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.
Tall, Cylindrical Satsuma Vase
Located in New Orleans, LA
This vibrant and ornate vase captivates the eye with its intricate details which stand as a testament to the mastery of Satsuma artists. The vase features rich reds, deep blues and s...
Earthenware
Early Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Box with Crane Flying Clouds
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine early Meiji period Japanese cloisonne enamel box decorated with a graceful crane in flight among stylized clouds, with a sparrow perched near a flowering tree. The domed lid p...
Enamel, Copper
19th Century Meiji Period Bronze Vase with Two Frogs
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Meiji period bronze vase with two frogs against a rough textured ground, signed ‘Hyakusei’, Japanese, circa 1880.
Bronze
Japanese Blue Gold Red Porcelain Charger by Celebrated Kiln
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite contemporary gilded porcelain deep charger with a unique deep charger shape in blue, red and gold is created in a renowned Kiln of the Imari-Arita region of southern Japan ...
Gold
$10,500 / set
Pair of Antique Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese cloisonne enamel vases. Each vase is adorned with intricate geometric ornaments and floral motifs against a green ground. Each has curved handles on either...
Enamel
Signed Mid 19th C. Edo/Meiji Period Miniature Lacquer Stacking Cabinet, Japan
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
The highly decorated tray in the form of a table frames a series of three stacking boxes, a further three lidded boxes and a tray concealed within, raised on ogee bracket feet. This...
Lacquer
Satsuma Porcelain Table Lamp, Meiji Style, Enameled, Japan, Late 1800s
Located in Savannah, GA
Made for the European market in the Meiji period, this lovely Japanese Satsuma porcelain vase has been converted into a table lamp and mounted on a wooden base. Decorated with delica...
Porcelain
Japanese Contemporary Blue White Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 5
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite contemporary Japanese decorative porcelain vase, intricately hand painted in blue underglaze in various shades of blue on a stunning ovoid shape body, a signed work by high...
Porcelain
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...
Bronze
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...
Bronze
Pair Of High Quality Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A beautiful pair of high quality antique Japanese Meiji Era brass and enamel vases, 1868 to 1912. Both are of a baluster form with elegant narro...
Enamel
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Round Cloisonne Covered Jar
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period round cloisonne covered jar showcasing the exquisite artistry and craftsmanship of the era. This jar is adorned w...
Enamel
High Quality Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Double Sided Moon and
Located in Long Island City, NY
A high quality Japanese amphora shaped enamel over brass vase. The vase is adorned with polychrome enamel medallions depicting a crane bird and blossoming flowers, and an evening lan...
Enamel, Brass
Antique Pair of Lobe Shaped Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Goldstone Dragon Butterfly
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese Meiji era enamel metal vases. The lobed shaped vases are enameled with polychrome medallion images of dragons and butter...
Enamel
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Fish, Ducks, Floral Vase Shippo
Located in Long Island City, NY
A finely made Japanese Meiji period cloisonne enamel vase decorated with multiple enamel medallions set against a textured charcoal ground. Each panel presents a different scene, inc...
Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Black Enamel 11 Sparrows on Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period. Elongated vase with pronounced neck. Black body decorated with...
Copper, Enamel
A Japanese Meiji Era Cloisonne Enamel Dragons and Ho Ho Bird Lobed Lidded Jar
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper lidded jar with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Elongated lobulated shape with pronounced base. The piece is richly decorated with...
Enamel, Copper
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Jar Goldstone Namikawa School
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji Era Cloisonne enamel dragon and phoenix bird lidded ginger jar. Early Meiji period, ca. 1885. The item is decorated w...
Enamel
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Vase in the Style of Namikawa
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese early Meiji period cloisonne vase, attributed to the master artisan Namikawa Yasuyuki. Boasts a striking baluster shape adorned with phoenix birds, intricate foli...
Enamel
Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases with Kirin, Tiger, Dragon and Phoenix M
Located in Long Island City, NY
A superb pair of Japanese cloisonné vases from the Meiji period, each finely worked in silver wire and rising 12 inches high. The four-paneled design alternates between mythologica...
Enamel
Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Gourd & Floral Bowl, in the Manner of Gotō
Located in Long Island City, NY
An exquisite Japanese cloisonné enamel vase of cylindrical form, worked in the manner of Gotō Seizaburō, dating to the Meiji period. One side shows a finely rendered gourd hanging ...
