Japonisme Decorative Objects

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...

This pair of black vases with gilded Japanese decoration was made by the Val Saint-Lambert crystal works around 1880. Founded in 1826, the Val Sa...

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...

Antique Japanese Lacquer And Giltwood Zushi Shrine, or traveling altar, with hand-carved wooden standing Japanese figure. Intricately bronzed...

Fine pair of baluster-shaped opaline vases of Japanese inspiration, adorned with a chiselled and gilded bronze mount imitating bamboo, extending up the neck with two movable ring han...

Coalport Porcelain (English, 1795-1926 then part of the Wedgwood company), circa 1885. An Exhibition quality porcelain moon flask style vase featuring a cobalt ground and grouping of highly detailed enamel cranes to one side grazing around a pond with 24kt gold calla lilies in the background. The verso with a similar scene of two cranes likely a mating pair. Each side is surrounded by masterfully detailed sunflowers and furthermore by Rococo motifs and enameled scrollwork of polychrome enamel embellishments. Please note, unfortunately at one point this vase was made into a lamp and the base has been replaced with a gilt metal foot. Measuring: 19" h, 13.5" w, 7.5" d. Provenance: An important Cape Cod...

The long neck bottle of classic form was heavily potted with coarse clay with high iron content. The flask, circa 18th century Edo period, was purposed for sake storage but also substituted as a flower vase during tea ceremony. The surface is covered in glossy black glaze and contrasts strikingly with white ash glaze around the shoulder. The white, fired with straw, displays a splashing feather effect and fine crackles, blending in with the black artistically. This type of Karatsu ware...

A large and very impressive 19th Century Japanese lidded Imari vase. Measures: 45". Having a wonderful Foo dog finial to the lid, classical bold blue and orange ground. Scrolling fo...

This is an Asian White Stone Sculpture of a Japanese Lady. It depicts a standing up young lady wearing a flowing kimono, Japanese hairstyle and holding a tulip flower. The sculpture ...

Vintage Japanese decorative porcelain plate beautifully decorated with gorgeous colors and peony design typical of Toyo of Japan, circa 1950s. It is absolut...

19th century French bronze vase patinated and decorated with cherry blossoms along with branch form handles. The baluster form vase with a quad form pierced base surmounted on a roun...

A vintage Japanese ikebana made from lacquered bamboo basketry circa first half of the 20th century. This piece of bamboo art displays an very light and delicate classic tapered squa...

Very unique antique (late 19th to early 20th century) table or mantel clock in the Japonisme style, possibly of continental origin, in the form of a Japanese drum or barrel on stand,...

A set of four Japanese Ceramic Tokkuri Sake storage bottles circa early 20th century (Meiji to Taisho period). The bottles were made in Tanba (or Tamba) ...

