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.
Japanese Meiji Period Red Blue Gold Porcelain Charger, circa 1860
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite Japanese Meiji period signed Imari ribbed porcelain deep charger, circa 1860, extremely intricately hand-painted on both sides in cobalt blue un...
Gold
$1,200 / set
Pair Antique Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair Antique Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases Measures 5" in width, 5" in depth and 8" in height.
Enamel, Brass
$717Sale Price / set|20% Off
Brass Crane and Turtle Sculptures, Japanese Mid-Century Pair, 1950s
Located in Glasgow, GB
This pair of brass crane and turtle sculptures is a Japanese mid-century set dating from the 1950s, combining symbolic subject matter with finely cast decorative form. Executed in c...
Brass
Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi BK Pottery Vase 19th Century / Tsubo
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This ancient ceramic jar was once used as a storage container in Japanese homes and merchant houses. It is coated with a deep, lustrous black glaze, which has developed a subdued lus...
Pottery
$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
Japanese Contemporary Red Green Blue Platinum Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 2
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary large decorative porcelain decorative bowl titled "firework" with mysterious intricate etchings features platinum, gold foils plus silver foil tinted in shades of vivid...
Gold, Platinum, Silver, Foil
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
Japanese Meiji Era Patinated Bronze Vase with Peonies and a Child
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a Japanese bronze patinated vase, crafted during the Meiji period (1868–1912) or early Taisho period. It features highly detailed, high-relief decoration showcasing a tra...
Bronze
A fine 19th century Japanese Meiji period bronze planter with beautiful relief
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine large 19th century Japanese Meiji period large bronze planter with beautiful relief details
Bronze
$1,875 / set
Pair Of Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vases
Located in Norwood, NJ
Find pair of Meiji period Japanese Satsuma 4 panel vases. Each vase featuring one panel with scholars and one panel with samurai. The two side panels are floral. Wonderfully gilt and...
Ceramic
Group of 5 Small Japanese Cloisonne and Ginbari Vases, Early 20th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A charming group of five Japanese cloisonné and ginbari foiled vases, Meiji period, early 20th century, Japan. The group consists of one vase with cloisonné chrysanthemum blossoms against bold and bright turquoise ginbari foil background, two similar vases of primarily black and burgundy cloisonné - one with a butterfly motif, the other with a floral motif, and two similar vases of primarily dark blue and green cloisonné, both with floral and butterfly motifs. Turquoise ginbari vase...
Copper, Enamel, Foil, Wire
Antique 19/20C Japanese Satsuma Vase with rare red color. Japan
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Just wanted to share this new arrival with you. A Japanese satsuma vase The base has a mark which we didn't translate yet. Origin: Japan Age: 19th century Meiji Condition Perfec. ...
Porcelain
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
Rare Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Silver Wire White Enamel Vase with Birds and Flowe
Located in Long Island City, NY
A rare small Japanese, late Ming dynasty, silver wire white enamel vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of birds ...
Enamel, Silver
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Silver Wire Enamel Miniature Vase Bird on Bambo
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, silver wire enamel vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of a sparrow bird...
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
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
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
19th Antique Japanese Wabi sabi Urushi Konebachi Huge hand-carved dough bowl
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Antique wooden dough bowl, Konebachi. - Hand-carved from the one solid wood piece , circa 1870s - 1900s. dough bowls were widely owned by the ordinary Japanese households, the most ...
Wood
Pair of Antique Meiji Period Japanese Akae Kutani Plates w/ Flower Mark, 19th C.
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Faboulous japanese porcelain plate. With box. Mark at the base. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Japanese Style: Satsuma Region of Origin: Japan Period: 20th ce...
Porcelain
$760Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Japanese Imari Porcelain Lidded Temple Jar
Located in Miami, FL
19th Century Japanese Imari Porcelain Lidded Temple Jar A fine 19th century Japanese Imari porcelain lidded temple jar, hand-painted with exquisite detail in rich natural pigment g...
Porcelain
Japanese Contemporary Blue White Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 4
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exceptional contemporary Japanese decorative porcelain vase, intricately hand painted in various shades of blue on an elegant ovoid body, a signed piece by master porcelain artist fr...