Enamel
Antique Pair Of Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Namikawa School
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of Japanese cloisonne enamel early Meiji translucent enamel vases . Each vase has an urn shaped body, a wide neck, and a fluted base. The vases are adorned with polychrome ena...
Enamel
Meiji Fukagawa Imari Porcelain Hexagonal Vase with Factory Silver Collar
By Fukagawa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fukagawa Hexagonal Imari Porcelain Vase with Factory Silver Collar, Meiji Period, circa 1900 An exceptional Meiji-period Japanese porcelain vase attributed to the Fukagawa studio, f...
Sterling Silver
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Millefiori Covered Jar
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne covered jar adorned with exquisite floral designs. This cloisonne jar showcases the mastery of Japanese artisa...
Enamel
Pair Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases with Phoenix Panels Meiji Period
Located in Long Island City, NY
A decorative pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel vases dating to the Meiji period, each measuring approximately 9 inches in height. The vases are finely worked in polychrome enamels on...
Enamel
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Fish and Mantis Amphora Shaped Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A vintage Japanese enamel over gilt copper vase. The amphora shaped vase is enameled with polychrome medallions depicting fish in a pond and a mantis in blossoming flowers surrounded...
Copper, Enamel
$5,600Sale Price|30% Off
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...
Bronze
$1,500Sale Price / set|50% Off
Antique Pair of Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Vases in the Style of Namikawa
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese early Meiji period cloisonne vases, in the style of Namikawa Yasuyuki. The vases epitomize Namikawas refined craftsmanship and the finesse of early Meiji J...
Enamel
Rare 19th Century Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Dragon 3 Piece Set
Located in Long Island City, NY
Three antique Japanese Meiji period vases, distinguished by their flared necks and decorative designs. Two of the vases feature high-shouldered forms, while the third is of a globula...
Enamel
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
Pair of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases Geometric Pattern In the Manner of Gotō
Located in Long Island City, NY
A refined pair of Japanese Meiji-period cloisonné enamel vases, worked in the manner of Gotō Seizaburō. Each cylindrical vase displays two shaped reserves set against a vivid turquoi...
Enamel
Meiji Period Satsuma Gilt Enameled Immortal & Geisha Vase & Stand by Kozan Zo
By Kozan Zo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meiji Period Satsuma Gilt Enameled Immortal & Geisha Vase & Stand Japan, Circa 1900, Meiji-era (1868–1912) Kozan Zo This exquisite Meiji-period Satsuma ...
Pottery, Hardwood
Japanese Meiji Period Bamboo and Silver Cigar / Cigarette Box with Match Holder
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING BOX AND MATCH HOLDER From our Japanese collection, we’re pleased to offer this Meiji period woven bamboo and mixed metal box with matching match holder. Th...
Silver, Copper
$60,240Sale Price|20% Off
Monumental Japanese Three-Piece Peach Cloisonné Enamel Garniture, Nagoya Company
By Nagoya Craftsmen
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A Monumental Japanese Meiji Period Three-Piece Lobed Cloisonné Enamel Garniture with Birds, Butterflies, and Chrysanthemums on a Rare Pale Peach Ground, Attributed to the Nagoya Cloi...
Copper, Enamel
Japanese Meiji Bronze Okimono of a Wild Boar by Akasofu Gyokko
Located in Shippensburg, PA
An exquisite Japanese sculpture of a Wild Boar from the Meiji period (1868-1912) raised over a fine carved and lacquered hardwood base. Finely cast, expertly chiseled and chased with...
Bronze
Japanese Contemporary Blue Red Porcelain Lidded Jar Vase
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite contemporary Japanese Ko-Imari style porcelain lidded temple jar/vase, intricately hand-painted in cobalt blue, iron red and green with generous application of gold on an e...
Gold
Pair of Antique Japanese Bronze Candlesticks / Incense Holders
Located in Forney, TX
A pair of Japanese Meiji Period (1852-1912) bronze altar candlesticks / incense holders with attractive warm brownish red bronze color and patina. Japan, 19th century, diminutive /...
Bronze
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel on Porcelain Floral Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese porcelain vase with polychrome design. Meiji period, circa 1870 Cylinder shape. Hand-painted blue and white pattern...
