iron Stork Garden Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
This charming antique garden sculpture was crafted in France circa 1960 and depicts a standing stork rendered in a rustic and highly decorative manner. The figure features a molded c...
Concrete, Iron
Pair of Chinese Square Stone Garden Lanterns
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural lanterns of carved stone or wood are traditionally placed throughout Buddhist temple grounds or courtyard gardens to contrast lush foliage and cast light on their surround...
Limestone
Early 20th Century French Hand-Cast Stone Poodle Garden Sculpture
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-846 French hand cast garden poodle sculpture with glass eyes.
Cast Stone
Large French Majolica Palissy Jardiniere Circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Palissy jardinière with leaves and branches, circa 1880.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Large Majolica Thistle Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica thistle jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880. Height / 9.5 inches. Diameter / 13 inches.
Ceramic
Pair of 1920s French Cast Iron Jardinieres with Original Purple Paint
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A pair of unique round cast iron jardinieres attributed to Deville & Cie of Charleville, France. The casting has a floral detail. There is drainage below for permanent planting.
Iron
French Cast Stone Garden Bust of Ariadne, Circa 1900
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Cast Stone Garden Bust of Ariadne, Circa 1900 France Early 20th Century This French Cast Stone Garden Bust of Ariadne, dating to the early 20th century (circa 1900), is a s...
Cast Stone
John Bradstreet Bronze Lotus, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
From the 1890s until his death in 1914, John Bradstreet, the important American Arts and Crafts furniture and interior designer, worked from The Crafts House, his landscaped orientalist compound in Downtown Minneapolis. There, he also received his clients, and dealt in Asian art acquired on frequent trips to the Far East. He used similar bronze Japanese lotuses...
Bronze
Japan Antique Tall Round Stone Water Basin Planter , 44 Inches
Located in South Burlington, VT
Unique Tall Large Round Stone Bowl Planter On Stone Pedestal From our recent Japanese Acquisition Travels- comes this unusual tall large round garden stone vessel on pedestal with ...
Stone
A Polished Circa 1900 French Brass Jardiniere Table Planter
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… A beautiful and well-detailed table jardiniere from France, dating to circa 1900. The brass planter has been worked in both a hammered and respousse m...
Metal, Brass
$2,119 / set
H 22.64 in W 7.49 in D 8.67 in
Pair of English Cast Stone Griffins for Entrance or Garden
Located in ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE, Malaga
England, 20th Century An impressive pair of English cast stone griffin door guardians, executed with exceptional detail and sculptural presence. Combini...
Cast Stone
$2,575 / set
H 28 in W 12 in D 11 in
Vintage English Statues Garden Figures Gargoyles Seated Cast Stone Pair
Located in Tyler, TX
Vintage English Cast Stone Statues PAIR GARGOYLE Garden Figures Yard Decor Original aged patina seated on a rectangle base The perfect accent piec...
Stone
Large Shōwa Period Japanese Arita Blue and White Porcelain Hibachi/Jardiniere
By Koransha
Located in Morristown, NJ
Overview: Large and substantial Japanese Arita blue and white porcelain hibachi, circa 1950's, possibly by Fukagawa Seiji. Finely painted...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Pagoda Garden Statue, 1940, Tall Cement Design
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Tall cement 3 piece Japanese pagoda sculpture. An antique decorative garden artwork used to evoke a sense of tranquility and add a touch of A...
Cement
Vintage Cement Japanese Yukimi Gaga Ishidoro Pagoda Lantern Garden Sculpture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Japanese cement garden lantern, an iconic form originating in China more than a thousand years ago. All Japanese holy sites use stone lanterns as sacred light sources. Comes in two...
Cement
Sold
H 30.71 in W 28.35 in D 11.82 in
Maison MARNYHAC (attrib.) — Rare Chinese-style Antique Fire Screen
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This rare Chinese-style antique fire screen was created in the second half of the 19th century. Thanks to the quality of the gilded bronze, its finely pierced decoration, and its sty...
Bronze
Sold
H 31.5 in W 35.44 in D 13.39 in
Maison MARNYHAC (att. to) - Antique Chinese style firescreen in bronze
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This firescreen is attributed to the Maison Marnyhac because of the the quality of the bronze and its beautiful perforated decoration, as well as the style of it, and was realized ci...
Bronze
Petite Japanese Carved Granite Garden Lantern
Located in Oakland, CA
A petite Japanese garden lantern in carved granite circa 1950s, having a very Modernist design with very clean simple lines. There is wear to the spire from over the years. Age to th...
Granite
19thc Imari Porcelain Large Japanese Planter
Located in Savannah, GA
This lovely large Imari porcelain planter features a patchwork of colorful filigree designs and symbols with vines, flowers and cranes in bright blues, saffron red and white. "Imar...
Porcelain
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...
Granite
Sold
H 72 in W 24 in D 21 in
Monumental Japanese Pair Verdigris Bronze Crane Bird Garden Sculptures Statues 8
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century pair of giant Japanese master work cranes (tsuru 鶴). Made of cast bronze featuring impressive life like design to the feathers, beaks and eyes, each with a unique expres...
Bronze
Japanese 4 Panels Court with 13 Ladies in the Garden
Located in Astoria, 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...
Paper
Japanese Faux Lacquer Decorated Pedestal
Located in Astoria, NY
Japanese Lacquer Decorated Column Pedestal, hand-painted in Rimpa style displaying Cranes, lotus flowers and leaves on a gilded and painted background. Noticeable chips to top rim of...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Large Japanese Style Fireplace with Its Trumeau
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
The realization of this exceptional carved sycamore mantel is attributed to the Maison des Bambous de Perret et Vibert. It is a remarkable piece and...
Wood, Sycamore