Porcelain
Japanese Contemporary Blue White Gold Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 3
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain vase, painstakingly intricately gilded and hand painted in a mesmerizing deep blue in various shades on a stunning globular b...
Gold
Group of Three Antique Japanese Hand Carved Monkey Figures
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A group of three early 20th Century well crafted wood Monkey figures in the classic poses of See No Evil, Speak No Evil and Hear No Evil. Timeworn and smooth feeling in the hand, each figure has meticulously carved incising representing fur and dark glass eyes (Monkey representing Speak No Evil has a missing eye). Each Monkey with extended and hooked arm and leg used to link the three for hanging however a loss to the See No Evil figure's leg makes hanging tenuous. with the age, losses and wear the figures have taken on the air of Scholar's Objects to be handled and displayed. Dimensions below are for each Monkey figure. Dimensions:7.25: high by 2.25" deep by 2.25" wide. Condition: Please see detail photos. As mentioned above, there are various signs of age including one missing glass eye, loss to the See No Evil Monkey...
Glass, Wood
Antique Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Hawk Floral Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vase with an eagle. Circa early 20th century, 1900s. The vase is decorated with an autumn landscape with white chrysanthemums and an image ...
Enamel
Japanese Meiji Susutake Ikebana Basket, Early 20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This graceful bamboo basket is an early 20th century flower basket (hanakago) designed especially for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement. Masterfully woven from thin str...
Bamboo
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
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
Contemporary Japanese Blue Gray Gold Porcelain Vase by Master Artist
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Japanese contemporary porcelain decorative vase, hand painted in blue underglaze in stunning shades of blue and gray on an elegantly shaped ovoid porcelain body, a signed piece by hi...
Porcelain
$2,950
Short Satsuma Vase
Located in New Orleans, LA
This magnificent vase is adorned with intricate geometric patterns and elegant gold gilding, featuring two captivating scenes. One side depicts figures in vividly colorful attire adm...
Earthenware
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
Japanese Lacquer Sake Cups, Set of 3, Meiji Period, Early 20th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A finely decorated set of 3 red lacquer sake cups, sakazuki, featuring views of Mt. Fuji, Meiji period, circa 1900, Japan. The lacquer sake cups, called sakazuki, of traditional p...
Lacquer
Dark Blue Ground Vase with Flowers and Bird Cloisonné Enamel Meiji Era, 19th C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Top quality vase Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century Additional information: Material: Bronze & Metal Primary Material: Bronze & Cloisonne Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th centu...
Bronze
Japanese Pair of Large Antique Meiji Period Bronze and Mixed Metal Vases
Located in Newark, England
Inlaid with Gold and Silver From our Japanese collection, we are thrilled to offer a Japanese Pair of Meiji Period Bronze Vases. The Japanese Bronze Vases of elongated form each sur...
Metal, Gold, Silver, Bronze
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
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
Pair Japanese Heron and Turtle Form Silvered Bronze Rock Crystal Ball Stands
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique 19th century Meiji period Japanese stands depicting herons (or storks) standing on turtles supporting rock crystal (quartz) spheres. Each 10 inches tall, 9 in wide ...
Rock Crystal, Quartz, Bronze
Japanese White Glazed Hirado Ware Puppy, Edo/Meiji Period, Mid 19th Century
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A wonderfully modeled Japanese Hirado Mikawachi ware porcelain figure of a dog, dating to the early to mid-19th century, during the late Edo to early Meiji period. This bright white,...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Signed Imari Porcelain Plum Shaped Bowl by Hichozan Fukagawa
By Hichozan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique signed Japanese Imari porcelain bowl. In the form of a shaped bowl with a plum-like shape. Decorated throughout with exquisitely detailed painted or enameled dec...
Porcelain
Japanese Antique Paper Covered Basket / 1868-1912s / Wabi-sabi Mingei
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
This is a basket with old Japanese paper pasted it. Japanese paper colored with Bengala is pasted on a bamboo basket. It is thought to be from the Meiji period. The technique of s...
