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.
$22,976Sale Price|20% Off
Monumental Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Vase with Dragon & Phoenix, Pat & Gold
Located in New York, NY
Monumental Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Vase with High Relief Dragon, Phoenix, Shishi and Turtles, two toned deep chocolate brown patina with gold highlights This palace size Japan...
Bronze
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly and Cranes in Flight Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A vintage Japanese urn shaped enamel over copper vase. The exterior of the vase is adorned with hand enameled panels depicting butterflies, cranes...
Enamel, Copper
A Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Pink-Ground Vases Featuring Sunset and Cranes
Located in Long Island City, NY
Presenting a truly captivating and highly collectible pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Pink-Ground Vases, attributed to the renowned artist Hayashi Kodenji. These excep...
Enamel
Antique Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Geometric Patterns Gard
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vase featuring intricate foliage motifs complemented by two exquisite floral panels. The meticulous craftsmanship in depicting foliage patt...
Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Koro Censer Bird in Cherry B
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper tripod incense burner of Koro type with silver wire cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period Dimensions: H 5 1/2 ...
Enamel, Silver
Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Ando Signed Purple Ground Roses
Located in Long Island City, NY
A refined Japanese cloisonné enamel vase by the Ando workshop, dating to the late Meiji to early Taisho period, and bearing a signature to the underside. The piece exemplifies the tr...
Enamel
Pair 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Imari Lidded Urns
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Imari Lidded Urns are extraordinarily well preserved, retaining their vivid coloration derived from copper and cobalt based pigments even afte...
Porcelain, Paint
$13,678 / set
Pair of Japanese vases - 100 cm
Located in Porto, PT
Pair of Japanese vases - 100 cm. Japanese; Meiji period (1868-1912); in bronze with relief decoration of a Dragon and Phoenix. Height: 100 cm
Bronze
Japanese Lacquered Box Meiji Decorative Box and Ink box, circa 1880
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Nice Japanese glove box in red, yellow and black lacquered wood dating from the end of the 19th century. It is decorated with delicate gold, black and red characters. Inside you have...
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Antique Natural Wood Large Candle Stick 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese natural wood Shokudai (candlestick). It was made in the late Edo period (1860s-1900s), and the material used is probably coniferous cedar wood. The texture o...
Iron
Monumental Japanese Kutani Porcelain Vase, Meiji/Taisho Period, Signed
Located in New York, NY
A Monumental Japanese Kutani porcelain vase, Meiji/Taisho Period, Signed Akiyama sei. The main body is all hand-painted with wonderful ...
Porcelain
A small Meiji period cloisonné box and cover with a floral roundel by Tabako
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A small Meiji period cloisonné box and cover with a floral roundel by Tabako, worked in silver wire and coloured (musen) wireless enamels with a central white flowerhead medallion, w...
Enamel
Exquisite Cloisonné Enamel Vase Birds Pine Celadon Ground, Attributed Hayashi
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An exceptionally refined Japanese cloisonné enamel vase from the Meiji period, executed on a rare and highly sophisticated celadon green ground—an uncommon tone in cloisonné requirin...
Copper, Enamel
$146Sale Price|20% Off
Japanese bronze vase decorated with Kintaro riding Carp Koi - Meiji - 19th Japan
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty Japanese Meiji bronze vase representing a naked boy, like a cherub, very muscular on a Koi carp in the middle of crashing waves. The bronze work is very beautiful, the mo...
Bronze
19th Century Japanese Imari Decorative Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Germantown, MD
19th century Japanese Imari Decorative centerpiece bowl. Measures 10" in diameter and 4.5" tall.
Enamel
Circa 1870 Japanese Meiji Era Lacquer & Papier Mache Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1870 Meiji era lacquer & papier mache box, Japan. Black with red divided interior. Painted with a fascinating scene of figures in a garden examining a miniature temple with hol...
Lacquer
Great Wood Carving Lion Figurine / 1868-1920 / Rare Item
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This looks like an old copperware, but it is a wood carving work. It is glossy because it is finished with black lacquer. It is a very delicate and beautiful sculpture. The expression of the lion is cool. Also, the sculpture on the tail is wonderful. It is thought that it was carved on wood such as Japanese cypress. The name of the engraver is also engraved. The name "Kichitaro" is engraved. I don't know the details of this person. There are also small cracks and defects. There is a loss in the lower part of his right ear and part of his tail. And there are lacquer cracks and wood cracks. This is an old one, so there is something like this. Also, in the case of Japanese and Chinese lions, a ball is attached to the left hand, but this is missing. However, it is a work that is quite impressive. It is a rare item...
