Japonisme Sculptures
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
Verdigris Bronze Koi Fish Sculpture / Vase, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Verdigris Bronze Koi Fish Sculpture / Vase, 20th Century.
Category
20th Century Unknown Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture of a Koi Fish Sculpture Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Bronze Koi Fish. The beautiful fish can be used as a decorative piece, a vase, and if you're really ambitious, could make a lovely fountain.
A compliment to any space - living ro...
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture of a Koi Fish Vase
Located in New York, NY
Bronze Sculpture or Vase of a Koi Fish. Overall good condition, Few spots of patina visible from age and use. Late 20th Century. Felt on bottom
Category
Late 20th Century Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Solid Wood Hand -Carved Koi Fish
Located in Denton, TX
Carved solid mahogany pair of Koi fish with lightly painted accents
Massive fish 5" deep by 24" high by 24" long
Little fish is 2.5 deep x 11 wide x 9 high
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
Rare 20th Century Japanese Antique Bronze Samurai Statue Shijo Kingo
Located in Pomona, CA
This rare find antique Japanese Samurai Warrior Statue was dated around 1920s. With supper detailed metal works, it shows Japanese intricate handcraft metal arts. It is all hand made and hand crafted Shijo Kingo sitting statue...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Polychromed Life-Size Figure of a Geisha, Charles Massé
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French 19th century Polychromed Japonisme life-size cast-metal figure of a standing Geisha, cast after a model by Charles Massé (French, 1855-1913). The standing Japanese beau...
Category
19th Century French Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Metal
French Painted Metal Life Size Figure of a Geisha by Charles Mass'e
Located in Essex, MA
Figure standing wearing kimono with arms out front. On an iron base. Signed Ch Masse , Sculp, Paris. Provenance , Estate Of William Hodgins. Interior d...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Antique Japanese Edo Carved Wooden Rare Cigarette Holder Snake
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible rare cigarette pipe holder with wood carved snake circa 1950's. Made in Japan circa 1950's.
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Small Japanese Articulate Crab Jizai Okimono Meiji Period Signed
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small copper crab with articulated legs made by Myochin Hiroyoshi in the late Meiji Period circa 1890-1900s. One of the pair (the other one is listed separately LU945037876072, but...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Pair of 19th century Japanese ceramic Shachikoko roof ornaments
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Striking pair of 19th century shachikoko rood ornaments circa 1880.
These appear to be 'shachikoko' sea monsters still retaining their bold colours, showing the head of a dragon wit...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Original Japanese Ouchi Doll Hina Set in Box Kawaii Couple Doll
Located in San Diego, CA
Original Japanese Ouchi Doll Hina Set in Box Kawaii Couple Doll like new condition never out of the box very collectible piece.
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Modern Japanese Gheisha Doll
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful vintage statue representing Gheisha in traditional costumes
Ebonized wood base
Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Sabrina Egidi official Expert in Italian furniture for the Chamber of Commerce of Rome and for the Rome...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Acrylic
19th Century Life-Size Bronzed Japanese Lady in a Kimono, after Louis Hottot
By Louis Hottot
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderful 19th century life-size cold painted bronzed statue of a young Japanese girl dressed in a traditional Kimono, standing on a carved hardwood stand, after 'Louis Hottot'
HO...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Spelter
Japanese Contemporary Grand Pottery Sculpture, Ca. 1980
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Contemporary Grand Pottery Sculpture, Ca. 1980
ABOUT
This absolutely unique late 20th Century pottery sculpture with bamboo-styled formed handles features a wonderful artis...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Gilded Bronze Japanese Couple by E. Laurent & Raingo Frères, France, circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Signed E. LAURENT and Raingo Fres and numbered 375 and 321 on the base
Charming pair of gilded bronze sculptures representing a Japanese couple in traditional clothing. The man pla...
Category
1880s French Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Porcelain woman Bust with kintsugi
Located in MEAUX, FR
This female bust, sculpted in a brilliant white porcelain, evokes the grace and nobility of antique statues. Coiffed with an elegant high chignon, this 38 cm tall figure captivates w...
Category
2010s French Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Tiger, Japanese Bronze, Meiji Era, XIXth Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large bronze tiger with brown patina, with very subtle bronze work to bring out the stripes on the body of the tiger
No mark or signature
Japan wo...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Small Japanese Articulate Crab Jizai Okimono Meiji Period Signed
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small copper crab with articulated legs made by Myochin Hiroyoshi in the late Meiji Period circa 1890-1900s. One of the pair (the other one is listed separately LU945044034102, bu...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Pot and Wood3 Abstract Sculpture Contemporary Zen Japonism Style
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
This series of ceramics are unique work by Norihiko Terayama.
This is one of series of practicing relationships with function and decoration. Artis...