Enamel
Set of 2 Antique Meiji Kutani Model of a Recumbent Sleeping Cat, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this amazing set of two antique Japanese Kutani models of recumbent sleeping cats, 19th Century. The details and facial expression are amazing. Both on a stand which...
Porcelain
$960Sale Price|20% Off
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.
Copper
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Brush Pot
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji Era enamel over copper brush pot. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The cylindrical form pot is enameled with polychrome images of butterflies...
Copper, Enamel
Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné Vase with Colors Butterflies, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely vase Additional information: Material: Bronze & Metal Primary Material: Bronze & Cloisonne Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Period (18...
Bronze
$1,396Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair 19th Century Japanese Meiji Bronze Censer, Incense Burners
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of 19th Century Japanese Meiji Bronze Censer, Incense Burners. Measures 3" in width, 3" in depth and 9" in height.
Bronze
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Japanese Closionne Enamel Vase with Wisteria and Fish Signed
Located in Long Island City, NY
A rare antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over copper vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a long fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of blossoming Wisteria flowers and fish...
Copper, Enamel
Antique Japanese Satsuma Miniature Cabinet Vase
By Master Ryozan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine diminutive, antique Japanese Satsuma pottery cabinet vase. Decorated throughout with gilding and raised enamel. There are...
Ceramic
Rare 3 Piece Set of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Vases wi
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rare 3 Piece Set of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Vases with Wisteria and Birds antique Japanese copper vases with silver wire cloisonne...
Enamel, Silver
Old or Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Covered Jar or Urn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Japanese Imari porcelain lidded jar or urn. Decorated throughout with painted red floral devices with blue underglaze and gilt highlights against a white ground. Simply ...
Porcelain
$6,500 / set
Pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel covered jars
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of Japanese enamel over gilt copper covered jars. The exteriors of the jars are adorned with polychrome enamel medallions representing floral, foliage, geometrical and foliate...
Enamel, Copper
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
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...
Bronze
Antique Meiji Period Japanese Kutani Vase in Red and White, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique Meiji period Japanese Kutani Vase 19th century Red and White. Quality painting work. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Japanese Style: Kutani Region of ...
Porcelain
Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of matching Japanese cast metal and cloisonne enamel vases richly decorated with polychrome floral ornaments on a black ground. Unmarked. Dated circa the late 19th century, Me...
Enamel
Hand Woven Rice Basket with Wooden Frame and Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully **hand-woven and hand-crafted rice basket**, dating to the **late 19th / early 20th century**, expertly constructed of woven rattan and framed in wood with bamboo detai...
Cane, Raffia, Rattan, Wood
$1,068Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Jardiniere Dish, Japanese, Meiji, Bronze, Decor, Planter Bowl, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique jardiniere dish. A Japanese, a bronze Meiji era decorative planter bowl, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. A fine example of Meiji-jidai artistry, s...
Bronze
Pair of Japanese Patinated Bronze Vases w/ Carved Gilt Wood Flowers, Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Japanese Patinated Bronze Vases with Carved Gilt Wood Floral Arrangements, seen at Chanel. The pair is formed as matching bronze vases with a baluster body rising from a cir...
Bronze
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Brush Pot
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji Era cylindrical shaped enamel over brass brush pot. Circa: 19th century. The cylindrical form pot is enameled with polychrome medallions with butterflies in...
Enamel, Brass
Japanese Large Heavy Banko Ware Ceramic Pottery Stoneware Vase, 19th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic, wonderfully glaze stoneware Banko ware vase with beautifully detailed craftsmanship. Banko ware pottery is thought to have originate...
Stoneware
Antique Pair Japanese Noritake Hand Painted Vases Urns Centerpieces Pink Roses
By Noritake
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An Elegant Fine Pair Japanese Noritake Hand Painted Porcelain Vases of outstanding quality. First quarter of the Twentieth Century, late Meiji pe...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, before 1912. A medallion with butterflies among peony flowers is presented on the front side, a ...
Copper, Enamel
Antique Japanese Pencil Box Lacquer Ware Writing Meiji Period, 19th C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A Japanese lacquer writing box 19th Century Of rectangular shape, overall painted in famille rose colors with flowers, all on a yellow ground, the interior in red. Additional inform...
Lacquer