Edo furniture was created during a flourishing time for the decorative arts owing to the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate rule in Japan. Spanning from 1603 to 1867, this era of peace and economic growth supported artistic advancements in lacquer, woodblock printing, porcelain and other artisanal trades. Because the country was largely isolated, there was little outside influence, leading to centuries of exceptional attention to the design of its furnishings and the quality of its traditional arts.
Unlike during the Meiji period that followed, with an increase in domestic and international markets, furniture during the Edo period was predominately commissioned by the ruling class, although people from across social groups benefited from the burgeoning metropolitan hubs for artisanal trades. For instance, Kyoto became a major center for lacquer art. Most furniture pieces were made from wood such as cedar or ash, including the era’s sashimono cabinets, which involved fine joinery and were rooted in the Heian period.
Sashimono cabinets, which were built by master craftsmen in a range of different wood types owing to the various trees that populate Japan, occasionally featured a stack of slender drawers as well as sliding doors. They were popular with everyone from samurai to kabuki actors. Tansu storage chests crafted from wood with metal fittings were also common in Edo-period homes. Some were designed to be easily portable while others were made to double as staircases.
Painted folding screens, called byōbu, were also fashionable, with Japanese artists inspired by nature, literature and scenes of history and daily life to create vivid works. In Buddhist temples and the palatial homes of the aristocratic class, fusuma, or large sliding panels, would sometimes be adorned with gold or silver leaf. These dividers allowed interiors to change throughout the day, closing in small spaces for personal use or reflecting candlelight to illuminate communal spaces after dark.
Find a collection of Edo tables, lighting, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Japanese 18th Century Tsukinami-e 6 Panel Floor Screen, Edo Period
Located in Norton, MA
A Japanese 18th Century Tsukinami-e 6 Panel Floor Screen depicts the Activities of the Twelve Months of the Year, mineral pigments on gold leaf, mounted on wood panels with 6 frames...
Gold Leaf
$600Sale Price|36% Off
1870s-1900s wabi sabi Japanese antique mid tansu chest of drawers
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Japanese antique mid size Tansu (chest of drawers), product of circa 1870s - 1900s, late Edo to Meiji era, estimate from the style & conditions. Remaining original paint gives a ...
Iron
Japanese Lacquer Maki-E Scroll Box Fubako by Kansonsai Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese lacquered wood fubako (a box to store document or small scroll painting) circa late 18th century of Edo period. The rectangular box features a deep lid with rounded corners and recessed mid-edge and a lower box with two bronze medallion rings and tasseled silk ties. The surface of the fubako was elaborately decorated with hiramaki-e and a low takamaki-e on a mottled Mura-nashiji background. The motifs on the lid depict branches of Japanese pine with finely rendered needles on the lower part; on the upper part, it showcases fruited persimmon branches. Two different shades of gold fundame were used to contrast the design and augmented by scattered gold kirigane to highlight some of the leaves. The design continues and cascades down to all sides of the lid as well as the walls of the box. The two bronze medallions appear original to the box and the silk ties show significant fading from the age. This Fine fubako is signed on the lower wall "Kanshosai" in Kanji with a kao mark. All the trims were finished in gold fundame and the interiors a dense nashiji in gold. Kanshosai is the mark of the distinguished lacquer artist Lizuka Toyo I who also signed his work "Toyosai". He was active in the second half of the 18th century during Edo period, employed by Hachisuka Shigeyoshi (1738-1801), daimyo of Awa on Shikoku Island. Although most survived work bearing his marks are inros, he was also known to decorated trays and other larger objects...
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Lacquer Chest, Edo Period
Located in Greding, DE
Small rectangular Japanese chest with gold lacquer decoration in the form of leaf tendrils. The chest is decorated with cut-out and ornamentally engraved fittings on the corners and ...
Brass
Japanese Antique Buddhist Shrine Box "Zushi", Edo Period '1603-1868'
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique Buddhist shrine box was crafted in the Edo Period (1603-1868). Known in Japan as a “Zushi,” it served as a small sanctuary to enshrine Buddhist figures, scriptures, or ...