A fine Pair of 19th century Japanese Imari Porcelain and French Gilt-Bronze Mounted Thirteen-Light Celadon Torchere Candelabra. The bottle-shaped Japonisme vases with a Royal red background, decorated with parcel-gilt and black soaring eagles in the hunt within a forestall scene. Each Vase fitted and surmounted with a French 19th century Louis XV Style 13-Light scrolled candelabrum and all raised on a circular pierced gilt-bronze plinth. circa: 1880. Imari Porcelain (????) is the name for Japanese porcelain wares made in the town of Arita, in the former Hizen Province, northwestern Kyushu. They were exported to Europe extensively from the port of Imari, Saga, between the second half of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century. The Japanese as well as Europeans called them Imari. In Japanese, these porcelains are also known as Arita-yaki (???). Imari or Arita porcelain has been continously produced up through the present day. Characteristics Though there are many types of Imari, Westerners' conception of Imari in the popular sense is associated only with a type of Imari produced and exported in large quantity in mid-17th century. This type is called Kinrande. Kinrande Imari is colored porcelain with cobalt blue underglaze and red and gold overglaze. The color combination was not seen in China at that time. Traditional Ming dynasty color porcelain used dominantly red and green, probably due to scarcity of gold in China, whereas gold was abundant in Japan in those days. The subject matter of Imari is diverse, ranging from foliage and flowers to people, scenery and abstractions. Some Imari design structures such as kraak style were adopted from China, but most designs were uniquely Japanese owing to the rich Japanese tradition of paintings and costume design. The porcelain has a gritty texture on the bases, where it is not covered by glaze. There is also blue and white Imari. Kakiemon style Imari is another type of Imari, but it tends to be categorized separately in Europe. History "Imari" was simply the trans-shipment port for Arita wares. It was the kilns at Arita which formed the heart of the Japanese porcelain industry. Arita's kilns were set up in the 17th century, when kaolin was discovered in 1616 by the immigrant Korean potter, Yi Sam-pyeong (1579–1655). (He may also be known by the name, "Kanage Sambei".) Yi Sam-Pyeong, along with his extended family of 180 persons, left Korea on the offer of a privileged position in Japan. This decision was made after the occurrence of certain Japanese invasions of Korea. After Yi Sam-Pyeong's discovery, his kilns began to produce revised Korean-style blue and white porcelains, known as "Shoki-Imari". In the mid-17th century there were also a lot of Chinese refugees in Northern Kyushu due to the turmoil on Chinese continent, and it is said one of them brought coloring technique to Arita. Thus Shoki-Imari developed into Ko-KutaniImari. Ko-Kutani was produced around 1650 for both export and domestic market. Blue and white porcelain continued to be produced and they are called Ai-Kutani. Ko-Kutani Imari for the export market usually adopted Chinese design structure such as kraak style, whereas Ai-Kutani for the domestic market were highly unique in design and are accordingly valued very much among collectors. Ko-Kutani style evolved into Kakiemon style Imari, which was produced for about 50 years around 1700. Imari achieved its technical and aesthetic peak in Kakiemon style, and it dominated European market. Blue and white Kakiemon is called Ai-Kakiemon. Kakiemon style transformed into Kinrande in the 18th century. Kinrande used blue underglaze and red and gold overglaze, and later some other colors. Imari began to be exported to Europe because the Chinese kilns at Ching-te-Chen were damaged in the political chaos and the new Qing dynasty government stopped trade in 1656–1684. Exports to Europe were made through the Dutch East India Company, but the designation "Imari Porcelain" in Europe connotes Arita wares of mostly Kinrande Imari. Export of Imari to Europe stopped in mid-18th century when China began export to Europe again, since Imari was not able to compete against China due to high labor cost. By that time, however, both Imari and Kakiemon style were already so popular among Europeans, Chinese export porcelain copied both Imari and Kakiemon style, which is called Chinese Imari. At the same time, European kilns, such as Meisen also tried to copy Imari and Kakiemon. Export of Imari surged again in late 19th century (Meiji era) when Japonism flourished in Europe. Thus in western world today, two kinds of Imari can...

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

What can we say about this bowl? Perhaps we can start by describing the unique Japanese aesthetic concept of "Wabi-Sabi". In contrast to the western concept of beauty that is centere...

Meissen bowl in hand-painted porcelain decorated with cherry tree branches, in Japanese style. Early 1900s. Measurements: 24.0 cm. x 3.5 cm. In good condition, with hairline crac...

Chinese Ming Dynasty Gilt Iron Head of Buddha, Ca. 17th Century DETAILS Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) DIMENSIONS: Width: 10 inches Wid...

Karl Lindström and Nils Emil Lundström for Rörstrand. Lidded porcelain jar decorated with grape vines in gold on a beautiful dark blue base. Japan...

Japanese Meiji Period Lacquered Wooden Box w/ Original Outer Case, Ca. 1880 Meiji Period: 1868-1912 DIMENSIONS Length: 16.5 inches Width: 3.5 inches Height: 2.5 inches

A Pair of Art Deco Chinese Cloisonné Horses Incense Holders, Ca. 1920 DIMENSIONS (each) Height: 10.75 inches Length: 9 inches Depth: 5 inches

A dual-handled jardinière with black cloisonne ornamented with flowers, butterflies and foliage. Origin: France, Paris  Date: Last quarter of the 19th Century   Stamped F. BARBEDI...

