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.
Wabi-Sabi Japanese Antique Large Iron Sliding Door 1860s–1920s / Tabletop
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique Japanese iron sliding door. With the raw strength of iron brought fully to the forefront, it possesses an exceptionally solid and imposing presence. It is believe...
Iron
Japanese Antique Large Iron-Clad Door 1860s-1920s / Sliding Door Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a large antique iron-clad sliding door from Japan. Although it has a strong presence, its design is extremely quiet and stripped of decoration, allowing the beauty of the mat...
Brass, Iron
Japanese Antique large iron plated Kurado, wabi sabi Storehouse door 1870s-1900s
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
A Japanese antique Kurado, a large, thick iron-plated wooden door for the entrance of Kura (a traditional storehouse), made of solid Keyaki Zelkova. It was manufactured in the 1870s–1900s (Meiji period) based on its style and condition. The front panel is fully covered with iron sheets that have been nailed down, and a warm patina has developed on the black rust. The surface is partly rough with red rust. This piece's distinctive feature is its large door lock plate, which is not commonly found on traditional Kurado pieces. This lock plate shares similarities with the decorative lock plates attached to Tansu furniture...
Iron
Japanese Rare 19th Century Antique Bronze Bell - Unique Family Heirloom
Located in South Burlington, VT
Rare Bronze Antique Fire Bell With Unique Family History And Provenance One of a kind fine bronze "Hansho" fire bell . This rare bell was used by t...
Bronze
Antique Japanese tin clad tall & thick huge sliding doors, wabi sabi primitive
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
A pair of tall, thick and huge antique wooden sliding doors covered with tin-coated iron sheet panels. These types of doors were used at the gate / entrance of western-influenced la...
Metal, Tin, Iron
19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Jardinière by Genryusai Seiya
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Japanese Meiji Period bronze Jardinière by Genryusai Seiya. Outstanding large 19th century Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) high relief bronze jardinière by Genryusai ...
Bronze
Japanese Antique Wood Carving Wall Panel, Abstract Art , Wabi Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This wall-hanging carved wooden ornament is made from recycled zelkova wood from a kotatsu table from the Meiji period. The beautiful grain of the wood has been carefully carved by ...
Wood
Japan Antique Stone Tea Garden Lantern, Stunning Design
Located in South Burlington, VT
A tall 80 Inch antique classic tea motif lantern with all original pieces. Please view our video. The Zendō-ji Gata lantern Ishidōrō (禅導寺型石灯籠) is a unique design and very special ...
Granite
Japanese antique stone basin "Tsukubai" / Garden ornament / 1868-1920
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old tsukubai (stone basin) believed to have been made in Japan. In Japanese culture, there is a long-standing tradition of designing gardens that reflect the changing bea...
Stone
Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Jardiniere with Carp Relief, 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Oriental Japanese (19th Century) bronze large jardiniere with a green patina and carp in relief and raise on 4 cloud form feet (Koyoto School; Meiji Period)
Bronze
Meiji Style Japanese Bronze Crane Garden Statue, 1900s
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Bronze Garden Statue Of A Crane, Japanese Realistically modelled with natural verdigris. Provenance: John Dunn Antiques. Dimensions: Height:...
Bronze
Japanese Early Antique Stone Four Buddhas Pagoda 10 feet, Best In Class
Located in South Burlington, VT
Just discovered from an old Kyoto area garden. Call or message us for details or to reserve. Please view our video. For the finest garden- an exceptional and spiritual representation of the Buddha expressed in this unique and substantial 10 feet five roof pagoda with four buddha images carved on base. Japan, a monumental antique stone pagoda...
Granite
Japanese Meiji Period Champleve Enameled Bronze Jardiniere, Circa 1870s
Located in Germantown, MD
A large mid 19th century Japanese Meiji Zoomorphic Champleve Enameled Bronze Jardiniere, Circa 1870s. Measures 12" in width, 12" in depth and stands 8.5" tall.
Bronze
Japanese Antique Bamboo Sliding Door, Object Mingei Art Panel, Wabisabi Door（1）
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese bamboo door. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made mainly of cedar and bamboo. It has a simple design that conveys the charm of the mater...
Wood, Bamboo
Japanese Meiji Zoomorphic Champleve Enameled Bronze Jardiniere, Circa 1870s
Located in Germantown, MD
A large mid 19th century Japanese Meiji Zoomorphic Champleve Enameled Bronze Jardiniere, Circa 1870s. Measures 14" in width, 14" in depth and stands 11" tall.
Bronze
Japanese Antique Bamboo Sliding Door, Object Mingei Art Panel, Wabisabi Door（2）
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese bamboo door. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made mainly of cedar and bamboo. It has a simple design that conveys the charm of the mater...
