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.
$640Sale Price|36% Off
Japanese Antique Natural Wood Large Candle Stick 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese natural wood Shokudai (candlestick). It was made in the late Edo period (1860s-1900s), and the material used is probably coniferous cedar wood. The texture o...
Iron
Pair of Antique Japanese Bronze Candlesticks / Incense Holders
Located in Forney, TX
A pair of Japanese Meiji Period (1852-1912) bronze altar candlesticks / incense holders with attractive warm brownish red bronze color and patina. Japan, 19th century, diminutive /...
Bronze
Japanese Antique Wooden Candle Stick / Folk Art Object / 1868-1912s / WabiSabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese Wooden candlestick. It seems to be around the Meiji period. The expression of the pile of soot is powerful, and the traces of wax dripping remain intact. It...
Iron
Pair Buddhist Chinese Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An extraordinary pair of cast metal candleholders featuring intricate raised relief decoration and removable spear-form pricket inserts designed to secure taper candles. Each rests ...
Bronze
Pair of Black Bronze Japanese Candleholders Incense Burner
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of black cast bronze Japanese candleholders censer. Oriental antique late 19th century Meiji period Japanese heavy black bronze candlesticks...
Bronze
Japanese Meiji Period Brass Candle Holder with Scrolls and Medallions
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period antique brass square top candle holder from the early 20th century, with intricate carved medallion, calligraphic inscription and ornate base. Created in Japan during the Meiji period in the early years of the 20th century, this elegant brass candle holder features a square top with recessed accent, supported by four elegant scrolling motifs in the corners. The sinuous body, alternating convex and concave lines, swells up in the center to receive a medallion, showcasing various motifs on each side. The ornate base flares up with motifs echoed from the top, but displayed in an inverted manner and on a larger scale. The stand presents a calligraphic inscription at the bottom signifying the maker's mark. With its golden hue, elegant lines and ornate décor...
Brass
Pair of Japanese Shokudai Temple Altar Candle Stands
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and ornate pair of Japanese Altar Candlesticks. Tiered pierced brass candle stands with trefoil tops, pierced bulbous centers and pierced ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modernist Japanese Iron Candle Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
A wonderful mid-century modernist Japanese iron candle holder, circa 1950s. The piece is in good vintage condition with a nice patina and measures 4.75"D x 1.5"H. Very cool piece! ...
Iron
$1,400
H 5.71 in W 36.03 in D 10.32 in
Japanese Antique Keyaki Low Display Stand, Sculptural Wabi-Sabi, c.1900–1920
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Dating from the late Meiji to Taisho period, circa 1900–1920, this Japanese antique low stand is crafted entirely from solid keyaki (zelkova), featuring a thick single-board top and ...
Wood
Tiffany Studios Bronze Pair Candlesticks #1213
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of bronze candlesticks by Tiffany Studios circa 1905. Marked Tiffany Studios New York #1213 on the underside of the base. Textured bronze dore finish. Excellent condition.
Bronze
$760Sale Price|49% Off
H 5.25 in W 7.25 in D 3.9 in
18th Century Chinese Qing Bronze Duck Incense Burner Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
18th Century Chinese bronze duck incense burner, Qing period Please note that one foot is missing, broken off, see detailed image.
Bronze
Japanese Silver Incense Burner, Akoda Koro, by Nomura, Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely and luxurious Japanese silver incense burner of lobed melon form, akoda koro, marked jungin and signed Nomura, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The silver koro...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Floral Ceramic Folk Art Candle Holder, Poland
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vintage Polish ceramic candle holder manufactured circa 1970s. Handpainted dark blue and burgundy organic floral decorations on cream colored shiny glaze. Stamped by maker under bas...
Ceramic
$600Sale Price|36% Off
H 18.51 in W 23.78 in D 14.18 in
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
Mid Century Japanese Iron Bird Incense Burner
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique iron bird sculpture with a nice patina. Removable vented piece, for burning incense, 1960s.
Iron
Mid-Century Modernist Japanese Iron Candle Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of wonderful iron candle holders from Japan. Triangular form supported by a tripod base. Great patina. 1950s.
Iron
Pair of Antique Continental Porcelain and Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Tarzana, CA
Pair of antique continental porcelain and bronze candlesticks. circa 1890. Height 9" width: 9". Height measured without the lighting fixture.