Cedar
$560Sale Price|20% Off
19th Japanese antique Urushi small Tansu box chest of drawers wabi sabi mingei
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
from Tohoku area, Japan. Japanese antique small box tansu chest of drawers, Kohikidashi, made of Sugi Cedar. Product of circa 1850s-1870s (late Edo to early Meiji era), estimate from...
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Black Lacquer Jubako Box with Stork Motif
Located in Stamford, CT
A four-tier Japanese Meiji period black lacquer Jubako box with stork and fir tree decoration. Box in four sections with lid.
Lacquer
A Japanese Edo Period Lacquer Kogo (Incense) Box, late 17/early 18th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
Early Japanese Lacquer Incense Box (Kogo) Late 17thc. Of rectangular form with soft corners, decorated with a diaper pattern in gold lacquer on a brownish black ground, with pewter r...
Pewter
Japanese Lacquered and Gold Leaf Storage Trunk (Nagamochi)
Located in CA, CA
A fine lacquered and gold leaf Nagamochi dating from the late 18th century or early 19th century. The exterior of the trunk and its gilded metal fittings are decorated with a folia...
Gold Leaf
Antique Japanese Lacquer and Inlay Kang Table from Ryukyu Island
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small low table with lacquer and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay design from Ryukyu Islands kingdom circa 17-18th century. Ryukyuan kingdom was used to be an independent island cou...
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
Japanese Edo Period Igarashi School Long Lacquer Box, Tanzaku-Bako
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning Japanese Edo period lacquer tanzakubako, box for poem cards, late 18th-early 19th century, Edo Period, Japan. Attributed to the Igarashi School, this box is masterfully ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
Edo-Period Lacquerware Chest
Located in New Orleans, LA
Edo-Period Lacquerware Chest 19th-century This exquisite chest, inspired by Hasami-Bako travel trunks, is a striking example of Japanese lacquerware. The hiramaki-e technique—applie...
Gold
Japanese Momoyama Period Black Lacquer and Mother of Pearl Box, 16th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and unusual Japanese black lacquer and mother of pearl inlaid box, Momoyama Period, 16th century, Japan. The large box and cover featu...
Lacquer, Abalone
Antique Japanese Ink Stone Maki-e Lacquer Box Suzuribako Edo Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese ink stone box (known as Suzuribako) with exquisite maki-e decoration from Edo period (circa mid-18th century). The box features a rectang...
Wood, Lacquer
1920s Large Japanese Maki-E Lacquer Box With Creeping Wood Sorrel Mon Crest
Located in Sheridan, CO
Large Japanese Maki-E Lacquer Box With Creepy Woodsorrel Mon or Kamon. Circa 1920s, black exterior ground various mixed color mon of the Tokugawa Shogunate, silvered metal rim on the...
Gold Leaf
$9,850
Gold Lacquer Incense Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
A Gold Lacquer Kōbako (Incense Box) Edo Period (1615–1868), Circa 1850 This exquisite gold lacquer kōbako (incense box) exemplifies the refined craftsmans...
Gold, Silver, Gold Leaf
Antique Japanese Lacquer and Inlay Table from Ryukyu Islands
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small square-form table with lacquer and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay design from Ryukyu Islands kingdom circa 17-18th century. Ryukyuan kingdom was used to be an independent is...
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
Japanese Gilt Tabako-Bon with Mountain Landscape, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered box is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the tradition...
Copper
Japanese Nagasaki Export Lacquer Box with Depiction of the 'Trippenhuis'
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A Japanese Nagasaki export lacquer box with mother-of-pearl depiction of the Amsterdam ‘Trippenhuis’ Edo-period, circa 1830 H. 12.5 x W. 24...
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
$2,900
H 1.5 in W 2.88 in D 1 in
Small Japanese Lacquer Duck Incense Box, Kogo, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
An exquisite Japanese Meiji Period small lacquer incense box, kogo, in the form of a duck or goose, late 19th century, Japan. The delicate lacquer box, known as a kogo in Japanese, ...
