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Japonisme Desk Accessories

JAPONISME STYLE

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.

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Style: Japonisme
KITA LIVING Hikari Oil Burner
KITA LIVING Hikari Oil Burner

KITA LIVING Hikari Oil Burner

$239 / item

KITA LIVING Hikari Oil Burner

By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı

Located in Bomonti, TR

Dedicated to moments of tranquillity and serenity, Hikari Oil Burner is a living object that embodies a form within the balance of the Japandi style and the 1980s deconstructivism movement. It defines a sculptural volume of conic pieces that complete each other distinctively. Crafted with softly brushed aluminium, Hikari Oil Burner is designed by Gökhan Eryaman and İsmail Dağlı...

Category

2010s Turkish Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Lacquer Gold Maki-e Wood Letter Opener
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Lacquer Gold Maki-e Wood Letter Opener

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Lacquer Gold Maki-e Wood Letter Opener

$643

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Lacquer Gold Maki-e Wood Letter Opener

Located in Greven, DE

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Lacquer Gold Maki-e Wood Letter Opener Japan Wood, lacquer, paint c. 1900 Dimensions: Length 28cm Dating to the Meiji period, this superb letter...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

19th Century French Japonisme Inkwell, Gilt Bronze Pagoda, Circa 1875
19th Century French Japonisme Inkwell, Gilt Bronze Pagoda, Circa 1875

19th Century French Japonisme Inkwell, Gilt Bronze Pagoda, Circa 1875

$4,448

19th Century French Japonisme Inkwell, Gilt Bronze Pagoda, Circa 1875

By Maison Marnyhac 1, Edouard Lievre, Gabriel Viardot

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

A 19th Century French “Japonisme” Inkwell Patinated and gilt bronze, very finely chizeled Open-worked design in the Chinese Archaïc Taste of fighting dragoons The penholders simulati...

Category

1870s French Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Théodore Deck (1823-1891), French. Archaic Chinese Style Inkwell, circa 1870
Théodore Deck (1823-1891), French. Archaic Chinese Style Inkwell, circa 1870

Théodore Deck (1823-1891), French. Archaic Chinese Style Inkwell, circa 1870

$6,438

Théodore Deck (1823-1891), French. Archaic Chinese Style Inkwell, circa 1870

By Theodore Deck

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Turquoise Glazed Faience and Gilt Bronze Desk Inkwell by Théodore Deck (1823–1891), circa 1870 Rare desk inkwell signed TH. DECK, crafted in faience with the celebrated turquoise gl...

Category

1870s French Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Ormolu

The Peoples of North America, the Japanese Americans
The Peoples of North America, the Japanese Americans

The Peoples of North America, the Japanese Americans

$29

The Peoples of North America, the Japanese Americans

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

The peoples of North America, the Japanese Americans. Discusses the history, culture, and religion of the Japanese, factors encouraging their emigra...

Category

20th Century American Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Paper

Antique Set Of Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Japanese, 8 Pieces, Meiji, Victorian
Antique Set Of Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Japanese, 8 Pieces, Meiji, Victorian

Antique Set Of Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Japanese, 8 Pieces, Meiji, Victorian

$1,003Sale Price / set|20% Off

Antique Set Of Calligraphic Ink Blocks, Japanese, 8 Pieces, Meiji, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique set of calligraphic ink blocks. A Japanese, boxed set of 8 soot ink shapes, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Ink bl...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Composition

Large Tiffany Japonesque Applied Sterling Silver Inkwell with Beetle
Large Tiffany Japonesque Applied Sterling Silver Inkwell with Beetle

Large Tiffany Japonesque Applied Sterling Silver Inkwell with Beetle

$5,440Sale Price|20% Off

Large Tiffany Japonesque Applied Sterling Silver Inkwell with Beetle

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Japonesque sterling silver inkwell. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1882. Drum form with curved shoulder, short neck, and hinged and cork-lined bayonet cover. Leaves and tendri...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century French Bronze Green Opaline Glass Inkwell Set
19th Century French Bronze Green Opaline Glass Inkwell Set

19th Century French Bronze Green Opaline Glass Inkwell Set

$1,225

19th Century French Bronze Green Opaline Glass Inkwell Set

Located in Guaynabo, PR

French Bronze Green Opaline Double Inkwells Set. It depicts a Japonisme style bronze tray with a pair of green opaline inkwell bottles mounted in round...

