Japonisme Decorative Objects

This extraordinary vase by French designer Vanessa Mitrani exemplifies her innovative approach to glass, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistry. The hand-blown ...

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of vintage Meji Style Bronze Vases depicting Bats and Dragons. A good looking and decorative pair, these are export pieces so mad...

Japonesque sterling silver ink stand. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1881. Square with concave sides and fluted corners on cast scroll and bead supports. Centrally mounted bal...

A fine and charming 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 ...

A delicate and rare Japanese ceramic vase by the important Meiji imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa 1890s. Dated to his underglaze phase post 1887 after he successfully m...

A wonderful Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) Bronze overlay vase. Having exquisite and amusing scenes in relief, patinated and overlay of a Dog of Foo, a Frog fishing in a Lotus lea...

A Japanese lacquered box with lid in the shape of a miniature Hasami-Bako (traveling chest) circa late 18 to early 19th century of the Edo period....

Japonesque sterling silver vase. Made by Tiffany & Co. in Union Square, New York. Lozenge pillar bowl on 4 scroll-mounted rectilinear volute-scroll supports. Engraved ornament: Flowe...

Large Royal Crown Derby style 'Imari' pattern centerpiece, profusely hand-painted decorated with rich, vibrant colors and gilt, unusual seaweed and floral ...

This is a bonsai creation by Japanese artist Yumiko Kuwahata. It is made from washi paper, clay, and fabric. The ceramic vessels are personally selected by the artist, who visits ki...

A stunning pair of ceramic vases with gilt, paint and high-relief decoration by imperial artist Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916, also known as Miyagawa Kozan) circa 1876-81 (late Meiji period). These vases belong to early period (1876-1881) of Kozan's repertoire, during which time the high relief sculpturing (known as Takauki ware) was used as a distinguished technique on top of the traditional gilt and paint ornaments of satsuma ware. Due to the relatively limited production and the fragile nature of these wares, not a large quantity of the examples remained in the first place, not mentioning a fine matching signed pair in such impressive sizes. Not only a rarity, this pair of vases is also superb in workmanship, thus the fine example of the work from that short and unique period of the artist's career before he switched to the underglaze period. In a conceptually mirrored fashion, the surface is richly decorated with flying cranes among large lotus leaves and flower, like an idyllic aqua scenery of pure poetry on a circular scroll. The high-relief appliques were rendered and composed in realistic fashion but with a dramatic touch. They are literally about to break the surface free, alive and in motion. The dark colors of the glaze were used to set a moody tone. The approach to create this type of ornamentations is more akin to sculpturing an ink painting in three-dimension than ceramic making. It is not hard to imagine the demand of both the artistry and the technique. Both vases were signed as "Makuzu Kozan Kiln" and each further with another name and seal, which are most likely the individual artist involved in the making process. Similar signatures can be seen in the reference book below. For similarly Takauki vases, see Miyagawa Kozan Makuzu...

A pair of porcelain vases in classic form, decorated with underglaze blue and copper red painting by Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan. Also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), Makuzu was one of the most established and collected ceramist known to the west from Meiji Period. The vases are in a classic Chinese form called "Bang Chu Ping" (grain-mallet vase...

An important Japanese bamboo Ikebana basket by Yamamoto Chikuryosai I (also known as Chikuryusai I, Shoen after 1929) (1868-1945). Active in Osaka, Kansai region, he was advised by Wada Waichisai I. After 1929, he signed his work as Shoen (Shoen made this), such as this one. This basket was made using "sooted" bamboo (susutake in Japanese). This bamboo materials was collected from traditional thatched-roof houses that had been exposed to decades of smoke from a hearth or cooking fire, therefore the basket displays a deep rich patina that is hard to attain by color-lacquering. The basket featured a large rounded barrel form with handle. The body was constructed with a twill plaiting variation of a more relaxed and loose weave. It allows the light coming through to render the piece a lighter sense. Parallel plaiting was used to reinforce the body with stripes of bamboo, while adding more visual constrict to a free spirited background. Twisted bamboo strips form rope-like handle and the top rim. It is signed "Shoen Made This" on the base. Two-piece water container made from bamboo trunk is retained with the piece as shown. For the artists other and similar work, see baskets masterpieces of Japanese Bamboo Art...