Yamashita Kochikusai (1876-1947) was a Japanese bamboo artist from Osaka, Kansai region. He apprenticed under Wada Waichisai I (1851-1901), becoming independent in 1901. His students include Ezono Chikubisai, Suzuki Gengensai and Inose Kohosai. He won prizes for his work at numbers of exhibitions and was patronized by the Imperial Household. The basket on offer has a simple but elegant elongated shape and it was finely woven with smoked bamboo likely circa 1910s-1920s, late Meiji to early Taisho period. The body was constructed with Hexagonal Plaiting for the main body, reinforced with twining in the upper and lower portions. The special design was reserved for an mouth ring...

Antique French Japonisme silvered bronze and porcelain three-piece clock set French, Late 19th Century Clock: Height 36cm, width 32cm, depth 17cm Candelabra: Height 28cm, width 26...

Japanese Large Hand-Carved Boxwood Okimono – “Mino-Kame” Turtle, Ca. 1900 DIMENSIONS: Height: 4 inches Length: 19 inches Wide : 5 inches ABOUT An exceptional example of Meiji-era c...

This a Lladro soft glow porcelain flower gourd vase. It is hand painted white in the background with a repousse of long light green branches with light blue leaves and flowers plus r...

Japanese Late Edo Period Life-Size Imperial Bunraku Head, Hands and Legs by Nagoshi Kenji, Ca. 1850 DIMENSIONS Head: 13” High Hands: 11” High Legs: 9” High ...

Japanese (19th Century) orange and white round shaped porcelain vase with handle top.  

Pair of Japonism porcelain and ormolu-mounted Aesthethic Movement vase's.

Japanese Modernist Beige Studio Ceramic Flower Vase, Circa 1950s DIMENSIONS: Height: 11 inches Diameter: 4 inches ABOUT JAPANESE MODERNIST BEIGE STUDIO CERAMICS Japanese Modernist...

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...

A Japanese woven bamboo basket with handle from early 20th century, circa end of Meiji to Taisho period. The basket was constructed in the form o...

A studio made ceramic tea bowl (Chawan) with a slightly irregular form and exceptional surface glaze by American potter Warren Mackenzie (1924-2018). Reminiscent of a monk's begging bowl...

Japanese Late Meiji Period Head of Buddha in Wood, Ca. 1910 DIMENSIONS: Height: 22 inches Width: 7 inches Depth: 7 inches ABOUT A serene and finely carved wooden Head of Buddha fro...

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 Fudou Myouou (the other being Kongara Doji), the name of Seitaka Doji is a transliteration of Sanskrit "Cetaka", meaning servant, slave, and he is said to personify expedient action. He is most commonly found on the right side of Fudou, together with Kongara Doji on the left, forming the Immovable triad, Fudou Sanzon, the terror of evil doers. Seitaka largely adheres to the iconography of a wrathful youth with fleshy body and face, skin in the color of a red lotus, has his hair tied in five knots, and holds a vajra in his left hand and a vajra-club in his right hand, but the actual artistic representations of him in Japan do...

With an Arabesque rim and decorated with lizards, dragonflies and vines. These unusual vases reflect the European fascination Japan at the turn of the century and delightfully inco...

A beautiful and very large pair of Meiji period Japanese bronze vases with brown patina and caved design with applied gilt and silver bronze inserts representing birds and insects fl...

A handwoven bamboo basket by Japanese bamboo artist Higashi Takesonosai (1915-2003), in the form of a traditional rice container. It was woven with...

Antique Japanese woven boat shape (funagata) Ikebana flower basket, with lacquer,975 rattan, root and smoked bamboo. Fine quality weaving with wonderful patina.

A stoneware vase with white dripping glaze from Hagi by Kyusetsu Miwa X (1895-1981), Showa Period. The vase is in the shape of "Double Gourd" with a bulbous ...

Candleholder designed by Ryosuke Harashima. This work is made of Japanese antique glass plate and brass. Artist create new style candleholder by ...

Elegant pair of square section vases attributed to Baccarat, in enameled crystal with polychrome decoration of birds of paradise, resting on an openwork patinated and gilded bronze b...

Japanese Late Meiji Period Satsuma Three-Footed Vase, Ca. 1900 Late Meiji Period (1868-1912) DIMENSIONS: Height: 10.25 inches Di...

Beautiful square-shaped bowl in engraved crystal decorated with bamboo and birds. It rests on a gilded bronze dragon turtle, a legendary Chinese creature with the body of a dragon an...