Lacquer
$2,800
H 10.25 in W 10.5 in D 7.5 in
Japanese Carved and Lacquered Wood Shogun, Edo Period, 19th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
An unusual Japanese carved wood, lacquer, and gilt decorated portrait sculpture of a shogun, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan. The unidentified shogun (possibly Tokugawa Iey...
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Black Lacquer Jubako Box with Stork Motif
Located in Stamford, CT
A four-tier Japanese Meiji period black lacquer Jubako box with stork and fir tree decoration. Box in four sections with lid.
Lacquer
Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Stacking Box, Jubako, Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and impressive Japanese gold maki-e decorated black lacquer five-tier jubako with presentation tray, two lids, and the original tomobako storage box, Meiji period, late 19th c...
Lacquer
$1,700
H 4.5 in W 3.25 in D 1.88 in
Japanese Meiji Period Antique Lacquer Box with Gold Maki-e Decoration
Located in New York, NY
A fine antique Japanese Meji Period lacquer box decorated with a fan and a stylized star shaped window in the maki-e technique. The fan at the top right corner, fully opened depictin...
Lacquer
$9,800
H 4 in W 11 in D 15 in
Japanese Momoyama Period Black Lacquer and Mother of Pearl Box, 16th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and unusual Japanese black lacquer and mother of pearl inlaid box, Momoyama Period, 16th century, Japan. The large box and cover featu...
Lacquer, Abalone
Miniature 19th Century Victorian Figured Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c. Charming antique miniature chest of drawers. The chest has a marble top. The case is figured mahogany, with four stacked drawers, the ...
Marble, Brass
$3,500
H 2.5 in W 3.5 in D 3 in
A Japanese Edo Period Lacquer Kogo (Incense) Box, late 17/early 18th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
Early Japanese Lacquer Incense Box (Kogo) Late 17thc. Of rectangular form with soft corners, decorated with a diaper pattern in gold lacquer on a brownish black ground, with pewter r...
Pewter
Black and Gold Lacquer Japanese Suzuribako Box
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Japanese black and gold lacquer Suzuribako box with firefly and plum blossom design.
Lacquer
$720Sale Price|52% Off
H 24.02 in W 36.23 in D 21.26 in
Japanese Antique Black Lacquered Box 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This box is made in Japan and coated with black lacquer. The furniture was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is made of cedar wood. The metal fittings are made of copper...
Copper
Antique Japanese Inro by Shigehide Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite four-case lacquered inro was dated to the latter part of 18th century to early 19th century (Edo period) and made by Shigehide. The opposite sides of the inro together features a lavish flower arrangement in a bamboo basket (ikebana). The detailed craftmanship was a true pleasure to behold. Mostly Takamaki-e (high relief) were used to texturize the delicate petals of the chrysanthemums, on which different shades of gold were used to create contrast. Raden (mother of pearl) shells were also used to highlight some leaves, rendering the piece an interesting balance of color and material. The interior was completed in a mottled gold finish. It was signed Shigehide on the bottom with a Kao. There is a small carved rabbit ojime bead...
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Zushi Traveling Shrine of Bishamonten, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous Japanese red lacquer traveling shrine (zushi) protects a miniature statue of Bishamonten, the Buddhist God of Warfare here depicted as an armor-clad warrior. A fearsome protector, he is thought to defend sacred places, punish evil-doers, expel demons and bestow wealth. In this example, Bishamonten stands atop a crouching demon, dressed in finely painted armor...
Wood
Sold
H 21.46 in W 22.83 in D 12.99 in
1850s-60s Edo Japanese antique wabi sabi Urushi Tansu box chest of drawers
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
product of late Edo period, estimate 1850s- 1860s - about 160+ years-old medium sized tansu (chest of drawers) with 5 drawers. Finished with traditional Urushi lacquer remains well, and some old paper labels still remained, both giving a good wabi sabi touch to the item. Fine opening & closing operation for all drawers. drawer inner 1,2 & 3 (from the top) : w 20.87 in / d 10.63 in / h 2.95 in, 3.35 in, 4.33 in 4 & 5 : w 9.84 in / d 10.63 in / h 5.2 in actual item weight 27.31 lb (12.38 kg) Dear customer - feel free to inquire me for the shipping fee quote. The shipping fee showed in the page is automatically calculated by the system, I'm able to offer reasonable quote via Fedex. *** We're eco-friendly, organic-oriented vintage wood furniture...