Rare majolica pin tray with insect and branches signed Choisy Le Roi, circa 1890.

A Japanese glazed ceramic footed dish made in the Ko-Kutani type of Edo period but likely during Kutani revival in the 19th century Meiji Period. The dish with delicate foliaged rim ...

A wonderful pair of large Japanese late 19th century Fukagawa Imari lidded vases. Each with three stylised mythical birds as finials to the lids, bold o...

Chinese Art Deco Famille-Rose Vase with Flower and Dragon Motif, Ca. 1920 DIMENSIONS Height: 24 inches Diameter: 10 inches

A lacquered wood box with lid from Japan circa 19th century Meiji Period. The finely decorated box was used to store paper slips and small documents on the desk. It is overall finished with black lacquer (kuro) with sparse Mura-Nashiji effect outside and on the top surface of the lid, there are three Komainu, (sometimes known as Shishi or Japanese lions) frolicking and forming a circle in lively motion. Komainu are auspicious animals in Japanese cultures in both Shinto and Buddhism tradition. Originally from China, these animals symbolizes guardians to ward off evil spirits. Hiramaki-e was used in combination with carving and combing to render the lions with various surface textures. A gilt border with an slight angle was given to the lid and even the thin band is decorated with miniature floral scrolls. The interior of the box was finished in a dense nashiji. Underneath the lid, a cluster of peonies open lavishly by two gentle mounts. Takamaki-e (high relief) in both gold and silver were...

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...

19th century Japanese Satsuma Vase ~ Jardiniere with Bronze Mounts is an amazing work of art with scenes hand-painted around the en...

An Antique 19th Century Japanism French Porcelain Jardinière with Gilt and Silvered-Bronze Tri-Footed Stand. This jardinière is in the Jap...

ANDO CLOISONNÉ COMPANY - Extraordinary cloisonné vase with roses and transparent green enamel over raised bamboo decoration - green enamel to the interi...

A rare porcelain vase by Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa 1870-81 (late Meiji period). The vase is dated to the earlier work from Kozan's studio during his early period (Takauki-ware p...

Planter presented at the Universal Exhibition, Paris, 1878, along with several other works on this theme, an extremely rare piece. An identical model is held in the Baccarat Museum's...

#350 Japanese Edo Period Bronze Jardinière w/ Birds & Cherry Blossom Tree, 19th C. DIMENSIONS: Height: 9 inches Diameter: 12 inches DETAILS Edo Period (1603-1868) Meiji Period (...

A lovely Japanese bamboo basket by Hayakawa Shokosai IV, the fourth generation of the Shokosai lineage, one of the best known in the Japanese Bamboo art...

A porcelain vase with dragon design by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), circa 1900s. The vase is made in what is considered early phase of his underglaze period during late Meiji era. In a classic baluster form, the surface of the vase was decorated with a slithering dragon in underglaze iron red circulating the exterior among pink clouds. The animated rendering of the dragon is fine and detailed, with five claws, scales, long tails and highlighted eyes. The pink cloud is misty and called Morotai or the hazy style, created with a unique technique developed in Kozan's studio called fuki-e by blowing the pigment powders onto the surface. Kozan Studio experimented with newly available colors from the west starting in the 1880s, which resulted in the expansion of the palette and style that bridged the east and west aesthetic tradition. Marked in underglaze blue on the base. Known also as Miyagawa Kozan...

Sumida Gawa pottery garniture. Japan, circa 1890-1900.

Amazing early 20th century Japanese brass champleve vases features a vibrant colorful enamel design depicting dragons.  