Bamboo, Paper
Fine Japanese Enameled Satsuma Vase by Kinkozan Meiji Period
By Kinkozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A ceramic satsuma ware vase with very fine surface decoration made by Kinkozan circa 1880-1900s of late Meiji Period. The vase is of an elegant and relatively rare form with a trumpet shape body and the so-called garlic neck and opening. The surface is exquisitely decorated in a floral scheme with gilt and a light jewel-tone enamel. The top part showcases large bundles of wisteria blossom in white and purple, cascading down from a gilt wood trellis...
Ceramic
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
Antique Meiji Period Japanese Imari Plate with Flowers, Late 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique Meiji period Japanese Imari Plate with flowers. Late 19th c. Lovely small plate. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Japanese Style: Kutani Region of Orig...
Porcelain
Japanese Articulate Praying Mantis Jizai Okimono Myochin Hiroyoshi Meiji
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare articulate praying mantis made by Myochin Hiroyoshi in the late Meiji Period circa 1890-1900s. As an ornamental display item, this type of item is known in Japanese as Jizai O...
Copper
A Japanese Meiji Period Black Lacquer Hokai Lidded Box with Brass Mounts
Located in San Francisco, CA
this large ribbed and cylindrical Japanese shell-game box with domed lid decorated overall with Maki-e (gold lacquered) foliate wreaths and stylized flower heads and incised brass mounts; raised on four splayed supports. Hokai boxes...
Lacquer
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
$2,925Sale Price|50% Off
Japanese Contemporary Blue Black Gold Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 2
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary meuseum quality signed Japanese contemporary porcelain vase, referred to by the artist as the “lady with a golden shawl,” a masterpiece by a celebrated award-winning th...
Gold
Antique Japanese Moriage Nippon Porcelain Vase or Covered Jar
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Japanese Nippon porcelain vase or covered urn. With green, pink, and white tones in raised moriage enamel that gives a three-dimensional effect. Decorated with 4 cartouches throughout. The main cartouche features a moriage dragon...
Enamel
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
Pair of Antique Meiji Japanese Satsuma Vases Japan Figural Marked, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
The stunning pair of Satsuma vases from the Meiji period, true masterpieces of Japanese art. These magnificent vases are a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Japa...
Porcelain
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
Japanese Contemporary Blue Black White Porcelain Vase by Master Artist
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Peony and peony The gorgeous and gorgeous peony that blooms large flowers has been called "Hyakkaou" in China since ancient times because of its noble appearance and has been regard...
Porcelain
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
Contemporary Japanese Blue White Purple Porcelain Vase by Master Artist
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Contemporary Japanese decorative Porcelain vase, intricately hand painted in blue, white and purple on an attractive shape body, a signed work by widely acclaimed master porcelain ar...
Porcelain
Antique Meiji Period Japanese Satsuma Pate Figures, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Fabulous Japanese earthenware Satsuma dish depicting Figures and flowers. Japan – Meiji period (1868-1912) Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin...
Porcelain
Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Sculpture Of A Samurai Warrior By Yoshimitsu
Located in Dublin, IE
A superb Japanese bronze and gilded sculpture of a samurai warrior, Meiji period. Depicts a Japanese warrior in national dress and impetuous movement, the gilt details mon (heraldic ...
Bronze
Japanese Shigaraki Vase Early 19th Century
Located in Oakland, CA
Absolutely beautiful antique Japanese shigaraki vessel from the early 19th century. Has the family crest stamped into the neck of the piece. Artist marking on the bottom. Tokugawa era.
Clay
Japanese Platinum Black Porcelain Vase by Contemporary Master Artist
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Unique contemporary Japanese decorative porcelain vase hand painted in platinum and black over a beautifully shaped body with a scalloped rim , an exclusive signature piece by a high...
Platinum
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
Hand-Woven Bamboo Ikebana Basket, Meiji Style, 20th Century
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This elegant tall Japanese ikebana basket dates to the 20th century and showcases the refined craftsmanship of traditional bamboo work. The elongated proportions give the basket a sc...
Bamboo