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.
Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Cranes Sculpture, 43.7 Inches Tall
Located in Lincoln, GB
A Pair of Monumental Japanese Bronze Cranes, Meiji Period (1868–1912) An exceptionally fine pair of Japanese bronze cranes, displaying the masterful realism and technical virtuosity ...
Bronze
Vintage Japanese Kutani Porcelain Sleeping Cat Figure Circa 1930 Large 10"
Located in Wilton, CT
Large, nearly antique, Japanese Kutani porcelain sleeping cat figure with ribbon and bell tied around the neck. Circa 1930. Extraordinary detail of fur, whiskers, and eye lashes very...
Porcelain
Hollywood Regency Japanese Meiji Style Bronze Rooster & Hen On Root Wood Base
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century Japanese Meiji style bronze sculpture of a Onagadori rooster and hen on a root. The birds can be removed from the root for safe shipping. This piece was done in...
Bronze, Spelter
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...
Bronze
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...
Gold
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 ...
Bronze
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...
Bronze
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 Ryubundo Yasunosuke VI (1840-1921), a sixth generation of the Yasunosuke family active in Meiji and Taisho...
Bronze
$7,077 / item
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.
Brass
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...
Bronze
Japanese Articulate Praying Mantis Jizai Okimono Myochin Hiroyoshi Meiji
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...
Copper
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...
Bronze
Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Tiger with Cub
Located in Kastrup, DK
Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) patinated bronze sculpture of a tiger with cub. Mounted on a carved hardwood base decorated with foliage. High...
Bronze
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...
Bronze
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Sculpture Okimono of Samurai Warrior
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PATINATED AND PARCEL-SILVERED AND GILDED BRONZE OKIMONO OF A SAMURAI WARRIOR Japan, Meiji period, probably late 19th century Unmarked 9 1/2" H x 6 3/4" diameter ref. 512DMB06P A J...
Bronze
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...
Gold
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...
Wood
Japanese Meiji Period Pair of Bronze Sculptures Okimono of Rooster & Hen
Located in Shippensburg, PA
EXCEEDINGLY FINE PAIR OF JAPANESE BRONZE FIGURES OF A HEN AND ROOSTER Japan, Meiji period Each with plaque signed to the underside 秀国作 (Shūkoku saku) Patinated bronze with gilt eyes ...
Bronze
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...
Bronze
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...
Gold
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...
Copper
Group of Three Antique Japanese Hand Carved Monkey Figures
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A group of three early 20th Century well crafted wood Monkey figures in the classic poses of See No Evil, Speak No Evil and Hear No Evil. Timeworn and smooth feeling in the hand, each figure has meticulously carved incising representing fur and dark glass eyes (Monkey representing Speak No Evil has a missing eye). Each Monkey with extended and hooked arm and leg used to link the three for hanging however a loss to the See No Evil figure's leg makes hanging tenuous. with the age, losses and wear the figures have taken on the air of Scholar's Objects to be handled and displayed. Dimensions below are for each Monkey figure. Dimensions:7.25: high by 2.25" deep by 2.25" wide. Condition: Please see detail photos. As mentioned above, there are various signs of age including one missing glass eye, loss to the See No Evil Monkey...
Glass, Wood
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...
Bone
$490Sale Price / set|28% Off
Mid-Century Japanese Brass Crane and Turtle Sculptures, 1950s Art Pair
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...
Brass
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...
Bronze
Large Japanese Hirado Porcelain Blue & White Shi Shi Dog Group, Meiji Period
Located in New York, NY
Large Japanese Hirado Porcelain Blue & White grouping of Shi Shi dogs playing, Meiji Period Modeled as a pair of shishi playfully wrestling, the grou...
Porcelain
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...
Gold
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...
Wood
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...
Enamel
Japanese Meiji Bronze Sculpture Elephant Fighting Tigers By Tsunemitsu 常光
Located in King's Lynn, GB
A Japanese bronze model of an elephant fighting two tigers, cast during the Meiji period (1868–1912), bearing the foundry mark Tsunemitsu (常光). Tsunemitsu 常光 (Tsunemitsu) is the mak...
Bronze
Rare Japanese Articulate Silver Lobster Jizai Okimono Myochin Hiroyoshi Meiji
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 ...
Silver
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 ...
Boxwood
Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Tiger Sculpture
Located in Toledo, OH
Spectacular Japanese bronze sculpture of a roaring tiger from the Meiji era with etched stripes and glass eyes. This piece has a beautiful dark patina, great detail work, and include...
Bronze
Japanese Mixed Metal Okimono of Doves by Seifu, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderfully naturalistic large Japanese Meiji period mixed metal okimono (ornamental sculpture) of a pair of oriental turtle doves ...
Bronze, Silver, Copper
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...
Bronze
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...
Gold
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
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, ...
Wood
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...
Bronze
19th Century Japanese Burl Wood Dai
Located in Chicago, IL
This remarkable 19th-century Japanese dai begins as a single, monumental slice of burl—nearly two inches thick—cut from a tree whose grain had spent decades twisting into wild, unpre...
Burl
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...
Wood
Jizai Okimono Koi Carp Sculpture by Mariusz Milewski in Steel
Located in London, GB
Jizai Okimono – Koi Carp (2025) Handcrafted Articulated Sculpture Collector’s Piece Immerse yourself in the elegance of Japanese metalwork with this one-of-a-kind Jizai Okimono scul...
Steel
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 ...
Bronze
Jizai Koi and Water Motif, Japan, Miji Period
Located in Point Richmond, CA
This jizai is an excellent example of a well-balanced and pleasingly carved sculpture of koi swimming in waves. Once part of a Japanese hanger (jizagake) for a kettle hook, it served...
Wood
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...
Wood
Antique Wood Monkey Netsuke Sculpture Japanese Masakazu Japan, 19/20th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely and very detailed piece. Signed Masakazu A monkey sitting. H. 1.8 cm x L 2.2cm. Japan, 19th century. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: J...
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Meiji Bronze Erotic Sculpture of a Nude Sitting Woman, Japan
By Okazaki Sessei
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th century Meiji bronze erotic sculpture of a nude sitting woman in the style of Okazaki Sessei, Japan By: Okazaki Sessei (in the style...
Metal, Bronze, Copper
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...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
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...
Marble, Bronze
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...
Boxwood
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...
Wood
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...
Bronze
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...
Wood
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...
Bronze
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...
Wood
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 ...
Glass, Wood
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...
Bronze
Jizai Okimono Koi Carp Sculpture by Mariusz Milewski, Steel, 2022
Located in London, GB
Jizai Okimono – Koi Carp (2022) Handcrafted Articulated Sculpture Collector’s Piece Immerse yourself in the elegance of Japanese metalwork with this one-of-a-kind Jizai Okimono scul...
Steel
19th Century Okimono Bronze Japanese Crab Sculpture Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 19th Century Okimono Bronze Meiji period Japanese Crab. The crab is of good weight and could be a decorative object or a paperweight. The sculpture is ...
Bronze
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...
Bronze
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...
Bronze