Bamboo, Wood
Antique Meiji Period Japanese Wood Planter
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Meiji Period Japanese Planter in carved wood, featuring mother of pearl butterfly and floral insets, and finished copper inserts. Incredible craftsmanship and detail. Wood species un...
Wood
Meiji Period Japanese Wood Root Round Hibachi with Brown Patina, circa 1900
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period wood root hibachi from the early 20th century, with brown patina. Born in Japan during the early years of the 20th c...
Wood
Japanese Antique Bamboo Sliding Door, Object Mingei Art Panel, Wabisabi Door（3）
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese bamboo door. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made mainly of cedar and bamboo. It has a simple design that conveys the charm of the mater...
Bamboo, Wood
Japanese Antique Bamboo Sliding Door, Object Mingei Art Panel, Wabisabi Door（4）
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese bamboo door. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made mainly of cedar and bamboo. It has a simple design that conveys the charm of the mater...
Bamboo, Wood
Antique Meiji Period Japanese Wood Planter
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Meiji Period Japanese Planter in carved wood, featuring mother of pearl butterfly and floral insets, and finished copper inserts. Incredible craftsmanship and detail. Wood species un...
Wood
Japanese Lacquer Hibachi (Brazier)
Located in Hudson, NY
Japanese Lacquer Hibachi (Brazier), Meiji period (1868 - 1912) Box- shaped Japanese hibachi with mother of pearl inlay, handles on two sides, and a cop...
Copper
$2,650Sale Price|24% Off
Japanese Fine Antique Lotus Leaf Bronze Lantern Extraordinary 19thc. Shogun Art
Located in South Burlington, VT
Hard to Find Lotus Lantern- First we have seen- perfect garden or deck lantern Please enjoy our video. An innovative heavily hand cast, and extraordinary designed Lantern that cou...
Bronze, Copper
Pair of 19th Century Japanese Rustic Hammered Iron Fireplace Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of 19th Century Japanese Rustic Hammered Iron Fireplace Andirons. Recently polished. Measures 10" in width, 17" in depth and 16.5" in height.
Iron
Pair of Japanese Meiji Bronze Jardinieres with Birds & Shishi Feet, Signed Takao
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A finely crafted and beautifully matched pair of antique Japanese patinated bronze jardinieres or cachepots, dating to the Meiji period (1868–1912), each bearing a Japanese signature...
Bronze
Rustic Japanese Meiji Period Freeform Hibachi with Unusual Design, circa 1880
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period freeform hibachi from the late 19th century, with unusual design. Created in Japan during the Meiji period, this freeform hibachi will make for a great decora...
Wood
19th Century Majolica Jardinière with Hen & Rooster
Located in Austin, TX
A 19th century Majolica jardinière , in Country style painted with rooster ,hens and chick on straw , the back side is decorated with straw and bucket signed Aistis. Impressionist style. Attributed to Montigny sur Loing.
Faience, Ceramic
$4,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 115 in W 56 in D 2.25 in
Early 20th Century Large Pair of Antique Egyptian Doors with Iron Panels
Located in Stamford, CT
This pair of Egyptian doors were produced at a time when French architecture and style had a great influence on the Egyptian culture, especially in Cairo. They are a very impressive ...
Iron
$1,970
H 72.05 in W 43.9 in D 1.58 in
1910s-30s Japanese antique Itado, wabi sabi wide wooden sliding door
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Japanese antique Itado, thick wooden sliding door made of Sugi Cedar, for both interior & exterior use. Manufactured in circa 1910s -1930s (Taisho to early Showa period), estimate from the style & conditions. Warm dark paint remains on the surface comes from traditional finish with persimmon tannin & burnt pine ink. Random color tones and deep grains by age, only comes from a quality redwood of Sugi Cedar. Antique iron ring...
Wood, Cedar
$900Sale Price|42% Off
H 7.75 in W 5 in D 2.75 in
19th Century Antique Bronze Chinese Sculpture of Three Figures
Located in Miami, FL
Finely detailed antique bronze of three Chinese figures with a wonderful patina. A beautiful and bold conversation piece for any home. Measures: 7 3/4" H x 5" W x 2 3/4" D Delightfu...
Bronze
$1,831 / set
H 48.04 in W 7.09 in D 4.73 in
Very Large Pair of Tall Antique Victorian Brass Door Handles / Door Pulls
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of original Victorian very large door pulls or handles with curved tops and bottom If your in the market for a pair of really large, signature Victorian door handles...
Brass
19th Century Majolica Birds Jardinière Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica jardinière planter with 4 birds Delphin Massier, circa 1890. Height / 5 inches , 8 by 5 inches. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. ...
Ceramic
$2,510
H 20.87 in W 18.31 in D 14.18 in
Very Rare 19th Century Hand Carved Qing Dynasty Chinese Hongmu Jardinière Stand
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and very rare 19th century hand carved Chinese Qing Dynasty Hongmu stand A very good looking well mad...