The peoples of North America, the Japanese Americans. Discusses the history, culture, and religion of the Japanese, factors encouraging their emigra...

A striking blue and white vase from the studio of Japanese Potter Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one of the most established and collected ceramist from Meiji Period. Born as Miyagawa Toranosuke, Kozan established his pottery studio in Yokohama around 1870s and later became one of the appointed artist to the Japanese Imperial household. His work was exhibited in many international fairs that the Meiji government participated at the turn of the century and won many grand prizes. With a relative large size, this vase is decorated with underglaze cobalt blue using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting), in order to achieve the striking dimensional misty winter landscape. The pine trees with upright trunks and down-sweeping branches appear receding into the depth of the mist, forming an visually unending forest. Known as one of the most creative ceramists, around 1880s, Kozan started experimenting with new chemical colors from the West in the format of his porcelain glaze. New colors allowed him to create underglaze design that appeared bright, smooth and glossy. He even invented his own receipt of cobalt blue to achieve a much brighter yet softer shade, as evident on this vase. To create landscape that is realistic and dimensional, more common in the western paintings, he was inspired by the native Japanese ink painting technique developed around 1900 by Yokoyama...

This exquisite four-case lacquered inro was dated to the latter part of 18th century to early 19th century (Edo period) and made by Shigehide. The opposite sides of the inro together features a lavish flower arrangement in a bamboo basket (ikebana). The detailed craftmanship was a true pleasure to behold. Mostly Takamaki-e (high relief) were used to texturize the delicate petals of the chrysanthemums, on which different shades of gold were used to create contrast. Raden (mother of pearl) shells were also used to highlight some leaves, rendering the piece an interesting balance of color and material. The interior was completed in a mottled gold finish. It was signed Shigehide on the bottom with a Kao. There is a small carved rabbit ojime bead...

19th century blue and white Japanese porcelain dish Meiji period decorated with prunus on the cobalt blue ground, inscription to base, Ex Bonhams lot 268 diameter 12 inch.

A Pair of French Japanism Signed CP & Co Pate Sur Pate and Gilt Porcelain Vases. This elegant pair of vases, crafted by CP & Co, exemplifies the aesthetic influences of Japanism in ...

20th c., a pair of Japanese Kutani style porcelain lidded jars, stamped on Porcelaine de Paris underside of foot. The mark indicates the piece was produced in the 1970's. The jars are decorated in deep orange, tangerine and gold motifs on a white background. On one side, both jars have matching decoration depicting a scroll showing a pastoral scene. On the other side, each jar has a seperate floral depiction; one including bamboo. Both are highly decorative. Founded 1773 by Jean-Baptiste Locre, Porcelaine de Paris, was one of the first manufactures to use the Chinese secret of porcelain. It immediately aimed for the luxury trade, selling to the Royal Courts of Europe. After surviving the French Revolution, Porcelaine de Paris steadily produced tableware as well as purely decorative pieces, receiving orders from all over Europe. Productivity was astonishing, creating one new model every day over 30 years! Around 1830, Jean-Marx Clauss, a German-born potter bought a building at Rue de la Pierre-Levee, where he took over Locre's activity. M. Achille Bloch...

Sumida Gawa Pottery Vase, Japan, early 20th century.

American applied sterling silver perfume vial, ca 1880. Clear glass cylinder with twisted fluting. Sterling silver collar and hinged cover with tendril, f...

A Royal Worcester porcelain “variety” vase, made in 1876 in the japonisme style. The forced opening of Japan to trade in 1854 led to a craze for E...

Japanese Meiji Period Koransha Olive Green & Gold Glaze Porcelain Vase, Ca. 1880 DIMENSIONS Height: 4.5 inches Diameter: 5 inches ABOUT Meiji Period (1868–1912) Koransha Porcelain ...