Wood
Japanese Bronze Rabbit Sculpture, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century
Located in Malmö, SE
Japanese Meiji Bronze Rabbit Meiji Period, Late 19th Century The Meiji period (1868–1912) marked a golden age for Japanese bronze sculpture. As Japan opened to the West, artists ele...
Bronze
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Blossoming Wisteria Tree
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over brass vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a tall narrow neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of wisteria b...
Brass, Enamel
Antique Japanese Rooster Cloisonné Enamel Planter
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Japanese copper planter with cloisonne enamel. The nearly rectangular beige planter with a blue dot pattern below the neck and above the base. Raised on four legs. Adorned with pol...
Copper
Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Flying Cranes Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese, Meiji era, Silver wire enamel over brass copper vase. Circa: 1900s. The urn form vase is enameled with polychrome images of cranes made in the Cloisonne tec...
Brass, Enamel, Copper
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Enamel Metal Brush Pot
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji cloisonne enamel metal brush pot. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The cylindrical form pot is adorned with polychrome images representing fl...
Copper
Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Goldstone Brush Pot
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji Era enamel over brass brush pot. The cylindrical form pot is enameled with polychrome images of blossoming flowers and birds, and a geometrical ornament mad...
Enamel, Brass
Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Ducks Birds and Floral Turquoise Grounds Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A refined pair of Meiji period Japanese cloisonne enamel cylinders decorated with detailed scenes of birds among spring flowers on rich turquoise grounds. Each piece is worked in ver...
Enamel
Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Sparrows Meiji Period Nagoya School
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Japanese cloisonné enamel vase from the Meiji period, produced within the Nagoya school, and decorated with stylized sparrows in flight. The form is well-proportioned, with a round...
Enamel
Antique Japanese Bronze Hibachi with Elephant-Head Ring Handles, circa 1900
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Japanese bronze hibachi dating to circa 1900, during the Meiji period, with a substantial faceted body, deep brown patina and a pair of decorative elephant-head mounts fit...
Bronze
A High Quality Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase With Flying Eagle
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji Era brass and enamel vase. Circa: early 20th century. The baluster form vase is enameled with a polychrome image of an...
Enamel, Brass
Small 19th Century Japanese Imari Vase
Located in Austin, TX
Miniature 19th Century Japanese Imari Vase. Height / 3.6 inches. Diameter / 2 inches.
Porcelain
Japanese Antique Wooden Candle Stick / Folk Art Object / 1868-1912s / WabiSabi
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese Wooden candlestick. It seems to be around the Meiji period. The expression of the pile of soot is powerful, and the traces of wax dripping remain intact. It...
Iron
Japanese Meiji Bronze Dorè Dragon Picture Frame
Located in Bradenton, FL
Japanese Meiji Dore Bronze Dragon Picture Frame. Frame features richly detailed dragons coiling around the frame's perimeter, their scaled bodies,...
Brass
Japanese Gilt Takamaki-E Tabako-Bon, C. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This box with many drawers is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the t...
Brass
Japanese Meiji Period, Blue and White Vase with Phoenix Decoration
Located in New York, NY
A Palace Size Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Blue and White Vase with Phoenix Decoration. This vase is absolutely beautiful with an incredible array of hand-painted blue decoratio...
Porcelain
A Fine Japanese Meiji Period Antique Bronze Sculpture of a Samurai Warrior
Located in Shippensburg, PA
BRONZE OKIMONO OF A SAMURAI Japan, Meiji Period, circa late 19th century Patinated sand-cast and engraved bronze, unmarked 20 1/2" H x 6 1/8" D x 9 3/4" W ref. 512SBP06X A finely...
Bronze
Japanese Ceramic Vase by Makuzu Kozan
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A porcelain vase by Japanese Meiji imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), circa 1890-1910s. The vase is made in what is considered early phase of his underglaze period during late...
Ceramic
Japanese Meiji Era Cloisonne Enamel Vase Signed
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, 1868 to 1913. Miniature dark cobalt blue vase with a round body and long neck. The neck is decorated ...
Copper, Enamel
Pair of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Turquoise Enamel Silver Birds In Bamboo Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of identical antique Japanese, late Meiji era, Silver wire enamel vases. Each vase has an urn shaped body and a wide fluted neck. Each vase is enameled with polychrome images ...
Enamel
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
Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Peonies Iris and Sparrows Goto
Located in Long Island City, NY
A refined and beautifully executed Japanese cloisonne enamel vase from the school of Goto Seizaburo, Meiji period circa 1890. Height twelve inches. This vase displays the naturalis...