Category
2010s Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Twin Lights Takuya Hamajima Contemporary Zen Japanese Ceramic
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Contemporary Japanese style floor light. Rather sculpture than lighting. Made of rusted steel, ceramic, and wood. Base is metal. Ivory part is ceramic in Japanese traditional style. Top twin panels...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
Shelf 03 Takuya Hamajima Contemporary Zen Japanese Ceramic
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Contemporary Japanese style sculptural shelf. Made of steel, ceramic, and wood. Frame is rusted steel. White trays are ceramics. One brown colored circle tray...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Set of Four Porcelain White & Gold Foo Dogs
Located in South Salem, NY
A set of four white and gold ceramic Foo Dog table bases. Made in Spain by Bondia in the Hollywood Regency style. Ornate ceramic sculptures with detailed faces, mouths, bodies, and p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Painted Cast Iron Heron Garden Sculptures - France - circa 1930s
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage pair of cast iron 'Heron' garden sculptures - suitable for indoor/outdoor use - featuring a great aged patina with remnants of a polychrome painted finish in areas - articula...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Pot and Wood4 Abstract Sculpture Contemporary Zen Japonism Style
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
This series of ceramics are unique work by Norihiko Terayama.
This is one of series of practicing relationships with function and decoration. Artis...
Category
2010s Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century the Lobster Japanese Bronze Lobster Meiji Period
Located in Marseille, FR
19th century the Lobster Japanese bronze Lobster Meiji Period.
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Style Viardot Mirror with Dragon, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb Japanese-style mantel / fireplace mirror in lacquered wood, carved with an imposing dragon and decorative motifs.
Japonism, France, circa 1880.
Attributed to Gabriel Viard...
Category
1880s French Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Fabric, Mirror, Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Lacquered and Gilt Wood Buddhism Statue from Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptional and wood statue of Buddhism Guardian Seitaka Doji from Japan circa Edo period (1603-1868), likely the earlier part of 17th century. One of two chief attendants of Fudou Myouou (the other being Kongara Doji), the name of Seitaka Doji is a transliteration of Sanskrit "Cetaka", meaning servant, slave, and he is said to personify expedient action. He is most commonly found on the right side of Fudou, together with Kongara Doji on the left, forming the Immovable triad, Fudou Sanzon, the terror of evil doers. Seitaka largely adheres to the iconography of a wrathful youth with fleshy body and face, skin in the color of a red lotus, has his hair tied in five knots, and holds a vajra in his left hand and a vajra-club in his right hand, but the actual artistic representations of him in Japan do...
Category
17th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Metal
French Patinated Bronze Figure of a Standing Japanese Geisha with Kimono & Obi
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful French patinated bronze figure of a standing Japanese geisha in a traditional kimono with an obi. This geisha is exceptionally cast with immense detail. Starting from the...
Category
Early 20th Century French Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Edo Period Japanese Bodhisattva Shrine
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible Edo Period Japanese gilt and lacquered carved wood shrine depicting a Bodhisattva with piercing glass eyes, a contemplative expression, and h...
Category
Early 1800s Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Giltwood, Lacquer, Wood
Large Vintage Japanese Bronzed Sculpture of Toba on His Mule
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a beautiful large vintage Japanese bronzed sculpture of Toba on his Mule.
Some might say ‘Monumental’ .. being 34 inches tall ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Asian Wood Carved Wall Plaque with Crab and Lobster
Located in Austin, TX
An Asian fine carved wood wall plaque possibly Japonese with a crab, a lobster on bamboo.
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Wood
20th Century Japanese Style Cast Iron Heron
Located in Stockholm, SE
A highly decorative painted cast iron heron, crafted in the Japanese style during the first half of the 20th century. Standing gracefully on one leg with its neck tucked in, the hero...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Japanese Edo Period Musha Ningyo Seating Samurai, Ca. 1800
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Edo Period Musha Ningyo Seating Samurai, Ca. 1800
DIMENSIONS
Height: 16 inches
Width: 19 inches
Depth: 10 inches
ABOUT
Musha Ningyō (武者人形)- Literal meaning: "Warrior Dolls...
Category
Early 1800s Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Japanese Late Edo Period Life-Size Imperial Bunraku by Nagoshi Kenji, ca. 1850
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Late Edo Period Life-Size Imperial Bunraku
Head, Hands and Legs by Nagoshi Kenji, Ca. 1850
DIMENSIONS
Head: 13” High
Hands: 11” High
Legs: 9” High
...
Category
1850s Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Att à Goldscheider, Japanese, Painted Terracotta Sculpture, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Beautiful painted terracotta sculpture of a Japanese woman in traditional dress: she wears a kimono decorated with red and yellow flowers on a black background, a large golden obi an...