Wood
$1,000
H 68.7 in W 35.83 in D 1.38 in
1860s-90s Wabi-Sabi Japanese thick black sliding lattice door, exterior door
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from the old-established family house in Ibaraki pref, Kanto area, Japan. Had been kept with care at the 2nd floor to avoid the humidity , even it was used as the exterior ...
Wood
$800
H 29.14 in W 25.99 in D 2.17 in
Japanese Antique Wooden Board , Wall Decoration Abstract Art , Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This wooden board was made in the Taisho era. It was used as a "mochi board." A "mochi board" is a board from the Meiji era that was used as a workbench for kneading flour, and is m...
Wood
19th Century French Majolica Chesnut Jardinière
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Majolica Chesnut attributed to Jardinière.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
$1,650
H 67.13 in W 33.27 in D 1.78 in
1870s-1920s Japanese antique Yoshino cedar garden exterior door rustic wabi sabi
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from the lumber dearer's house, near Yoshino, Nara pref., Japan. This door - not sliding door, was made for exterior door or the garden furniture circa 1870s-1920s, Meiji to Taisho period. Made of well-aged Yoshino Cedar...
Wood, Cedar
$950
H 25.2 in W 23.23 in D 1.58 in
Japanese Antique Wood Carving Wall Panel, Abstract Art , Wabi Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This wall-hanging carved wooden ornament is made from recycled zelkova wood from a kotatsu table from the Meiji period. The beautiful grain of the wood has been carefully carved by ...
Wood
Japan Magnificent Huge Antique Bronze Crane, 58 Inches
Located in South Burlington, VT
First crane of this massive size we've seen, almost 5 feet tall Fresh find from our latest Japanese Acquisitions Realistically modeled with natural verdigris. Only one. See our v...
Bronze
Japanese Rare Antique Double Tiger Hand Painted Ceramic Garden Planter Bowl
Located in South Burlington, VT
A rare design "Double Tiger" glistening antique glazed ceramic form planter or big bowl, formerly a hibachi from old Japan dating to circa 1900, Meiji period. A rare find especiall...
Ceramic
Sold
H 72.45 in W 35.83 in D 1.58 in
Japanese Wabi-Sabi Iron Sliding Door Wall Art or Tabletop 1860s-1920s
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique Japanese iron sliding door, believed to date from the Meiji to Taishō Period (circa 1868–1926). Originally created not as decoration but as a functional architectu...
Iron
Japanese Stone Yukimi-Doro Garden Lantern
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
Antique Japanese Arita Porcelain Blue & White Planter Jardiniere Nippon Era
By Arita
Located in Wilton, CT
Antique Japanese Arita porcelain planter. Circa late 19th/early 20th century. Hand turned and hand painted. Beautiful rendering of a pair of bir...
Porcelain
Sold
H 70.08 in W 53.75 in D 1.58 in
Japanese Antique Large Black Door / Wall Decoration / 1868-1912s Wabi-sabi
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese door. It is thought to date from the Meiji period. The surface has been used for a long time and has turned a natural black due to soot. The scratches caused...
Iron
Sold
H 75.01 in W 50.99 in D 2.56 in
Japanese Antique Massive Iron-Clad Door 1860s-1900s / Low Table Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a large old Japanese sliding door covered with iron plates. It was originally used as the entrance to a kura (storehouse) during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). The wooden fr...
Iron
Japanese Rare Pair Antique Stone Ornament Collectibles, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
Here's a rare, seldom found pair of old hand carved stone granite Japanese Buddhist temple post or bridge post top giboshi that date in the 19th century, meiji period. They still ret...
Stone, Granite
Sold
H 70.48 in W 42.52 in D 2.17 in
Japanese Antique Sliding Door with Galvanized Steel 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese sliding door with galvanized metal cladding, crafted during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). A rare surviving example, this piece showcases the ingenuity and a...
Steel
Sold
H 30 in W 30 in D 30 in
Japan Big Antique Stone Classic Yukimi Lantern With Extraordinary Lichen Detail
Located in South Burlington, VT
A rare early Yukimi stone lantern from the Meiji period, 19th century. It is in a classic style, portable and convenient size 30" Tall And 30 " Diameter. Beautiful patina with origin...
Stone
Sold
H 75.2 in W 42.92 in D 1.38 in
Japanese Antique Galvanized Steel-Clad Sliding Door 1860s-1920s / Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese sliding door covered with corrugated tin. It was crafted sometime between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s–1920s), and such architectural fixtures have bec...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 68.71 in W 56.11 in D 2.25 in
Japanese Antique Bamboo Door / Wall Decoration / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
This is a wall decoration using an old Japanese door. It is thought to date from the Edo to Meiji period. Originally it was a very heavy door with earth and plaster on the surface,...
Iron