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.
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
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
High Quality Japan Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A high quality Japanese, Meiji era, Cloisonné enamel and silver wire vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a narrow neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of blos...
Enamel, Silver
Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Ando School Pink White Minimalist
Located in Long Island City, NY
A refined Japanese cloisonné enamel vase attributed to the Ando school, dating to the late Meiji or early Taisho period, distinguished by its restrained aesthetic and elegant use of ...
Enamel
Japanese Meiji Period Pair of Bronze Sculptures Okimono of Rooster & Hen
Located in Shippensburg, PA
EXCEEDINGLY FINE PAIR OF JAPANESE BRONZE FIGURES OF A HEN AND ROOSTER Japan, Meiji period Each with plaque signed to the underside 秀国作 (Shūkoku saku) Patinated bronze with gilt eyes ...
Bronze
$556Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century antique Japanese Meiji period bronze censer
Located in Lomita, CA
There is a beautiful patina that has developed on the finish of this bronze Meiji period censer over the last century. The antique Japanese Meiji period bronze censer is sometimes se...
Bronze
$1,250Sale Price|50% Off
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Unusual Box
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese enameled wooden box. Late Meiji period, before 1912. The box has a rectangular shape with a black border. The lid features a cloisonne enamel design with traditio...
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
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
Japanese Red Ginbari Cloisonne Trinket Box, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A rich and elegant Japanese export red ginbari cloisonne trinket box, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The attractive Japanese cloisonne box features a striking textured red ginbari...
Metal, Copper, Enamel, Foil
$49,517 / set
Pair of Large Bronze Japanese Vases, Meiji Period
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of unusual large Japanese cast bronze vases, Meiji period, 1860-1912. Patinated bronze with bronze highlights, the top lip with a Gre...
Bronze
Antique Pair Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Crane Butterfly Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese, early Meiji era, enamel over gilt copper vases. The exteriors of the wares are adorned with polychrome enamel medallions representing dragons, cranes, but...
Copper, Enamel
A Pair of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Goldstone Butterfly Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
Attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki, 1845 to 1927, a pair of rare identical antique Japanese, late Meiji era, enamel vases. Each vase has an urn shaped body and a wide fluted neck. The b...
Enamel
Large Antique Japan Meiji Butterflies Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese Meiji period enamel vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a narrow neck. The vase is enameled with a polychrome image of butterflies made in the Cloi...
Enamel
Antique Japanese Tachibina (Imperial couple) doll set.
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese Tachibina (Imperial couple), rare and exceptionally fine standing pair of figures for the Hina Matsuri. The emperor has his arms spread to the si...
Textile, Wood
Japanese Contemporary Red Black Gold Platinum Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 3
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain vase, hand painted in vivid red, platinum and gold, set against a beautifully shaped dimpled porcelain body in black, an exquisite signed p...
Gold, Platinum
Very Unusual Japanese SumidaGawa Pottery Vase with Goats
By Sumida Gawa
Located in New York, NY
Very Unusual Japanese Sumida Gawa Pottery Vase with Goats, Meiji Period The vase is formed in a broad cylindrical body with rounded shoulder and a wide circular mouth with a thick r...
Enamel
An Exquisite & Large Pair of Late Meiji Japanese Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An Exquisite and Large Pair of Late Meiji Japanese Ginbari Cloisonné Enamel Vases with Peonies and Butterflies This stunning pair of vases, crafted during the late Meiji period (186...
Enamel
$900Sale Price|50% Off
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
$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
Pair of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Vases Birds in Cherry
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese, late Meiji period, silver wire enamel vases. Each vase has an amphora shaped body and a fluted neck. The wares are enameled with a polychrome image of a p...
Enamel
Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Bud Vase with Butterflies
Located in Long Island City, NY
A high quality late 19th century Japanese bud vase featuring a globular body and a tall, everted neck. The vase is enameled with a polychrome image of b...
Enamel
Large Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Adorned with Iris Blossoms
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Introducing a magnificent Large Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase adorned with enchanting iris blossoms. This extraordinary vase encapsulates the essence of Japanese artist...
Enamel
Large Japanese Bronze Lobster Okimono Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer is large cast bronze lobster (known as Ebi in Japanese) circa 1890-1900s of Late Meiji period. Different from Spiny lobster (Ise-Ebi), these are commonly known as Western lo...