Wood, Cedar
Exquisite Japanese Lacquer Maki-e Hand Box Kobako Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
An early Japanese lacquer Maki-e decorated kobako (small storage box) circa 18th century (Edo period). Based on its form and size, this kobako was possibly used as a Chabako to store the accoutrements for chado (tea ceremony). The lidded box is of rectangular form with bevel design on all edge that softens the appearance. The entire surface was densely covered with a background of nashiji. Elaborate Maki-e techniques were used on each side to showcase a distinct landscape or floral design within a cartouche panel. On the surface of the lid, a mountainous landscape rises from the edge of the water. The poetic composition is akin to a traditional ink scroll...
Lacquer
Antique Japanese Lacquered Incense Box Kobako in Kodaiji Style
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique lacquered small box that was likely used to contain incense powder (it is called Kobako in Japanese), circa early to mid-19th century of the Edo...
Wood, Lacquer
Late Edo Period Wabi Sabi Japanese Box with Small Drawer
Located in London, GB
A beautifully worn late Edo period chestnut & cedar storage box with small drawer. Perfect as a stand or storage or both!
Chestnut, Cedar
Antique Japanese Lacquered Incense Box Kobako
Located in Atlanta, GA
An old lacquered small box that was likely used to contain incense powder (it is called Kobako), circa Momoyama to early Edo period (17th century). The square form box with a fitted ...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 2.75 in W 3.75 in D 3.75 in
Japanese Lacquer Incense Box, Kogo, Momoyama or Edo Period, 16th/17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderful Japanese lacquer incense box, kogo, with a design of plovers in flight, late Momoyama or early Edo Period, circa 1600, Japan. The small box, called a kogo, was used to s...
Gold, Pewter
Japanese Iron Bound Sea Chest, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This fantastic iron-bound lock box is a 19th-century Japanese sea chest known as kakesuzuri. Used on merchant vessels traveling the Japanese trade route known as Kitamae, sea chests ...
Iron
Sold
H 11.97 in W 12.52 in D 12.52 in
Japanese Black Antique Wooden Box / Wabi-Sabi Storage Box / 1785 / Edo Period
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a storage box made in 1785 during the Edo period in Japan. The year of production is printed in ink on the back of the lid. Probably the box that contained lacquer ware. ...
Cedar
19th Century Japanese Hokkai, Lacquered Decorative Box in Gold and Black
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edo period Hokkai, lacquered and painted box. Beautifully painted gold flowers painted o lacquer. Rope can be removed. Brass over copper intricately hammered d...
Brass, Copper
Sold
H 4.73 in W 10.24 in D 16.15 in
Japanese Antique Paper-Covered Box 1800s-1860s/Edo Period Wabisabi Art mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a box covered with old Japanese paper. It is an item from the Edo period. (1800s-1860s) A box made of bamboo is covered with paper. The beautiful picture of the bird is sy...
Bamboo, Paper
Sold
H 5.32 in W 5.32 in D 38.39 in
Japanese Antique Sword Case 1760s-1860s/Exhibition Stand Box Wabisabi Art
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It was a wooden box for storing Japanese swords. It is an item from the Edo period. (1760-1860s) It is covered with paper. It seems to protect it from moisture. Paper tears o...
Cedar
Sold
H 10.75 in W 12.5 in L 10.75 in
Small Japanese Lacquer and Metal Mounted Hokkai, Edo Period, 19th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A charming Japanese black and green lacquer hokkai, picnic box, with copper and gilt copper mounts, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan. The small hokkai of square shape and su...
Copper