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Japonisme Inkwell attributed to L'Escalier de Cristal
19th Century French Japonisme Inkwell attributed to L'Escalier de Cristal

19th Century French Japonisme Inkwell attributed to L'Escalier de Cristal

$3,558Sale Price|20% Off

19th Century French Japonisme Inkwell attributed to L'Escalier de Cristal

By L'Escalier de Cristal

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

A very nice quality French Japonisme Style inkwell Attributed to l'Escalier de Cristal, circa 1880 Resting on a diamond-shaped polychromed hand-painted porcelain tray representing l...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Ormolu

Tiffany Japonesque Hand Hammered Inkstand with Applied Bugs & Leaves
Tiffany Japonesque Hand Hammered Inkstand with Applied Bugs & Leaves

Tiffany Japonesque Hand Hammered Inkstand with Applied Bugs & Leaves

$3,960Sale Price|20% Off

Tiffany Japonesque Hand Hammered Inkstand with Applied Bugs & Leaves

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Japonesque sterling silver ink stand. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1881. Square with concave sides and fluted corners on cast scroll and bead supports. Centrally mounted bal...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gilded bronze and alabaster letter carrier in the Japanese style, 19th century
Gilded bronze and alabaster letter carrier in the Japanese style, 19th century

Gilded bronze and alabaster letter carrier in the Japanese style, 19th century

$1,287

Gilded bronze and alabaster letter carrier in the Japanese style, 19th century

Located in NICE, FR

Gilded bronze and alabaster letter carrier in the Japanese style. The bronze tree branch decorations are very delicate. The alabaster plates on the two main sides give a very luminou...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Alabaster, Bronze

Japonais Revival Coppered Inkstand with Hand Carved Glass Ink Wells
Japonais Revival Coppered Inkstand with Hand Carved Glass Ink Wells

Japonais Revival Coppered Inkstand with Hand Carved Glass Ink Wells

$550Sale Price|35% Off

Japonais Revival Coppered Inkstand with Hand Carved Glass Ink Wells

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Antique coppered Japonais Revival inkstand with two ink pots and a stamp holder. The border of the base is in relief and abounds with flowers and birds while the pen rest has a quain...

Category

1890s English Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Copper

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Tiffany Studios New York Chinese Pattern Large Bronze Inkwell, Circa 1910
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Tiffany Studios New York Chinese Pattern Large Bronze Inkwell, Circa 1910

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Antique Italian Dolphin Venice Bronze Letter Opener, 1920s
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H 7.13 in W 1.13 in D 0.38 in

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Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Stacking Box, Jubako, Meiji Period, Japan
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Located in Austin, TX

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Lacquer

Enamel Miniatures Living Room and Piano Set
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$2,240Sale Price|30% Off

H 2.56 in W 4.73 in D 2.96 in

Enamel Miniatures Living Room and Piano Set

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Category

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Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living

Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living

$244 / item

H 5.91 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in

Knotted Tissue Box Square Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living

By André Fu

Located in Admiralty, HK

Description: Tissue box Color: Caramel Size: 14 x 14 x 15 H cm Material: PU Collection: Knotted.

Category

2010s Thai Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Faux Leather

Knotted Tissue Box Caramel Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living
Knotted Tissue Box Caramel Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living

Knotted Tissue Box Caramel Home Office Accessories By André Fu Living

$260 / item

H 3.12 in W 6.11 in D 10.83 in

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By André Fu

Located in Admiralty, HK

Description: Tissue box Color: Caramel Size: 27.5 x 15.5 x 7.9 H cm Material: PU Collection: Knotted.

Category

2010s Thai Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Faux Leather

Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.
Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.

Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.

$5,000

H 2.76 in W 9.85 in D 5.12 in

Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.

Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires

Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

19th Century French Bronze Green Opaline Glass Inkwell Set
19th Century French Bronze Green Opaline Glass Inkwell Set

19th Century French Bronze Green Opaline Glass Inkwell Set

$1,225

H 7.75 in W 8 in D 5 in

19th Century French Bronze Green Opaline Glass Inkwell Set

Located in Guaynabo, PR

French Bronze Green Opaline Double Inkwells Set. It depicts a Japonisme style bronze tray with a pair of green opaline inkwell bottles mounted in round...

