Meiji Sculptures

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

Japanese Meiji Period Gold White Porcelain Sleeping Cat Sculpture, circa 1910

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Exquisite Meiji period Japanese Kutani sculpture of a sleeping cat in fine porcelain, inspired by the small wooden sculpture at the entrance of...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Gold

Japanese Meiji Period Gold White Porcelain Sleeping Cat Sculpture, circa 1910

$850

Japanese Meiji Bronze Tiger Sculpture with Stamped Signature

Located in Kastrup, DK

apanese bronze tiger from the Meiji period, featuring a warm brown-red patina. The piece is crafted to a high standard, modelled with realistic proportions in a dynamic forward-movin...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Bronze Tiger Sculpture with Stamped Signature

$1,784

Japanese Articulate Praying Mantis Jizai Okimono Myochin Hiroyoshi Meiji

By Myochin Hiroyoshi

Located in Atlanta, GA

A rare articulate praying mantis made by Myochin Hiroyoshi in the late Meiji Period circa 1890-1900s. As an ornamental display item, this type of item is known in Japanese as Jizai O...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Japanese Articulate Praying Mantis Jizai Okimono Myochin Hiroyoshi Meiji

$2,000

Large Crane Statues

Located in Westwood, NJ

A set of two large variously patinated brass cranes, standing on walking turtles. Inspired by 19th century Japanese Meiji period originals. Dimensions: 13" W x 19" D x 58" H.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Large Crane Statues

$7,077 / item

Japanese Wooden Netsuke Cicada 1900 Meiji Sekisen

Located in Paris, FR

This is an antique wooden netsuke made in Japan around Meiji period 1900s. The signature is written on the back side 'Sekisen'. Netsuke is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th...

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Japanese Wooden Netsuke Cicada 1900 Meiji Sekisen

$624

Oriental Cast Bronze Elephant Sculpture with Trunk Up

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Beautiful Oriental Japanese Meiji period style bronze sculpture of a walking elephant with his trunk up. Well casted metal art, heavy, bronze elephant in a dark brown copper finish. Elephant figurine statue in a triumphant pose, will make an excellent display ornament. Created with the traditional technique of the lost-wax that allows a great precision and finesse in the details, this bronze sculpture charms is with its exquisite depiction of a trumpeting elephant. Heavy bronze presents striking detail and cool copper tones with a hint of natural bronze. Raising its trunk skywards, the elephant will grace any desk as a paperweight or display case. This is a delightful vintage elephant statue...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Oriental Cast Bronze Elephant Sculpture with Trunk Up

$495

Genryusai Seiya: An Important Patinated Bronze Okimono of a Bactrian Camel

Located in Budapest, HU

An exceptional Meiji period Japanese bronze sculpture by the renowned master Genryusai Seiya, signed SEIYA zo to the underside. Naturalistically cast in the form of a standing Bactri...

Category

1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Genryusai Seiya: An Important Patinated Bronze Okimono of a Bactrian Camel

$12,240 / item

Japanese Okimono Working Man Figurine

Located in Bradenton, FL

Hand-carved free-standing Japanese Working Man Figurine. Okimono is a Japanese term meaning for display as an art or decorative object. Figure is a smiling man dressed in traditional...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bone

Japanese Okimono Working Man Figurine

$1,280

1960s Japanese Persimmons & Bird Painted Bronze Okimono / Sculpture Tole

Located in Kennesaw, GA

I love this Japanese okimono ! It is a painted bronze persimmons with a perched bird. These were symbols of good luck and prosperity in Japan. This type of bronze craftsmanship was p...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1960s Japanese Persimmons & Bird Painted Bronze Okimono / Sculpture Tole

$895

TSUNEMITSU Bronze Tiger With Terrifying Glass Eyes, Meiji, 1868-1912

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

Bronze Roaring Tiger with Terrifying Eyes by TSUNEMITSU, Japan, Meiji Period (1868-1912). This magnificent bronze sculpture of a roaring tiger, created by Japanese artist Tsunemitsu...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

