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.
Japanese Gilt Takamaki-E Tabako-Bon, C. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This box with many drawers is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the t...
Brass
Japanese Keyaki Elm Tabako-Bon, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This box with many drawers is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the t...
Brass
Chinese Export Silver Dragon Cigar Box , 1880 - 1920s
Located in Braintree, GB
An impressive Chinese export solid silver dragon box, crafted circa 1880–1920 from substantial heavy-gauge silver, 900 purity and intended for the Western market. The rectangular fo...
Silver
$590
H 14 in W 11 in D 16 in
Antique Indian Mughal Wood Dowry Chest with Carved Patterns, 19th Century
Located in Yonkers, NY
A 19th century Mughal dowry chest with carved patterns from India. This chest wooden chest with a slanted top strengthened by metal hardware reinforcements. The front displays lightly carved geometrical friezes. A large carved geometrical medallion adorns the triangular lid. The chest rests on four conical legs. This chest opens thanks to an door on the centre of its top. This unusual item was used as a dowry chest in India. This 19th century, Indian Mughal wood dowry chest...
Wood
$266Sale Price|20% Off
H 4.41 in W 8.15 in D 4.81 in
Indochinese Box in Wood and Mother of Pearl circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Nice wooden and mother-of-pearl box from the 1900s. The mother-of-pearl inlays form plant motifs (flowers and foliage), incised to give volume to the different parts. It closes with ...
Wood
Japanese Lacquer Hokai Box, 19th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a good example of a traditional Japanese Hokai shell storage box for the Kai-awase game. This box is well-detailed in chased brass appliques and makie. The box is in overall ...
Wood, 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
Chinese antique Wooden cat jewelry box or object holder, 1920s
Located in MIlano, IT
Chinese antique Wooden cat jewelry box or object holder, 1920s Jewelry box with retractable compartment in the shape of a lying cat, entirely made o...
Wood
Silvered Art Deco Jewelry Box, Vienna, Around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Silvered Art deco Jewelry Box, Vienna, around 1920s. Polished and stove enameled.
Brass
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
Japanese Rinpa Style Lacquer Box Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A black lacquer tebako (hand box) with maki-e decoration and silver trim, circa late 19th century, Meiji period. The surface of the lid features a Rinpa style maki-e paint depicting ...
Wood, Lacquer
$10,124
H 4.85 in W 10.4 in D 7.68 in
Colonial Islamic Arabian Market Jewelry Box, 18th Century, India/Malabar Coast
Located in Amsterdam, NL
AN INDIAN ROSEWOOD AND EBONY BRASS MOUNTED BOX FOR THE ISLAMIC MARKET Malabar Coast, 18th century With a large drawer with several compartm...
Brass
Japanese Antique Door, Abstract Art Wabi Sabi, 1860s-1900s
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
Very old Japanese sliding door. The simple design conveys the charm of the material. You can feel the world of wabi and sabi. Recommended as a wall painting. It was made in the Mei...
Wood
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 Lacquered Box Signed, Late 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Pretty Japanese lacquered box decorated with birds and foliage. signed Lacquered inside and outside Late 19th century Without key Nice lock Ideal for storing jewelry.
Wood
Sold
H 4.38 in W 8.25 in D 8.25 in
Japanese Tabako-Bon High Sided Tray with Imperial Mon, Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
An attractive Japanese maki-e lacquer high sided carrying tray for smoking implements, tabako-bon, Meiji Period, mid to late 19th century, Japan. The elegant lacquer tabako-bon tr...
Copper
Japanese Gilt Honda Tabako-bon, c. 1900
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 t...
Sheet Metal
Japanese Gnarled Root Tabako-bon, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusual container is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the tradi...
Bamboo, Burl
Japanese Gilt Tabako-Bon Box, c. 1900
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 traditional accessories of Japanese i...
Brass
Japanese Wooden Tabako-Bon Box with Handle, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic box with many drawers is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. The large drawer on the lefthand side is lined with meta...
Iron, Sheet Metal