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
High Quality Old Japanese Satsuma Earthenware Vase, ca 1900, Meiji period
By Satsuma
Located in Bilzen, BE
A rare antique handpainted Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase, signed Fine quality Good overall condition, no chips, cracks or restorations Height 14 cm
Earthenware
A Pair of Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Cherry Blossom and Geometric Patte
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese copper vases with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Cylindrical shape with pronounced base and ...
Enamel, Copper
$1,066Sale Price|25% Off
19th Century Imari Porcelain Baluster Vase with Dragon Relief Decoration Japan
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very beautiful baluster-shaped ribbed vase in Japanese porcelain decorated with birds and flowers, in cobalt blue, iron red and white colors. Two sides of the vase are decorated with...
Porcelain
Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Green Vase Flowers and Birds
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese late Meiji period enamel over brass vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a wide neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of birds in bloss...
Enamel, Brass
Large Japanese Articulate Bronze Praying Mantis Jizai Yasunosuke Ryubundo VI
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bronze Japanese okimono cast in refined and realistic form of a praying mantis attributed to by Ryubundo Yasunosuke VI (1840-1921), a sixth generation of the Yasunosuke family acti...
Bronze
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Sculpture Okimono of Samurai Warrior
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PATINATED AND PARCEL-SILVERED AND GILDED BRONZE OKIMONO OF A SAMURAI WARRIOR Japan, Meiji period, probably late 19th century Unmarked 9 1/2" H x 6 3/4" diameter ref. 512DMB06P A J...
Bronze
Large Japanese Patinated Bronze Tiger Sculpture, Meiji / Taisho Period.
Located in New York, NY
Impressive Japanese bronze sculpture depicting a roaring tiger in motion, finely cast and richly patinated, with inset glass eyes, mounted on its original carved wooden base. The ti...
Bronze
Large Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonné Enamel Vase with a Stand
Located in London, GB
Large Japanese Meiji period cloisonné enamel vase with a stand Japanese, Late 19th Century Vase: Height 155cm, diameter 70cm Base: Height 45cm, width 51cm, depth 51cm Total: Height 2...
Metal, Enamel
Meiji Period Bronze Dragon Vases, Japan, Antique Decorative Art, 1880s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice set of Bronze Dragon vases. Meiji period . Japan Beautiful warm color and patine . so decorative .
Bronze
Fine Pair of Meiji Cloisonné Enamel Vases, Attributed to The Ando Jubei Company
By Ando Jubei
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An exceptional and highly decorative pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel vases from the Meiji period, attributed to the Ando Jubei Company—among the most important and technically acco...
Copper, Enamel
Japanese 7-Pcs, Arita Sweetmeat Set & Matching Lacquer Box Meiji Period, 1880s
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A seven-piece Japanese Arita Sweetmeat set and matching lacquer box, Meiji period (1880-1890). Comprising of a central hexagonal dish and six-fan shaped ...
Porcelain, Lacquer
$400Sale Price|50% Off
Meiji Japanese Totai Cloisonne Enamel Porcelain Box
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese late Meiji era covered Totai enamel on porcelain trinket or jewelry box. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The ware is enameled with a polychrome floral medallion with butterflies and berries, on the top of the cover, surrounded by floral, and foliage patterns made in the Cloisonne technique. A hand painted image of a flower, under the cover. Dated, 01.12.08, and probably numbered, 6, on the bottom. Totai Shippo...
Enamel
Very Large Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in London, GB
This stunning Meiji period vase is a wonderful example of the quality of craftsmanship during the late 19th century Japanese Meiji period. The Meiji era was famed for being the perio...
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 Cloisonne Silver Wire Meiji Golden Age Wisteria Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A matched pair of antique Japanese vases of elongated shape with long flared necks. Meiji period, 1868-1913. The pieces are decorated wi...
Enamel, Silver
$1,483Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Of Antique Decorative Vases, Japanese, Bronze Baluster, Meiji, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique decorative vases. A Japanese, bronze baluster from the Meiji period, dating to the mid Victorian period, circa 1870. Strikingly sculpted and finished vases...
Bronze
$12,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Pair Of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases With Hawks, Cranes, Scenes
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese Meiji period facet cloisonne vases, featuring captivating bird motifs. Their substantial size and ribbed design make them standout pieces. Adorned with int...
