Edo Decorative Objects

EDO STYLE

Edo furniture was created during a flourishing time for the decorative arts owing to the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate rule in Japan. Spanning from 1603 to 1867, this era of peace and economic growth supported artistic advancements in lacquer, woodblock printing, porcelain and other artisanal trades. Because the country was largely isolated, there was little outside influence, leading to centuries of exceptional attention to the design of its furnishings and the quality of its traditional arts.

Unlike during the Meiji period that followed, with an increase in domestic and international markets, furniture during the Edo period was predominately commissioned by the ruling class, although people from across social groups benefited from the burgeoning metropolitan hubs for artisanal trades. For instance, Kyoto became a major center for lacquer art. Most furniture pieces were made from wood such as cedar or ash, including the era’s sashimono cabinets, which involved fine joinery and were rooted in the Heian period.

Sashimono cabinets, which were built by master craftsmen in a range of different wood types owing to the various trees that populate Japan, occasionally featured a stack of slender drawers as well as sliding doors. They were popular with everyone from samurai to kabuki actors. Tansu storage chests crafted from wood with metal fittings were also common in Edo-period homes. Some were designed to be easily portable while others were made to double as staircases.

Painted folding screens, called byōbu, were also fashionable, with Japanese artists inspired by nature, literature and scenes of history and daily life to create vivid works. In Buddhist temples and the palatial homes of the aristocratic class, fusuma, or large sliding panels, would sometimes be adorned with gold or silver leaf. These dividers allowed interiors to change throughout the day, closing in small spaces for personal use or reflecting candlelight to illuminate communal spaces after dark.

Find a collection of Edo tables, lighting, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.

Style: Edo

Antique Ko-Kutani Edo Period Japanese Dish, Japan, Ca 1640-1660

$2,760

Antique Ko-Kutani Edo Period Japanese Dish, Japan, Ca 1640-1660

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice shaped polychrome dish. Unusual shape and painting. With overglaze blue. Absolute top quality. Marked at base. Early Edo period. Additional information: Material: Porcel...

Category

17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Ko-Kutani Edo Period Japanese Dish, Japan, Ca 1640-1660

$2,737

Antique Ko-Kutani Edo Period Japanese Dish, Japan, Ca 1640-1660

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Ko-Kutani – A very nice shaped polychrome dish. Unusual shape and painting. Early Edo period. Storage box included. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of O...

Category

17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Late Edo Period 19th Century Japanese Pillar Clock, Shaku-Dokei, C. 1820

$8,921

Late Edo Period 19th Century Japanese Pillar Clock, Shaku-Dokei, C. 1820

Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Elegant Japanese pillar clock, 'SHAKU-DOKEI', c. 1820 The very fine 30-hour, weight-driven movement is constructed between bars and consists ...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Japanese Glazed Kyo-yaki Tea Bowl Nin'ami Dohachi Edo Period

$1,800

Japanese Glazed Kyo-yaki Tea Bowl Nin'ami Dohachi Edo Period

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Japanese chawan (tea bowl) of Kyo-yaki (Kyoto ware) attributed to Nin'ami Dōhachi, also known as Takahashi Dōhachi (1783–1855). Potted sensitively wi...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Edo Period Japanese Porcelain Kakiemon Bowl with Deers, 17/18th Century

$3,053

Antique Edo Period Japanese Porcelain Kakiemon Bowl with Deers, 17/18th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Nice kakiemon-style bowl with storage box. The bowl has a nice moulded rim, anhua decoration in the wall and a nice scene of Deer in movement. Additional information: Material: Porc...

Category

17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Gilt Seated Kannon Figure, circa 1850

$2,480

Japanese Gilt Seated Kannon Figure, circa 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

Intricately carved and finished with gilt black lacquer, this seated figure depicts the bodhisattva Guanyin, known in Japanese Buddhism as Kannon. Described as the "Buddha of Infinite Compassion," Kannon is the embodiment of mercy and makes himself available to all who call upon him with all their mind. Kannon is depicted here seated in diamond position upon a double lotus plinth, set above a stepped base. He is dressed in gracefully draped robes and wears a tall crown bearing a minuscule figure of Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Light. He has a serene expression of calm and holds his right hand in the abhaya mudra, a gesture of comfort, blessing, and protection. Backed by a magnificent leaf-form nimbus, this Kannon figure...

Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Japanese Polychrome Standing Shō Kannon Figure, circa 1900

$2,880

Japanese Polychrome Standing Shō Kannon Figure, circa 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

This late 19th century standing figure depicts the sacred form of the bodhisattva Guanyin, known in Japanese Buddhism as Sho Kannon, or Guze Kannon. ...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Japanese Seated Portrait of a Zen Master, c. 1800

$2,480

Japanese Seated Portrait of a Zen Master, c. 1800

Located in Chicago, IL

This 19th century Japanese sculpture likely portrays an accomplished teacher of Japanese Zen Buddhism. Developed from wood with a polychrome finish, this monk is expertly carved with...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Japanese Ceramic Seto Tea Leaf Tsubo Jar Edo Period

$3,200

Japanese Ceramic Seto Tea Leaf Tsubo Jar Edo Period

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Japanese glazed ceramic jar with a lacquered wood lid circa 19th century of late Edo to early Meiji Period. The stoneware tsubo was used as a storage vessel for produce such as tea...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

18th Century Japanese Gennai Ware Vase

$6,800

18th Century Japanese Gennai Ware Vase

Located in Hudson, NY

18th century Japanese Gennai Ware vase, known for its bright coloring, Gennai Ware was produced by Hiraga Gennai (1728-1780), a scientist and intellectual who lived in what is now Shido, Kagawa Prefecture. Gennai Ware is stylistically similar to Kochi Ware which is an early Chinese pottery...

Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Contemporary Gilded Porcelain Kabuto Helmet

$1,980

Japanese Contemporary Gilded Porcelain Kabuto Helmet

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Unique Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain "kabuto" or helmet, hand painted in gold, red and blue colors. Kabuto dates back to 6th century. I...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Porcelain Charger in Gold Red Blue by Japanese Contemporary Master Artist

$2,350

Porcelain Charger in Gold Red Blue by Japanese Contemporary Master Artist

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Gilded and dimpled Japanese decorative porcelain charger intricately hand painted, showcasing a dramatic breathtaking phoenix in deep blue extending its beautiful long wings to cover...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Antique Edo Period Japanese Porcelain Large Dish Fan Decoration, Ca 1700

$533

Antique Edo Period Japanese Porcelain Large Dish Fan Decoration, Ca 1700

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Sharing with you this very nice edo period, 1666/1680, example. A rare version with Fan in the border Unmarked Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin...

Category

17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 2 Antique Japanese Porcelain Tea Dishes Floral with Hangers, c. 1700

$221 / set

Set of 2 Antique Japanese Porcelain Tea Dishes Floral with Hangers, c. 1700

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Porcelain decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze red. Edo , c. 1700. Tea Bowl and dish. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Japan Pe...

Category

17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Edo Period Japanese Porcelain Plate Arita Kraak Dish, Ca 1680

$2,904

Antique Edo Period Japanese Porcelain Plate Arita Kraak Dish, Ca 1680

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Sharing with you this very nice edo period, 1680-1700, example. With a central scene of a flowers. The rim beautifully painted. The base is blank. Unmarked at base Arita ware, also...

Category

17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique 17th Century Japanese Porcelain Garniture Vases Blood and Milk Edo Pe

$4,281

Antique 17th Century Japanese Porcelain Garniture Vases Blood and Milk Edo Pe

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Sharing with you this amazing set for decorating your home. Interesting and beautifully made. 3 porcelain Arita baluster vases with covers. All decorated with with a nice floral dec...

Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

18th Century Japanese Hand-Carved Fully Blossomed Chrysanthemum Flower Figurine

$19,950

18th Century Japanese Hand-Carved Fully Blossomed Chrysanthemum Flower Figurine

Located in North Miami, FL

18th Century Japanese hand-carved fully blossomed chrysanthemum flower figurine made of white bone with branch and leaves painted. The flower is placed inside its original glass and ...

Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone

Figurine, Sanda ware, by Kinkodo Kisuke Edo period ceramic, celadon

$4,000

Figurine, Sanda ware, by Kinkodo Kisuke Edo period ceramic, celadon

Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA

Figurine, Sanda ware, by Kinkodo Kisuke, Edo period, ceramic, celadon glaze This ceramic piece depicts a seated man with a serene expression, dressed in a pale celadon green robe. Th...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Celadon

Early 17th Century Negoro Lacquer Footed Bowl

$25,000

Early 17th Century Negoro Lacquer Footed Bowl

Located in Hudson, NY

Early 17th century Negoro lacquer footed bowl, Edo period (1603-1868) round bowl with tripod cabriole style legs. Negoro lacquer (monk's lacquer in red ...

Category

Early 17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Lacquer

19th Century Red Lacquer Tray with Rabbit Running Over Waves Under Full Moon

$2,800

19th Century Red Lacquer Tray with Rabbit Running Over Waves Under Full Moon

Located in Hudson, NY

19th century Japanese red lacquer tray with rabbit running over waves under full moon. Mingei style painting, the imagery of this tray is bas...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

19th Century Superior Quality Japanese Bronze Vase with Grape Vine Handles

$9,000

19th Century Superior Quality Japanese Bronze Vase with Grape Vine Handles

Located in Hudson, NY

19th century superior quality Japanese bronze vase with grape vine handles. Beautifully shaped Edo period (first half of the 19th century) vase with c...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

A Set of Six Takatori Ware Dishes Now Mounted

$8,500

A Set of Six Takatori Ware Dishes Now Mounted

Located in Stamford, CT

A set of Six Takatori Ware plates. One employing the Japanese Kintsugi technique of using gold to repair cracked ceramics. As a philosophy, kintsugi is similar to the Japanese phi...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Early 19th Century Japanese Wood Noh Mask

$8,500

Early 19th Century Japanese Wood Noh Mask

Located in Hudson, NY

Early 19th century Japanese wood noh mask, This mask comes in its original kiri wood storage box, which is signed and dated: Koran, 1811 (Edo period). The box...

Category

1810s Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Monk Head Bamboo and Glass Sculpture, Japan 19th Century, Edo Period

$5,707

Monk Head Bamboo and Glass Sculpture, Japan 19th Century, Edo Period

Located in PARIS, FR

Superb bamboo sculpture with glass eyes of a Japanese monk. Japan, 19th century, Edo period. In good condition. Slight wear and small dent seen in photos. Dimensions in cm (H x L x...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Edo Decorative Objects

Materials

Bamboo, Glass

Edo decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Edo decorative objects 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 decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Edo decorative objects 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 decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Benin People, Imari Porcelain, and Shigaraki Valley Potters. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $250 and tops out at $42,057 while the average work can sell for $1,800.