Category
19th Century European Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
U Stool Takuya Hamajima Contemporary Zen Japanese Ceramic
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Contemporary Japanese style chair. Rather sculpture than chair. Made of rusted steel, ceramic, and wood. Base is steel. Seat is ceramic. Arm pane...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
Pot and Wood Abstract Sculpture Contemporary Zen Japonism Style
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
This series of ceramics are unique work by Norihiko Terayama.
This is one of series of practicing relationships with function and decoration. Arti...
Category
2010s Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Edo Period Saga Ningyo, Ca. 1850
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Edo Period Saga Ningyo, Ca. 1850
DIMENSIONS
Height: 9.5 inches
Width: 6 inches
Depth: 5 inches
Category
1850s Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Japanese Edo Period Dragon God Ningyô, Ca. 1820
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Edo Period Dragon God Ningyô, Ca. 1820
DIMENSIONS
Height: 26 inches over all
Minor wear in textiles.
Fine antique condition
ABOUT
Musha-Ningyô (warr...
Category
1820s Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Japanese Meiji Period Elaborate Bunraku Puppeta, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Meiji Period Elaborate Bunraku Puppeta. 19th Century
Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Minor wear to textiles, fine antique condition,
Original Bamboo display stand.
DIMENSION
Height: 33 inches
Width: 18 inches
Depth: 9 inches
ABOUT
Bunraku (puppet) depicting the warrior Minamoto Yoshistune his head carved of wood and covered in a fine white gofun with painted details, face of a handsome youth with trigger mechanism allowing for the eyebrows to raise and lower and the eyes to shift from side, is wearing military armor with signature dragon on his breastplate ,brocade patterning of his thick obi tie, sumptuous silk brocade kimono and brocade hakama trousers with the Minamoto Clan pattern, silk tabi socks...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Japanese Glazed and Painted Centerpiece Bowl Object, Fish Logo
Located in Miami, FL
Japanese Glazed and Painted Centerpiece Bowl Object, Fish Logo
Offered for sale is a mid-20th century Japanese very decorative glazed and painted ceramic Objet d'art with a bowl-for...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
THREE FIGURES HINA MATSURI Japanese, Meiji period (1868-1912)
Located in Madrid, ES
THREE FIGURES HINA MATSURI
Japanese, Meiji period (1868-1912) in painted plaster, eggshell, silk and other materials.
Height: (largest) 50 cm
good condit...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Silk, Plaster
Young Lady With Umbrella, Bronze Japan, Meiji Era, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Bronze with brown patina of a young Japanese girl in a kimono, carrying an umbrella
wooden base
Patina wear
19th century
H39cm
20x18cm.
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Carved Jade Buddha Sculpture
Located in Astoria, NY
Japanese hand-carved jade sculpture depicting a seated Buddha or bodhisattva figure holding a fruit in his hands, together with a hardwood stand ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Rhino Contemporary Japanese Lacquer Art by Someya Satoshi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Japanese Lacquer Rhino Sculpture by Someya Satoshi (1983-). A hand-molded lacquer sculpture that depicts a fantasy beast "Rhino". The artist uses century-old traditional techniques and symbols but with an innovative contemporary energy that borders mysticism, shamanism and surrealism. Found objects were equally treated as part of the meticulous designs as the elaborate Maki-e and shell inlays.
According to the press of Honolulu Museum of Art: "Someya Satoshi has been described as “one of the most significant contemporary lacquer artists working in Japan today.” (Japan Times, 12 Dec. 2013) His work combines objects of daily use, such as bathing buckets, serving trays, and soup bowls, with a wide array of natural materials, including animal bones, horns and antlers, sand, stones, leaves and branches. In the process, he implements a range of traditional lacquer methods passed down from pre-modern eras, such as the kanshitsu or “dry lacquer” technique, the origins of which date to Japan’s Nara period (710–784). After creating his forms, he embellishes them with designs inspired by calligraphy, traditional Japanese textile patterns, and even contemporary manga or comic books. His work defies ordinary definitions of lacquer art and successfully challenges the perceived limits of this extremely difficult and, in some ways, most conservative of traditional Japanese art forms".
His work was exhibited in US such as Honolulu Museum of Art, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Morikami Museum etc. For a complete resume of the artist, see the artist's page in Imura Art Gallery.
Reference: For a very similar Bull Sculpture see Hard Bodies Contemporary Japanese Lacquer...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Rope, Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Ox with Boy on Its Back
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very amusing 19th century (Meiji period 1868-1912) Japanese bronze statue of an ox with a young boy sitting on its back.
Signed.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Japonisme sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Japonisme sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme sculptures made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Royal Crown Derby Porcelain, Norihiko Terayama, Bouhon Frères, and Charles Masse. 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 sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $87,500 while the average work can sell for $3,053.