TSUNEMITSU Bronze Tiger With Terrifying Glass Eyes, Meiji, 1868-1912

$8,500

Pair of Japanese Brass Crane and Turtle Sculptures, Mid-20th Century

Located in Glasgow, GB

A pair of Japanese decorative brass crane sculptures, offering a striking interpretation of traditional symbolism in cast metalwork. Each brass crane, rendered with elegant lines and...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Pair of Japanese Brass Crane and Turtle Sculptures, Mid-20th Century

$633 / set

Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Duck and Duckling with Lotus Branch (1868–1912)

Located in New York, NY

Finely cast bronze sculpture depicting a mother duck with her duckling, the larger bird grasping a leafy lotus stem in its beak, with a lotus seed pod resting on its back. Executed w...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Duck and Duckling with Lotus Branch (1868–1912)

$1,600

1960s Japanese Eggplant / Gourd & Bird Painted Bronze Okimono / Sculpture Tole

Located in Kennesaw, GA

I love this Japanese okimono ! It is a painted bronze gourd with a perched bird. The gourd is a symbol of good luck in Japan. This type of bronze craftsmanship was popular during the...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1960s Japanese Eggplant / Gourd & Bird Painted Bronze Okimono / Sculpture Tole

$925

Japanese Meiji Bronze Okimono by Yoshimitsu Depicting a Bear and Alligator

By Saeki Yoshimitsu

Located in Newark, England

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING A DYNAMIC MEIJI PERIOD BRONZE OKIMONO BY YOSHIMITSU FEATURING A BEAR AND ALLIGATOR IN COMBAT. From our Japanese collection, we are pleased to present this ...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Bronze Okimono by Yoshimitsu Depicting a Bear and Alligator

$5,068

Japanese Contemporary Red Blue Green Gold Porcelain Lucky Cat Sculpture, 2

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Exquisite Japanese Contemporary porcelain beckoning cat, a uniquely and intricately gilded and hand painted porcelain sculpture from the Kutani region of Japan. The cat raising his left paw is adorned with multiple golden medallions and is covered with raised loops characteristic of the Kutani “mori” style. While the origins of the Japanese beckoning cat are unclear, contemporary woodblock prints show they were being widely sold as good luck charms by the 1850s. The beckoning cat comes in two varieties. The more common right-handed beckoning cat (with right paw raised) is said to bring money and wealth to its owner, and are to this day frequently seen in shops and restaurants in Japan. The less common left-handed cat is said to be inviting friends and acquaintances to hearth and home. The “mori” style refers to raised loops and other decorative motifs applied by squeezing a tube of slip onto the body of the cat much like applying frosting to a cake. The cat boasts the traditional Kutani colors of bright green, red and yellow presented against an dark blue background, and is generously accentuated with gold. The red kerchief with a knotted amulet in the back and two bells on the side also identify this as a traditional Kutani piece, as do the perked ears turned outward. A stamp indicating it is produced in Kutani region of Japan appears at reverse side of this beckoning cat scultures...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Gold

Japanese Contemporary Red Blue Green Gold Porcelain Lucky Cat Sculpture, 2

$685

Jewelry Ring Trinket Boxes Pair Cloisonné Swan Japanese Gift Love Valentine

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

- Once courtship is complete, male and female swans bond for life and this delightful pair of Japaneer cloisonné swans symbolize love and const...

Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Enamel

Jewelry Ring Trinket Boxes Pair Cloisonné Swan Japanese Gift Love Valentine

$2,815 / set

Antique Japanese bronze statue of Buddha in ascetic practice / late 19th century

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This bronze statue of Shakyamuni undergoing ascetic practices is thought to have been made between the Meiji period and the early Showa period. Shakyamuni ascetic statues are Buddhis...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Antique Japanese bronze statue of Buddha in ascetic practice / late 19th century

$1,200

Japanese Contemporary Gold Orange Black Red Porcelain Beckoning Cat, 2

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Charming beckoning cat with left paw raised is a gilded and hand painted porcelain piece from the Kutani region of Japan. Beckoning cats come in two varieties. The more common right-handed beckoning cat (with right paw raised) is said to bring money and wealth to its owner, and are to this day frequently seen in shops and restaurants in Japan. The less common left-handed cat is said to be inviting friends and acquaintances to hearth and home. While the origins of the Japanese beckoning cat (known as maneki neko in Japanese) are unclear, contemporary woodblock...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Gold

Japanese Contemporary Gold Orange Black Red Porcelain Beckoning Cat, 2

$450

Japanese Bronze Tiger Sculpture on Marble Base, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century

Located in Meda, MB

Elegant bronze sculpture depicting a roaring tiger, finely cast with detailed musculature, expressive head and naturalistic fur texture. The animal stands in a dynamic pose on a rect...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Japanese Bronze Tiger Sculpture on Marble Base, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century

$2,203

Pair Of 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Partridges On Hardwood Base

Located in Dublin, IE

A beautiful pair of 19th century Meiji period Japanese Bronze fan tailed Partridges, on a shaped wooden base. Circa 1900 Japan H: 9 in / 23 cm ; Base: W: 13.77 in / 35 cm ; D: 8.6...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair Of 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Partridges On Hardwood Base

$7,894

Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Sculpture Of A Samurai Warrior By Yoshimitsu

Located in Dublin, IE

A superb Japanese bronze and gilded sculpture of a samurai warrior, Meiji period. Depicts a Japanese warrior in national dress and impetuous movement, the gilt details mon (heraldic ...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Sculpture Of A Samurai Warrior By Yoshimitsu

$19,462

Rare Japanese Articulate Silver Lobster Jizai Okimono Myochin Hiroyoshi Meiji

By Myochin Hiroyoshi

Located in Atlanta, GA

On offer is a rare articulate spiny lobster (Ise-Ebi) in pure silver made by Myochin Hiroyoshi in the late Meiji Period circa 1890-1900s. As an ornamental display item, this type of ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Rare Japanese Articulate Silver Lobster Jizai Okimono Myochin Hiroyoshi Meiji

$6,000

Japanese Contemporary Gold Orange Blue Green Porcelain Lucky Cat Sculpture

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Japanese Contemporary porcelain beckoning cat, a uniquely and intricately gilded and hand painted porcelain piece from the Kutani region of Japan. The cat raising his left paw is adorned with multiple golden medallions and is covered with raised loops characteristic of the Kutani “mori” style. While the origins of the Japanese beckoning cat are unclear, contemporary woodblock...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Gold

Japanese Contemporary Gold Orange Blue Green Porcelain Lucky Cat Sculpture

$685

19th Century Signed Japanese Meiji Bronze Wave with Carrera Marble Sphere

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A wonderfully unique Meiji Bronze Wave - the details and techniques are very intricate. There are no missing pieces or damage. the piece is in very...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze

19th Century Signed Japanese Meiji Bronze Wave with Carrera Marble Sphere

$3,600 / set

Netsuke of an Oni, a Demon in Japanese Folklore, Wood, Early 20th Century

Located in Point Richmond, CA

A Meiji period netsuke depicting a formidable figure of an oni (demon) with a golden face and red hair. Onis were thought to ward off evil spirits and were often depicted on netsuke ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Boxwood

Netsuke of an Oni, a Demon in Japanese Folklore, Wood, Early 20th Century

$350

Hand carved Japanese Jizai Kagi hearth hook, c. 1868–1912

Located in Kenilworth, IL

Japanese hand carved Jizai Kagi hearth hook in keyaki wood (Japanese Zelkova). The hook is presented on a custom forged metal stand. Japan, Meiji Period, ...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Hand carved Japanese Jizai Kagi hearth hook, c. 1868–1912

$2,500

Japanese Netsuke of Hyottoko, Depicted through a Mask in Noh Play as an Idiot

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Playfully carved out of boxwood, this Meiji period hyottoko noh mask netsuke features a figure of a crouching man on the reverse. In Iwate Prefecture, there is a myth about the origi...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Boxwood

Japanese Netsuke of Hyottoko, Depicted through a Mask in Noh Play as an Idiot

$750

Old Wooden Netsuke Sculpture Japanese Cow Ox Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Lovely and very detailed piece. Unsigned. Japan 19th or 20th century. Weight: 9 grams Provenance: Collected in the 1980’s. From the collection of Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuizen...

Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Old Wooden Netsuke Sculpture Japanese Cow Ox Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

$673

Japanese Antique Wooden Object/Craftsman's Workbench/Penis-Shaped Figurine

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

Introduce interesting items. This was once used as a workbench in Japan. It's shaped like a penis, but one side of the tip has a mark that looks like it was hit and is slightly scr...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Wooden Object/Craftsman's Workbench/Penis-Shaped Figurine

$800

Japanese Contemporary Gold Orange Black Red Hand painted Porcelain Beckoning Cat

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Charming beckoning cat with left paw raised is a gilded and hand painted porcelain piece from the Kutani region of Japan. The beckoning cat comes in two varieties. The more common right-handed beckoning cat (with right paw raised) is said to bring money and wealth to its owner, and are to this day frequently seen in shops and restaurants in Japan. The less common left-handed cat is said to be inviting friends and acquaintances to hearth and home. While the origins of the Japanese beckoning cat (known as maneki neko (in Japanese) are unclear, contemporary woodblock...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Gold

Japanese Contemporary Gold Orange Black Red Hand painted Porcelain Beckoning Cat

$560

Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Animal Heads Figure Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Lovely and very detailed piece. Unsigned. Japan 19th or 20th century. Weight: 11 grams Provenance: Collected in the 1980’s. From the collection of Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuize...

Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Animal Heads Figure Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

$986

Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Figural Figure Meiji Period 19/20th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Lovely and very detailed piece. Unsigned. Japan 19th or 20th century. Weight: 12 grams Provenance: Collected in the 1980’s. From the collection of Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuize...

Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Figural Figure Meiji Period 19/20th Century

$673

Pair of Japanese Gilt Bronze Komainu by Ishikawa Komei, Meiji Period

Located in Austin, TX

A striking pair of Japanese gilt bronze komainu by the renowned Japanese sculptor, Ishikawa Komei (1852-1913), Meiji period, Japan. The pair well cast, and robustly modeled. They ar...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Japanese Gilt Bronze Komainu by Ishikawa Komei, Meiji Period

$38,000 / set

Japanese Okimono of Fukurokuju, the god of wealth and happiness, Meiji period

Located in Central England, GB

This exceptional Japanese Meiji period okimono depicts Fukurokuju, the lucky god of wealth and happiness. The figure is very finely carved from a single piece of dense tightly graine...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Japanese Okimono of Fukurokuju, the god of wealth and happiness, Meiji period

$3,019

Large Artist Signed Japanese Bronze Tigers Attacking Bull Sculpture on Wood Base

Located in Ann Arbor, MI

Large Artist Signed Japanese Bronze Tigers attacking a Bull sculpture on wood base. Amazing original Patina and signed by the artist. The wood stand is or...

Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Large Artist Signed Japanese Bronze Tigers Attacking Bull Sculpture on Wood Base

$5,600 Sale Price

30% Off

Old Wooden Netsuke Sculpture Japanese Bat Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Lovely and very detailed piece. Unsigned. Japan 19th or 20th century. Weight: 12 grams Provenance: Collected in the 1980’s. From the collection of Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuize...

Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Old Wooden Netsuke Sculpture Japanese Bat Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

$986

Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Animal on Turtle Figure Meiji Period 19/20th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Lovely and very detailed piece. Unsigned. Japan 19th or 20th century. Weight: 8 grams Provenance: Collected in the 1980’s. From the collection of Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuizen...

Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Animal on Turtle Figure Meiji Period 19/20th Century

$986

Old Wooden Netsuke Sculpture Japanese Quail Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Lovely and very detailed piece. Unsigned. Japan 19th or 20th century. Weight: 9 grams Provenance: Collected in the 1980’s. From the collection of Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuizen...

Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Old Wooden Netsuke Sculpture Japanese Quail Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

$986

Japanse Bronze Shishi Foo Lion by Shuzan / Hideyama, Meiji period, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A heavy and powerfully cast Japanese bronze model of a shishi or foo lion by Hideyama / Shuzan, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The dramatic lion, known as a shishi in Japan, is ca...

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanse Bronze Shishi Foo Lion by Shuzan / Hideyama, Meiji period, Japan

$3,800

Japanese Meiji Genryusai Seiya Bronze Elephant and Tigers

Located in Dallas, TX

Japanese Meiji Genryusai Seiya bronze elephant and tigers, circa 1890. This moving and detailed bronze grouping depicts a savage attack by two viscous...

Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Genryusai Seiya Bronze Elephant and Tigers

$6,300

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. One of the pair (the other one is listed separately LU945044034102, bu...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Small Japanese Articulate Crab Jizai Okimono Meiji Period Signed

$1,600

Japanese Okimono Fisherman Figure

Located in Bradenton, FL

Hand-carved free-standing Japanese Fisherman Figurine. Okimono is a Japanese term meaning for display as an art or decorative object. Figure is a smiling man dressed in traditional c...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bone

Japanese Okimono Fisherman Figure

$1,280

Japanese Okimono Sitting Man Figurine

Located in Bradenton, FL

Hand-carved free-standing Japanese Sitting Man Figurine. Okimono is a Japanese term meaning for display as an art or decorative object. Figure is a smiling man dressed in traditional...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bone

Japanese Okimono Sitting Man Figurine

$950

Japanese Bronze Crab Okimono Meiji Signed Yasunosuke

Located in Atlanta, GA

This wonderful Japanese cast bronze okimono in the form of crab was made by Yasunosuke, a member of the Ryubundo Yasunosuke family active during Meiji period (1868-1912). Naturalisti...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Bronze Crab Okimono Meiji Signed Yasunosuke

$3,500

19th Century Pair of Japanese Bronze Lions Bookends, Meiji Period

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

This superb and rare pair of Japanese Meiji period bronze bookends are cast in solid bronze and depict a pair of Lions, with their heads raised. These finely sculpted pieces are beau...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Pair of Japanese Bronze Lions Bookends, Meiji Period

$2,600

Antique Signed Japanese Articulated Crab Sculpture in Copper Jizai Okimono

Located in San Diego, CA

Antique signed Japanese articulated crab sculpture (Jizai OKimono) in copper, circa 1910s. The piece is well detailed and patinated.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Antique Signed Japanese Articulated Crab Sculpture in Copper Jizai Okimono

$960 Sale Price

20% Off

Antique Meiji Kutani Model of a Recumbent Sleeping Cat Sculpture, 19th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Sharing with you this amazing Japanese Kutani model of a recumbent sleeping cat, 19th Century. The details and facial expression are amazing. With enamel ribbon bow tied around its n...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Meiji Kutani Model of a Recumbent Sleeping Cat Sculpture, 19th Century

$2,350 Sale Price

45% Off

Japanese Genryusai Seiya Meiji Period Antique Patinated Bronze Geisha

Located in New York, NY

Japanese Meiji period patinated bronze sculpture of a geisha waiving her hand in greeting signed Genryusai Seiya 19th Century The attractive young geisha is dressed in traditional Ja...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Genryusai Seiya Meiji Period Antique Patinated Bronze Geisha

$1,750

Large Japanese Bronze Macaw Parrot Sculpture-48 Inches

Located in Houston, TX

Large Japanese Bronze Macaw Parrot Sculpture-48 Inches. Our Japanese bronze parrot sculpture or Macaw sculpture is beautifully detailed and can ...