Enamel
$5,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Large 19th Century Japanese Imari Porcelain Floor Vases, Meiji Period
Located in Miami, FL
A monumental pair of antique Japanese Imari porcelain floor vases, Meiji Period (circa 1880–1900). These exquisite floriform trumpet-shaped vases are masterfully hand-painted in ric...
Porcelain
19th Century Signed Japanese Meiji Bronze Wave with Carrera Marble Sphere
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderfully unique Meiji Bronze Wave - the details and techniques are very intricate. There are no missing pieces or damage. the piece is in very...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
$900Sale Price|40% Off
Antique Miniature Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Celadon Color Vase with Butterflies
Located in Long Island City, NY
A miniature Japanese Meiji period vase, 1868 to 1912. The globular vase slightly tapering to the bottom decorated in polychrome enamels and copper wi...
Enamel, Copper
$15,780Sale Price|40% Off
Majestic Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Covered Jar with Dragons, Theater Characters
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A Majestic and Large Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Enamel Covered Jar with Dragons, Mythological Creatures, and Theater Characters. Presentin...
Enamel
Pair of Japanese Late Meiji Period Fukagawa Porcelain Vases, circa 1900
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Superb pair of Japanese large Meiji period Fukagawa signed porcelain vases (circa 1900). Intricately hand-painted in cobalt blue underglaze with polychrome and gold overglaze on a st...
Gold
Massive Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Vase, Late 19th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A very large Meiji period bronze vase, possibly for temple use, with high relief design and elephant head handles, late 19th century, Japan. Of baluster form and unusual size, yet ...
Bronze
Large Japanese Antique Paper-Covered Wabi-Sabi Cha Tsubo Tea Storage Jar 19th C
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
From Kanto area, Japan. This large Cha Tsubo, pottery Jar for tea leaf storage, for tea seller - is a product of late Edo to Meiji era (estimate 1850s-1870s) estimate from the style...
Paper, Stoneware, Pottery
Pair of Black Bronze Japanese Candleholders Incense Burner
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of black cast bronze Japanese candleholders censer. Oriental antique late 19th century Meiji period Japanese heavy black bronze candlesticks...
Bronze
$1,232Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Bronze Harvest Putti Cherub Figures on Marble Plinth.
Located in Germantown, MD
A Magnificent Pair of Bronze Harvest Putti Cherub Figures on Marble Plinth. Measures 2.75" in width, 2.75" in depth and 8.75" in height.
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Silver Wire Enamel Vases Blossoming Gar
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese, late Meiji period, silver wire enamel vases. Each vase has an amphora shaped body and a fluted neck. The wares are enameled with a polychrome image of a p...
Enamel
Fine Japanese Imari Porcelain Temple Jar
Located in Bridgeport, CT
With cobalt blue decorated neck and base band. Large oval shaped panels on two sides featuring an amusing scene with rust tone and white foo lions in a river landscape looking back t...
Porcelain
Pair of Monumental Meiji Period Gilt Metal Censors/ Vases
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Monumental Meiji Period Gilt Metal Censors/Vases An impressive and unusually large pair of Japanese Meiji period gilt metal ceremonial vessels, dating to the late 19th centu...
Metal
Large Antique Japanese Wall Dish Crane Eagle Hunt Bronze Flowers Cloisonne
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely and beautifully made piece with different kind of flowers and birds on a green base. Cloisonné is an enamelling technique in which the pattern is formed by wires soldered to...
Bronze
Very Large Fantastic Japanese Meji Period Patinated Bronze Dragon Vase
Located in New York, NY
A Fantastic Japanese Meji Period Patinated Bronze Dragon Vase. This vase is both elegant and awe-inspiring specifically for its Size and shape. The very...
Bronze
Fine Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Sculpture Okimono of Fire Watchman
Located in Shippensburg, PA
MEIJI BRONZE OKIMONO OF A FIRE WATCHMAN CARRYING A HYŌTAN Japan, late 19th century Patinated, lacquered, polychromed and gilded bronze over a wooden base Engraved to the bag "Hi no...
Bronze
Japanese Contemporary Blue White Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 4
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exceptional Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain vase, intricately hand painted in deep blue on an stunningly shaped body, a signed masterpiece by highly acclaimed master porce...
Porcelain
Pair of Japanese Bronze Vases Meiji Period Phoenix 28cm
Located in Poperinge, BE
A pair of Japanese bronze vases with high relief decoration of phoenixes and flowers; the neck is also extensively decorated. Both are signed at the bottom and rest on a square, roun...
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