$972 / set
H 5.52 in W 5.12 in D 1.97 in
Pair of Ceramic Birds Candlesticks - Candle Holders - Japanese Pottery 1970s
By Jacques Pouchain, Dominique Pouchain
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Pair of Ceramic Birds Candlesticks - Candle Holders - Japanese Pottery 1970s Charming pair of bird-shaped ceramic candlesticks. Japanese 1970s pottery. Each candlestick is hand-cr...
Enamel
Small Silver Chamber Candle Stick
Located in Delft, NL
A small silver chamber candle stick with a separate candle extinguisher, which is hung with a hook. With slide in the stem to raise the candle. ...
Silver
Sold
H 16.74 in W 0.04 in D 0.04 in
Pair of Japanese Large Candle Sticks Bronze with Gold Inlay Statue, 1868-1912
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Japan - MeuiI period (1868 - 1912) Pair of bronze candlesticks with brown patina with copper and gilded bronze inlays depicting two standing women carrying lotus branches forming a c...
Bronze
Sold
H 7.49 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Japanese Antique Wooden Candle Stick / Folk Art Object / 1868-1912s / WabiSabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old candlestick made in Japan. It is thought to be from around the Meiji period. Cedar is used. It is a primitive design using tree roots and is characterized by twisting....
Iron
Sold
H 17.33 in W 6.7 in D 4.73 in
Japanese Antique Wooden Candle Stick / Folk Art Object / 1868-1912s / WabiSabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese Wooden candlestick. It seems to be around the Meiji period. The expression of the pile of soot is powerful, and the traces of wax dripping remain intact. It...
Iron
Sold
H 30.32 in W 14.57 in D 14.57 in
Japanese Antique Jewel-Shaped Candle Stick/ Folk Art Object/ 1868-1912s/WabiSabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese jewel-shaped candlestick. It is a candlestick used when enshrining. It seems to be around the Meiji period. The shape of this jewel is called "Hoju" in Japan...
Iron
Japanese Antique Wabi Sabi Candle Stick 1860s-1900s / Object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old candlestick made in Japan. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The base is made of cedar wood and the candle holder is made of iron. It was found in an old...
Iron
Sold
H 9 in W 6.5 in D 4 in
Antique Kutani Porcelain Japanese Shi Shi Lion Foo Dog Figure Candle Joss Stick
Located in Wilton, CT
Nice quality antique Kutani studio porcelain Shi Shi lion candle holder, circa 19th/early 20th century. 9" high, 6 1/2" wide, 4" deep. Drilled for...
Porcelain
Pair of Japanese Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful pair of Japanese Bronze Candlesticks. The pair make a lovely pair for a small dining table or on a side table, mantle or shelf. In the Style of Meiji Period with a pati...
Bronze
Japanese Bronze Candlesticks, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Two tall candlesticks, hand-crafted in bronze, circa 1880. Japan, Meiji Period. The base measures 10.25 inches, the height is 29 inches. The top circle plate measures 5 inches, with an inner ring for a 2-inch candle. Both have a patina developed by time and nature. One of the candlesticks' base is slightly bent, most probably by age and use, but it does not affect its stability. Both pieces include small bronze tongs...
Bronze
Japanese Meiji bronze Perfume Incense Burner
Located in Milano, IT
Detailed information: Exceptional finely chiselled Japanese patinated bronze censer from the Meiji period, with high relief design. The shaft, with a rotating decoration of snakes an...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Japanese Bronze Crane and Turtle Candle Holders
Located in Dallas, TX
Enhance your space with these captivating Antique Japanese bronze bird and tortoise shokudais. Crafted in Japan in the Meiji period circa 1890, these candlestick holders were traditi...
Bronze
Sold
H 12.5 in W 6.5 in D 4.5 in
Pair Japanese Bronze Frog Warrior Candlesticks, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic and fabulous pair of Japanese cast bronze candlesticks in the form of armored frog warriors, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The delightful mirrored pair of bronze ca...
Bronze
Pair of Antique Japanese Bronze Candlesticks with Coiled Dragons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique Japanese bronze candlesticks. Each decorated with an applied, coiled dragon to its elongated thin neck below an e...
Bronze