Meiji Desk Sets

3 Results

MEIJI STYLE

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.

Style: Meiji

Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Sake Set

$1,800 / set

Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Sake Set

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese copper sake set with cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. A total of 8 cups, 8 saucers, and a sake pot. Floral design against the cobalt blue b...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Desk Sets

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Japanese letter-opening knife

$341Sale Price|50% Off

Japanese letter-opening knife

Located in Porto, PT

Japanese letter-opening knife. Japan; Meiji period (1868-1912) carved wood with a male figure. With original case. Width: (letter-opening) 40 cm; Length: (case) 44 cm.

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Wisteria Inaba 4 Piece Desk Set

$8,000 / set

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Wisteria Inaba 4 Piece Desk Set

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese brass four-piece desk set with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Meiji era, late 19th century. Inaba workshop. The set incl...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Desk Sets

Materials

Enamel

Just Andersen - Letter-knife in Mint Condition - Original box - Art Deco, 1930's

$569

H 0.6 in W 8.27 in D 0.6 in

Just Andersen - Letter-knife in Mint Condition - Original box - Art Deco, 1930's

By Just Andersen

Located in Stockholm, SE

One of a kind letter knife made by Just Andersen, Denmark in the 1930's with the original box from the Jeweller that the knife were bought from. Mint condition been laying in the bo...

Category

1930s Danish Vintage Meiji Desk Sets

Materials

Pewter

Very Large Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase

$56,672

H 59.06 in Dm 21.66 in

Very Large Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Located in London, GB

This stunning Meiji period vase is a wonderful example of the quality of craftsmanship during the late 19th century Japanese Meiji period. The Meiji era was famed for being the perio...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Desk Sets

Materials

Enamel

Geometric Letter Holder

$270 / item

H 4.73 in W 1.58 in D 7.09 in

Geometric Letter Holder

By Atelier BAM

Located in Sao Paulo, SP

Bring a warm modern touch to your stationary with this geometric Desktop accessory. Named “Triângulo”, it showcases how small leftover materials can be turned into a new object: mass...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Meiji Desk Sets

Materials

Copper

Large Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase

$61,405

H 58.67 in Dm 20.08 in

Large Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Located in London, GB

Of ovoid form, with a narrow neck and outward flaring rim, on dark blue ground depicting wisteria blossoms in white and purple cascading from the shoulder with birds throughout and w...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Desk Sets

Materials

Enamel

Antique Tiffany Studios Zodiac 6-Piece Bronze Doré Desk Set

$4,500 / set

$398

H 5.71 in W 1.26 in D 0.12 in

Edgar Brandt Bronze Paper Knife/Letter Opener

By Edgar Brandt

Located in NANTES, FR

Art Nouveau bronze paper knife, circa 1905. Decorated with mistletoe, stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Length: 14.5 cm Width: 3.2 cm Thickness: 0.3 cm Weight: 35 grams Ed...

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Meiji Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Meiji Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Ginbari Dragon Vase by Kumeno Teitaro

$6,600

$2,700 / set

H 2.5 in Dm 7.5 in

Japanese Lacquer Sake Cups, Set of 3, Meiji Period, Early 20th Century, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A finely decorated set of 3 red lacquer sake cups, sakazuki, featuring views of Mt. Fuji, Meiji period, circa 1900, Japan. The lacquer sake cups, called sakazuki, of traditional p...

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Desk Sets

Materials

Lacquer

Previously Available Items

American Mid-Century Modern Walnut Modernist Paper Desk Tray 'Set of 2'

Sold

H 6 in W 12.5 in D 11 in

American Mid-Century Modern Walnut Modernist Paper Desk Tray 'Set of 2'

By Peter Pepper Products

Located in San Diego, CA

Handsome and chic double letter desk tray with solid walnut walls, circa 1970s. Beautiful accent to any executives desk or complement to your décor. Classic California design. This p...

Category

1970s American Vintage Meiji Desk Sets

Materials

Walnut

Meiji desk sets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji desk sets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desk sets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with enamel, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji desk sets made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desk sets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $375 and tops out at $8,000 while the average work can sell for $4,188.