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.
1960's Japanese Tea Caddy Tin Canister
Located in New York, NY
1960's tin tea caddy covered in traditional Japanese woven gold fabric with floral motif. There are two lids, inner and outer to keep tea leaves fresh.
Tin
Japanese Cloisonné Covered Jar by Ando Jubei
By Ando Jubei
Located in Atlanta, GA
Japanese cloisonné enamels are known as shippo-yaki and the mid-19th century saw the production of very high quality wares in the early centers Nagoya. One of the most renowned works...
Metal, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$520Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 5.5 in W 3 in D 3 in
Fine Pair of Antique Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase Attributed to Ando Jubei
By Ando Jubei
Located in San Diego, CA
Fine pair of antique Japanese cloisonné enamel vases dating from the early 1900s. The both are marked by the artist on the bottom. These are attributed to master artist Ando Jubei. B...
Enamel
English Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
A lovely bow front tortoiseshell tea caddy inlaid with mother of pearl flowers and topped with a silver badge. English, circa 1870.
Silver
Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase by Ando Jubei Ando Cloisonne Company
By Ando Jubei
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING This Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase by Ando Jubei dates to the Meiji period (1868 to 1912), circa 1900. Of petite squared and tapered form, the vase rises wi...
Silver, Enamel
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
H 10 in W 5 in D 5 in
Signed Ando Jubei Green Wireless Cloisonné Vase Large 10"
By Ando Jubei
Located in Somis, CA
A large masterpiece of Ando Jubei wireless cloisonné vase at an exceptional 10" height. In his signature green enamel, portraying an intricate arabesque design of a blooming clematis...
Metal, Enamel
Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
With Tuscan Columns & Fan Inlay. From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to offer this Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of octagonal shape with a Harewood veneer...
Boxwood, Harewood
Beautiful Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in GB
A fine Regency period rectangular tea caddy, veneered in panels divided by fine metal stringing. Silver metal escutcheon and key. Complete with an initialled plaque on the lid and ro...
Ivory, Tortoise Shell
Japanese Totai Covered Cloisonne Enamel Porcelain Jar
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large Japanese covered Totai enamel on porcelain ginger jar. The ware is enameled with polychrome medallions representing blossoming flowers, birds, and butterfly wings surrounded ...
Enamel
$600Sale Price|45% Off
H 8.5 in W 4 in D 4 in
Japanese Cloisonné Ando Jubei Signed Vase 8.5" Wireless Clematis
By Ando Jubei
Located in Somis, CA
An exquisite Ando Jubei wireless cloisonné vase. In his signature green enamel, portraying an intricate arabesque design of a blooming clematis vine under the glaze. On Musen-jippo b...
Metal, Enamel
$896Sale Price|36% Off
H 6.5 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in
Signed Ando Jubei Japanese Cloisonné Vase Imperial Yellow with Roses
By Ando Jubei
Located in Somis, CA
A very rare Ando Jubei (1876-1956) Rose vase on imperial yellow background in excellent condition. In classic form using colored enamels of burgundy, cream, pink and green to depict ...
Metal, Enamel
Antique Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING This Antique Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy dates to the Georgian period during the reign of George III, circa 1800. The tea caddy is formed in an elegant octagona...
Shell, Wood, Boxwood
$650Sale Price|45% Off
H 7.5 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in
Ando Jubei Green Cloisonné Vase, Meiji Era, Japan, 20th Century
By Ando Jubei
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful pristine condition Ando Jubei wireless cloisonné vase in baluster form. In his signature green enamel, portraying an intricate arabesque design of a blooming clematis vin...
Metal, Enamel
pair of Chinese cloisonné cover jars
Located in New York, NY
peach motif on blue ground
Metal, Enamel
Tiffany Japonesque Applied and Hand-Hammered Dragonfly Tea Caddy
Located in New York, NY
Japonesque sterling silver tea caddy. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1877. Ginger jar-form with interior cap and snug-fitting cover. Applied dragonfly and beetle. A modish bug...
Sterling Silver
1887 English Cast Brass Japonisme Tea Caddy by Adolph Frankau & Co.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Registered 1887 cast brass tea caddy, English. A rare & spectacular quality piece, Japonisme Movement with original rectangular star cut glass caddies for black & green tea. Made by ...
Brass
Japanese Blue and White Porcelain Tea Caddy
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique Japanese porcelain tea caddy with cover. Hand decorated in a delicate fashion with an underglaze blue color. The jar appears to be hand thr...
Porcelain