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
Monumentale paire de grues en fonte de fer - 2.70 et 2.25 mètres
Located in TOULON, FR
Monumentale paire de grues en fonte de fer à patine verte
Objets de grande décoration aussi bien en intérieur qu'au jardin
2,70 mètres
2,25 mètres
plus de 200 kg
A retirer sur pla...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Iron
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
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
Small Japanese Articulate Crab Jizai Okimono Meiji Period Signed
By Myochin Hiroyoshi
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small copper crab with articulated legs made by Myochin Hiroyoshi in the late Meiji Period circa 1890-1900s. As an ornamental display item, this type of small sculpture with moving...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Mid-Century Bronze Gilded Fighting Cockerels - Made in Japan
Located in Glasgow, GB
A pair of Mid-Century handmade gilded bronze Fighting Cockerel ornaments from Japan
Decorate your space and add a sense of opulent drama with this pair ...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Ito Kunio, Japanese Bronze Equestrian Sculpture Signed Meiji Emperor's Horse
Located in Atlanta, GA
Ito Kunio (Japan, 1890-1970).
"Itô KUNIO exhibited with the Bunten National Exhibition and Exhibition of the National Art Society among others. Remembered specifically for his expert depiction of horses in motion. Rush of a Gun Carriage (horses pulling a gun carriage through the mud) by the artist is held in the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. His sculpture of the Meiji Emperors Horse (under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Agency) stands among 700 cherry trees in Atago park, Noheji, Aomori prefecture. Two large sculptures of a horse, and a horse with its foal are on the grounds of the Hokkaido Agricultural School. For more see the 1968 book...
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pair Of Japanese Carved Hardwood Fishermen Candlesticks Or Joss Stick Holders
Located in Free Union, VA
An unusual pair of sculptural candle or joss stick holders- a pair of jolly grinning men holding up smiling fish and standing on stylized rockery bases carved of a piece with the re...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
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
2 Vintage Japanese White Porcelain Jo Uba Takasago Figurines Blanc De Chine 8"
Located in Dayton, OH
A pair of vintage Jo Uba Takasago sculptures in the manner of blanc de chine. Jo and Uba are an old an old couple who care for the pine trees and gather n...
Category
Late 20th Century Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Carved Jade Buddha Sculpture
Located in New York, 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
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
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
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
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
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
Mid-20th Century Bronze Japanese Buddha Sculpture on Plinth
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-20th century Bronze Japanese Buddha Sculpture on Plinth
Offered for sale is a bronze early to mid 20th century Japanese figurative scu...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pair French 19th Century Japonisme Style Gilt-Bronze & Marble Chenets, Bouhon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of French 19th century Japonisme Louis XV style Gilt-Bronze and Marble Figural Chenets (Andirons) by BOUHON FRES, each depicting a flaming dragon atop an "L" shaped base surmounted with an allegorical gilt-bronze and marble urns with floral garlands and paw-feet, the base with a draped ormolu design and raised on tapered feet. Stamped: "B&H". Circa: Paris, 1890-1900.
The bronziers Bouhon et Cie. Bouhon Frers. specialized in bronze-decorated fire-places and fire-fittings. These large and fine chenets are supreme examples of their output. The firm participated in the 1878 and 1900 Paris Expositions Universelles.
Japonisme[a] is a French term that refers to the popularity and influence of Japanese art and design among a number of Western European artists in the nineteenth century following the forced reopening of foreign trade with Japan in 1858. Japonisme was first described by French art critic and collector Philippe Burty in 1872.[3]
While the effects of the trend were likely most pronounced in the visual arts, they extended to architecture, landscaping and gardening, and clothing.[4] Even the performing arts were affected; Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado is perhaps the best example.
From the 1860s, ukiyo-e, Japanese woodblock prints, became a source of inspiration for many Western artists.These prints were created for the commercial market in Japan. Although a percentage of prints were brought to the West through Dutch trade merchants, it was not until the 1860s that ukiyo-e prints gained popularity in Europe. Western artists were intrigued by the original use of color and composition. Ukiyo-e prints featured dramatic foreshortening and asymmetrical compositions.
Japanese decorative arts, including ceramics, enamels, metalwork, and lacquerware, were as influential in the West as the graphic arts. During the Meiji era (1868–1912), Japanese pottery was exported around the world. From a long history of making weapons for samurai, Japanese metalworkers had achieved an expressive range of colours by combining and finishing metal alloys. Japanese cloissoné...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Japanese Pair Gilt Mandarin Duck Screen Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible pair of Japanese hand cast gilt bronze Mandarin Duck screen holders with detailed plumage, Taisho period 1920. Each of these two sculptures is...
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Retired Royal Crown Derby Fine English Bone China Parrot Figurine or Paperweight
Located in Tustin, CA
Very collectible, hand-made and hand-painted in England, retired Royal Crown Derby fine bone china parrot figurine or paperweight. This is a larger size ...
Category
Late 20th Century English Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Pair Bronze Mandarin Duck Screen Holders
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible pair of Japanese hand cast bronze Mandarin Duck screen holders with detailed plumage, Taisho period 1920. Each of these two sculptures is in g...
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Large Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Koro, circa 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very large and impressive good quality Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) patinated bronze Koro. Having wonderful mythical dragon handles, a Peacock finial, an Eagle in a tree top and a Sea God under the waves...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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
Large 19th Century Japanese Bronze Reclining Geisha Girl
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderfully impressive late 19th century Meiji period (1868-1912) Japanese patinated bronze study of a reclining geisha girl.
Signed to the reverse.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Large Japanese Meiji Period Bronze of a Young Child with a Play Hoop
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A large very good quality late 19th century (Meiji period 1868-1912) Japanese patinated bronze statue of a young child in traditional dress holding a play hoop. Measures: 60cm (24").
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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 Fudo...
Category
17th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Pair of Large Japanese Bronze Figures
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Asian Japanese style (19th Cent) large bronze figures of man and woman with guitars on shaped teak wood base.
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large Verdigris Bronze Crane Sculpture
Located in San Mateo, CA
Vintage large size bronze crane. This crane has been outdoors but could be used inside as well. The verdigris patina shows some wear and discoloration. T...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Japonisme Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Koi Fish Bronze 1950s Set of 2
Located in Munich, DE
Lovely huge Japanese Solid Bronze Koi Fish Sculpture Vintage Art Work in a Rich Patina with Fabulous Detail. Legendary and Symbolic Beauty.
The set has a beautiful patinated verdigri...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage 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.