An important woven bamboo ikebana basket circa first half of the 20th century (Taisho or Showa era) by Japanese bamboo master Maeda Chikubosai I (1872-1950). Chikubosai I was from th...

Raku fired Large Vessel by Fernande Beland of Canada Mutiple colors of gold, green, amber, charcoal. The iridescence of the glaze is breath taking as the colors change with differen...

Sagejubako is a portable picnic set that became popular in the early Edo period when an additional meal was added between breakfast and dinner. It normally consists of a carry case w...

This is a vase made by the Japanese ceramic artist unit "Scarlet Pottery." It is a piece of pottery made using Amakusa pottery stone. Amakusa pottery stone is famous as the raw mater...

A magnificent pair of Large French Japonisme porcelain vases in the style of Édouard Lièvre, dating to the final decades of the 19th century. These exceptional vases captivate with t...

Japanese Meiji Period Glazed Katan Ware Peacock, ca. 1890 DIMENSIONS: Height: 5.5 inches Depth: 9 inches Width: 3.5 inches ABOUT This finely craft...

A very fine pair of Japanese style vases attributed to Susse Frères and made in two patina bronze. Each vase in form of a patinated bronze ovoid body...

A pair of Japanese lacquered lidded Hokai boxes with chased brass hardware and original ropes. Hokai boxes are traditionally used in Japan as the containers ...

A four-case lacquered Japanese inro by Yutokusai (Gyokkei), a lacquer artist active from 1845-1900 (end of Edo to Meiji period). The slightly round inro features a very intricate design with three unfolded fans on the front and two on the back: each reveals a vignette landscape scenery, likely real places in Japan. Using a combination of hiramaki-e and slight takamaki-e, the artist deftly created the pictures with fine details, rendering the inro as a miniature artwork...

Sumida Gawa Pottery Vase, Japan, early 20th century.

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...

A porcelain vase with dragon motif by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), circa 1900s. The vase is made in what is considered early phase of his underglaze period during late Meiji era. In a classic elongated baluster form, the surface of the vase was decorated in an unusual pink mist on a white and aubergine background (called Morotai, the Hazy style), on which a flying dragon is showcased on the center. The dragon was outlined in iron red and filled with the aubergine color and was artistically emphasized on its bulging eyes, claws, scales and a long tail. It was the sole focus of the design circumventing the entire body of the vase. The imagery calls in mind the dragon decoration found in Korean...

A ceramic vase with iridescent glaze in the shape of an elephant foot cache pot by the legendary French ceramist Pierre Clement Massier (1845-1917). Massier is widely considered as t...

19th-Century Japanese Imari porcelain vase. This fine vase have a lovely shape and hand painted floral designs in the traditional Imari colors.

French Japanism Champlevé Enamel Ormolu Mounted Clock, Christofle & Cie. The clock consists of a spherical champlevé enamel body mounted in an ormolu structure. The enamel surface i...

Figure standing wearing kimono with arms out front. On an iron base. Signed Ch Masse , Sculp, Paris. Provenance , Estate Of William Hodgins. Interior d...

Ikebana basket (hanakago) in wickerwork of polished bamboo with twisted handle. Features a sheet metal and varnished bamboo vase for the floral arrangement. Mark under the vase Nana...

Amusing bronze with double patina and porcelain clock in the shape of a covered jar. This clock, with a dial with Arabic numerals decorated in its center with a seated lute player, i...

Rare Japanese clock in double patina bronze with suspended dial. The portico and dial, with calligraphic Kanji numerals complemented by hands featuring an undulating dragon, are deco...

A beautifully decorated cloisonné vase with silver rims by Ando Jubei (1876-1956), the celebrated Japanese Shippo studio. The piece is dated to late Meiji to early Showa period circa...

A pair of small but exquisite Plique-a-jour cloisonné bowls with nearly identical design from Nagoya area in Japan circa 1900-20s. Maker's unknown but possibly by Ando company. The t...