Japanese Contemporary Grand Pottery Sculpture, Ca. 1980 ABOUT This absolutely unique late 20th Century pottery sculpture with bamboo-styled formed handles features a wonderful artis...

Japonisme stoneware and bronze jardinière attributed to Édouard-Alexandre Dammouse for Haviland & Co, with bronze mounts attributed to the F . Barbedienne foundry. Based on the...

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...

Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonné Vase w/ Samurai, Attendant, and Floral Motif, Ca. 1890 DIMENSIONS: Height: 12 inches Diameter: 5.5 inches ABOUT An elegant cloisonné enamel vase fr...

A tall vintage ceramic vase with handle from Japan (20th century) by Nanba Koyo. Made in the tradition of Bizen ware, the vase has a modern aesthetic with a...

A lovely Japanese bamboo ikebana basket in the shape of gourd with an open mouth and a body circa 1920s-1940s. The piece was woven in great details and styles with mostly irregular a...

A woven bamboo flower Ikebana basket by Tanabe Chikuunsai II (1921-2000) from Showa era (1926-1989), circa 1950-1960s. The ikebana basket takes a vertical square form, the body was e...

A Pair of Japanese Mid Edo Period Carved Stone Sculptures of Female Buddha Sattva, ca. 1750 PERIOD Mid Edo Period (1603-1868) DIMENSIONS Height: 10.5 ...

Atique Rootwood & Bamboo Ikebana Vase Japan, XIX Century DIMENSIONS Height: 19.25vinches Width: 10.13 inches Depth: 9.5 inches ABOUT This absolutely unique ikebana vase consist...

A large and impressive Japanese basket in the form of a morikago by Maeda Chikubosai I (1872-1950) circa first half of the 20th century. Chikubosai I was from the Kansai Region and active in Sakai, Osaka prefecture. He was instructed by Wada Waichisai I, (1851-1901). Morikago is a shallow open basket with handle. It was traditionally used to display fruits, sometimes flowers, during Sencha tea ceremony. In contrast to Chanoyu, Sencha ceremony uses loose green tea leaves instead of tea powder. The placement of loose fruits in the basket meant that the pattern of the bottom, which is often elaborate, was meant to be visible. This morikago was beautifully constructed with bent bamboo frame and twill plaits for the body. The bottom of the basket features a double diamond pattern achieved with a variation of plover plait. The bifurcated handles was bundle-plated with a rather free spirit approach. They show a poetic suggestion of movement, as if the bamboos were still swaying in the wind. The basket has a copper insert that fits perfectly and it is quite possibly the original. The basket is signed on the base "Chikubosai". The style of the signature shows that it was made by Maeda Chikubosai I. For another Morikago basket by Maeda Chikubosai I, see page 79 of "Masters of Bamboo" by Rinne. For the study of the signature of Chikubosai I "Baskets Master Pieces of Japanese Bamboo Art...

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...

Japanese Emperor Shōwa Mashiko-Ware White Glazed Porcelain Vase, Ca. 1980 Emperor Shōwa Period - from 1926 to 1989 Signed box DIMENSIONS Height: 10 inches Width: 5.5 inches ABO...

An important piece of bamboo basketry art by Maeda Chikubosai I (1872-1950), circa 1920s-1930s. The body of the bamboo brazier was made with smoked bamboo (susudake) and rattan and with a built-in copper liner brazier. Mat plaiting, diagonal plaiting and twining were used to construct the robust body while hexagonal plaiting was used for the base. It is signed on the base Chikubosai Kore o tsukuru (Chikubosai made this). The copper brazier...

Japonesque bronze cache pot by Berndorf, Austria, circa 1890. Nouveau with a Japanese decorative motif. Stamped Bergdorf over an E Decorated with thr...

A set of five stoneware sencha tea cups by Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875). These miniature cups were simply molded in the classic form, glazed in off white and incised with cursive waka poems, a signature decorative style by the artist. Accompanies the cups is a wood storage box and paper slip label inscribed "Rengetsu sencha, tea cups" Purportedly purchased from Tessai-do Co. Ltd., Japan in 1991. Otagaki Rengetsu was a famous Buddhist nun in Edo period who is widely regarded to have been one of the greatest Japanese poets...