Category

1940s Japanese Vintage Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Large Japanese Bronze Macaw Parrot Sculpture-48 Inches

$6,850

Japanese Tokyo School Bronze Okimono of a Farmer, Meiji Period

Located in Austin, TX

A very fine and detailed Tokyo School cast bronze okimono (decorative sculpture) of a smiling farmer, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The e...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Tokyo School Bronze Okimono of a Farmer, Meiji Period

$2,450

Japanese Antique Bronze Model of an Elephant and Two Tigers

Located in London, GB

Meiji period, depicting an elephant being attacked by two tigers, with Japanese mark on the base. Rendered in impressive naturalistic detail, this charming model dates to the Japa...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Antique Bronze Model of an Elephant and Two Tigers

$6,335

19th Century 'Meiji Period' Japanese Carved Wood Seated Monkey Sculpture

Located in North Miami, FL

19th Century (Meiji Period) Japanese hand-carved wood seated monkey. The eyes are inlaid and made of glass. The fur and details are very realistic. The piece is signed on the bottom ...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th Century 'Meiji Period' Japanese Carved Wood Seated Monkey Sculpture

$5,950

Japanese Meiji Articulated Bronze Crab

Located in Essex, MA

Dark copper toned patina, wonderfully articulated. Purchased in London by previous owner.

Category

1870s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Articulated Bronze Crab

$7,500

Japanese Okimono Incense Holder Sticks Bronze Statue Meiji Era, 1868-1912

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Japan - MeuiI period (1868 - 1912) bronze Okimono turtle incense burner Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century Additional information: Material: Bronze, Cloisonne & Metal Region of Or...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Okimono Incense Holder Sticks Bronze Statue Meiji Era, 1868-1912

$698

Large and Impressive Meiji Period Bronze Bison by Sano Takachika for the Kakuh

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A large and impressive Meiji period bronze bison by Sano Takachika for the Kakuha Company, the animal powerfully modelled with his head low and turned s...

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Large and Impressive Meiji Period Bronze Bison by Sano Takachika for the Kakuh

$16,491

Japanese Articulate Bronze Beetle Jizai Okimono Attributed to Myochin Linage

Located in Atlanta, GA

A bronze Japanese okimono cast in refined and realistic form of a Rhinoceros Beetle attributed to Myochin lineage circa 19th century of Meiji period. Rendered in a robust and natural...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Articulate Bronze Beetle Jizai Okimono Attributed to Myochin Linage

$1,600

Japanese Articulate Bronze Grasshopper Jizai Okimono Myochin Linage Signed

Located in Atlanta, GA

A bronze Japanese okimono cast in refined and realistic form of a grasshopper attributed to Myochin lineage circa 19th century of Meiji period. The insect features a segmented body u...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Articulate Bronze Grasshopper Jizai Okimono Myochin Linage Signed

$1,800

Japanese Articulate Praying Mantis Jizai Okimono Myochin Linage Signed

Located in Atlanta, GA

A bronze Japanese okimono cast in refined and realistic form of a praying mantis attributed to Myochin lineage circa 19th century of Meiji period. The insect features a segmented bod...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Articulate Praying Mantis Jizai Okimono Myochin Linage Signed

$1,600

Japanese Antique Pair Buddhist Monju Fugen Bosatsu Nyorai Temple Shrine Buddhas

Located in Studio City, CA

Truly stunning pair of hand-carved wood Japanese buddha statues / sculptures that sit serenely atop their lotus petal thrones. The intricately c...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer, Paint

Japanese Antique Pair Buddhist Monju Fugen Bosatsu Nyorai Temple Shrine Buddhas

$7,995 / set

Meiji Period Bronze of a Cricket Catcher

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A Meiji period bronze of a cricket catcher, shown holding a whistle to his mouth with his left hand and a long rod in his right hand, wearing traditional clothing with a wide-brimmed...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Meiji Period Bronze of a Cricket Catcher

$5,277

Meiji sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji 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, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji 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 Kosai Taisho, and Kutani Studio. 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 $380 and tops out at $84,950 while the average work can sell for $2,950.