Enamel
Antique Japanese Pair of Meiji Period Bronze and Mixed Metal Vases
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING This pair of Japanese bronze and mixed metal vases is decorated with inlaid birds and foliage and dates to the Meiji Period (1868-1912), circa 1880. Each v...
Gold, Silver, Bronze, Copper
1894 Meiji Japanese Antique Washi paper covered small boxes wabi sabi primitive
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
A pair of paper covered wooden boxes, a set of large and small. Made around 1894 (Meiji 27), written on the lid with brush calligraphy in matching larger box which is in my listing. ...
Wood, Paper
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
Antique Meiji Wucai Style Porcelain Jar & Cover, Japan, Early 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique Meiji period Wucai style hand painted porcelain jar and cover - featuring flowering branches of multicolor blossoms and leaves - all on a white ground with pale blue rim to t...
Porcelain
High Quality Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Blossoming Iris Flowers
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over gilt copper vase. with silver wire The unusual shaped vase has a long fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image o...
Copper, Enamel
Japanese Handwoven Bamboo Ikebana Basket — Early 20th Century
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Dimensions: 20 × 30 × 44 cm Origin: Japan A beautifully handwoven Japanese bamboo basket from the early 20th century, traditionally used for ikebana flower arrangements. Meticulousl...
Bamboo
Japanese Antique Meiji Period Bronze Sculpture Okimono of a Rooster
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PATINATED BRONZE OKIMONO OF A STANDING ROOSTER Japan, circa late 19th century Unsigned 9 1/2" H x 3 1/4" D x 5" W This bronze okimono depicts a rooster standing alert with chest fo...
Bronze
$273Sale Price|20% Off
Cloisonné Brush Washer Bowl, Japanese Dragon Motif, Meiji Period circa 1880
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is an unusual cloisonné Brush Washer bowl, made in Japan and dating to the 19th Meiji Period, circa 1890. The circular bowl sits on a low foot The main decoration has styl...
Ceramic
A Japanese Bronze “Animal” Jardiniere
Located in Savannah, GA
A Japanese Meiji period bronze “animal” jardiniere by the Seiya Company, circa late 19th century. Depicted in deep relief are a lion, tiger, elephant, b...
Bronze
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Gold Stone Vase with Butterflies Attr Honda Yo
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Meiji period. Fish tail shape with pronounced base. Intricate butterfly motif and floral patterns. Gold stone ...
Copper, Enamel
Antique Pair of Japanese Meiji Era Cloisonné Enamel Brush Pots
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji cloisonne enamel metal brush pot. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The cylindrical form pot is adorned with polychrome images representing fl...
Copper
Vintage Japanese Soroban Abacus, c. 1910s
Located in Chicago, IL
Used daily for quick calculations, a wooden abacus such as this was an essential tool for the average shop-keeper in Meiji-era Japan. Known as a soroban, suanpan or counting frame, t...
Bamboo, Wood
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Wisteria Inaba 4 Piece Desk Set
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese brass four-piece desk set with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Meiji era, late 19th century. Inaba workshop. The set incl...
Enamel
Tall Japanese Satsuma Style Glazed Porcelain Vase
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Ca. late 19th c. or later. With classic Aesthetic Movement motifs in different fragmented patterns in colors with gilt details, decorating the neck, shoulder, and base. With two figu...
Porcelain
Monumental Pair of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases with Warriors, Ota Tamashiro
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A Monumental Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonné Enamel Vases with Warriors, Dragon, and Falcon, Attributed to Ota Tamashiro A monumental pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel vases...
Copper, Enamel
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 Meiji Period Light Blue Porcelain Dish with Cranes
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This exquisite handpainted porcelain dish hails from Japan, dating back to the Meiji period (1868-1912). The dish features a petite design with wavy, contoured edges against a light ...
Porcelain
Large Japanese Cloisonne Lavender Purple Enamel Paulownia and Phoenix Bird Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A rare large antique Japanese, Meiji era, enamel over copper vase. The vase has a globular shaped body and a long narrow neck with a fluted mouth. The exterior of the vase is enamele...
Copper, Enamel
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
$1,800 / set
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Sake Set
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper sake set with cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. A total of 8 cups, 8 saucers, and a sake pot. Floral design against the cobalt blue b...
Enamel, Copper
Japanese Totai Shippo Porcelain Covered Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Japanese porcelain box. Decorated to the exterior with a dark turquoise enamel ground with floral decorations. The figural finial as wel...
Enamel
Japanese Meiji Articulated Bronze Crab
Located in Essex, MA
Dark copper toned patina, wonderfully articulated. Purchased in London by previous owner.
Bronze