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19th Century French Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

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Set of Antique Bound Books Dating from the 19th Century, France
Set of Antique Bound Books Dating from the 19th Century, France

Set of Antique Bound Books Dating from the 19th Century, France

$65Sale Price|20% Off

H 9.57 in W 6.5 in D 1.38 in

Set of Antique Bound Books Dating from the 19th Century, France

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Set of old religious books dating from the 19th century. From an old protestant library near Le Havre in France. These books are called "Commentaries". These beautiful books are perf...

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Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

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Paper

Set of Old Bound Books from the 19th Century
Set of Old Bound Books from the 19th Century

Set of Old Bound Books from the 19th Century

$121Sale Price|20% Off

H 8.67 in W 5.56 in D 1.38 in

Set of Old Bound Books from the 19th Century

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Set of old books dating from the 19th century. From an old protestant library near Le Havre in France. These books are entitled "Journal des missions Evangeliques» with Map (Mission...

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19th Century French Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

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Leather, Paper

Previously Available Items
Bronze Inkwell in the Japanese Style, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Bronze Inkwell in the Japanese Style, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.

Bronze Inkwell in the Japanese Style, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.

Sold

H 5.52 in W 8.67 in D 5.52 in

Bronze Inkwell in the Japanese Style, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Bronze inkwell in the Japanese style, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Inkwell by Ferdinand Duvivier, signed FD, and Alphonse Giraux, Alphonse Giraux Paris, in gilt bronze and mar...

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Mixed Metal Japonesque Bamboo & Ladybug Bookmark
Tiffany Mixed Metal Japonesque Bamboo & Ladybug Bookmark

Tiffany Mixed Metal Japonesque Bamboo & Ladybug Bookmark

Sold

H 6.25 in W 1.13 in D 0.13 in

Tiffany Mixed Metal Japonesque Bamboo & Ladybug Bookmark

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Japonesque mixed metal on sterling silver bookmark. Rectangular with stepped ends and bamboo rim. Chased leafing bamboo branches and applied copper ladybug. Rarified with nice heft. ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver, Copper

Polychrome Cloisonné Enameled Dish with Character Decor and Entrelcss Fleuris
Polychrome Cloisonné Enameled Dish with Character Decor and Entrelcss Fleuris

Polychrome Cloisonné Enameled Dish with Character Decor and Entrelcss Fleuris

Sold

H 4.73 in Dm 11.82 in

Polychrome Cloisonné Enameled Dish with Character Decor and Entrelcss Fleuris

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Polychrome Cloisonné enameled dish with decorative character and entrelcss fleuris, Japan, Late Edo-early Meiji (1830-1870) Gilded bronze mount with Japanese decoration, France, ci...

Category

1850s Asian Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

French Japonisme Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Encrier Emile Reiber for Christofle
French Japonisme Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Encrier Emile Reiber for Christofle

French Japonisme Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Encrier Emile Reiber for Christofle

Sold

H 3.94 in W 8.86 in D 5.91 in

French Japonisme Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Encrier Emile Reiber for Christofle

By Emile Reiber, Christofle

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

A very nice quality French Japonisme red and gold patina ormolu and cloisonné enamel encrier attributed to Emile Reiber for Christofle, the tray receiving ink reservoir and box, the ...

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Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Japanese Bone Veneer Sword Form Letter Opener and Scabbard
Japanese Bone Veneer Sword Form Letter Opener and Scabbard

Japanese Bone Veneer Sword Form Letter Opener and Scabbard

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H 11.5 in W 29 in D 3 in

Japanese Bone Veneer Sword Form Letter Opener and Scabbard

Located in Austin, TX

An impressive Japanese carved and scrimshaw bone veneer letter opener in the form of a large sword, complete with scabbard. The carved and pieced bone ...

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Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Desk Accessories

Materials

Bone

Japonisme desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme desk accessories 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 accessories created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme desk accessories made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desk accessories, popular names associated with this style include Royal Crown Derby Porcelain, L'Escalier de Cristal, and Tiffany & Co.. 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 accessories differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $29 and tops out at $9,500 while the average work can sell for $867.

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