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 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
Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Barrel Vase with Butterflies
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Barrel shape. Floral ornaments and central butterfly motif against the turquoise blue background. Late 19th Century...
Enamel, Copper
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
Pair Of Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Brush Pots
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese cloisoone enamel brush pots, Meiji era, 1868 to 1912. The exterior of both matched pieces is enameled with polychrome enamel blossoming flowers and butterf...
Enamel
Foo Dog Carrying Decorative Vessel
Located in New Orleans, LA
This remarkable foo dog carrying a decorative vessel embodies both artistry and symbolism, featuring a vase adorned with images of Buddhist monks adorned with gilded halos. The foo d...
Earthenware
19th century Japanese lacquered wooden box
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A 19th-century Japanese lacquered wooden box, finely decorated according to traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Rectangular in shape, it features a lacquer in deep red and dark brown...
Wood, Lacquer
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
Exquisite Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Dragon Motif Vase, Meiji / Taisho Period
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Enamel Vase, likely from the Meiji period (1868–1912) or possibly the early Taisho period (1912–1926). The vase features a dynamic depiction of a Japanese...
Copper
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Silver Wire Enamel Vases Birds in Bamboo
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 pair of a sp...
Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Gold Stone Enamel Covered Jar with Dragon and C
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, covered enamel over brass pot or box. The body of the ware is enameled with polychrome images of cranes, medallions with blossoming flowers and b...
Brass, Enamel
High Quality Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon and Phoenix Bird Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A high quality Japanese Meiji era enamel over copper vase. The urn shaped vase is enameled with polychrome medallions featuring Phoenix bird and dragon designs surrounded by floral a...
Copper, Enamel
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
$304Sale Price|20% Off
Late Meiji Period Folk Wood Carving Japanese God of War, Arts, Shrines Protector
Located in Miami, FL
Probably more than likely from a Japanese home altar, this is a folk art rendition of Hachiman Yahata no Kani, Japanese God of War, Archery, Culture and Pro...
Wood
Japanese Meiji Period Gold White Porcelain Sleeping Cat Sculpture, circa 1910
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite Meiji period Japanese Kutani sculpture of a sleeping cat in fine porcelain, inspired by the small wooden sculpture at the entrance of...
Gold
Art Deco Japanese Porcelain Vases Meiji Period, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful pair of polychromed Kutani porcelain Japanese vases, circa early 20th century, Meiji period, Japan. Vases are hand painted and designed with two different sides; one...
Porcelain
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
$2,870Sale Price|30% Off
Genryusai Seiya Style Stone Jardineiere/Planter - Zoomorphic “Animals” with Lion
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Genryusai Seiya Style Cast Stone Jardineiere. "The original bronze planters were part of Jagenpanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this large scale Meiji Period ...
Cast Stone
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Brush Pots in the Style of Namikaw
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of 19th century Japanese cloisonne brush pots with floral decoration, early Meiji period, circa 1880s. Attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki, 1845...
Enamel
Two Rare Japanese Izumo Clay Dolls of Emperor and Tenjin, Meiji Period
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Two rare Japanese Izumo clay dolls of Emperor and Tenjin, Nara Prefecture, Meiji period. Material and simple execution impart a flavor of antiquity and great decorative power. Empero...
Clay
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
1860s Large Japanese Parcel Gilt High-Relief Dragons and Birds Bronze Vase
Located in Germantown, MD
Amazing Antique fine quality Japanese 19th century bronze vase, circa 1860 with exquisite decorations of raised bronze crafted dragons and birds and many other original meiji decorat...
Bronze
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
Antique Meiji Japanese Pure Silver and Mixed Metal Vase Kintaro Hattori
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine metalwork vase from the time of Emperor Meiji, 1868 to 1912. This elegant Japanese Silver and Shakudo vase with multi-metal decoration of two ducks...
Copper, Silver
Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Era Dragon and Phoenix Bird Goldstone Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese Meiji era enamel over brass vase. The amphora shaped vase is enameled with polychrome medallions with a Phoenix bird and a dragon surrounded by floral, and f...
Enamel
Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lidded Vase Dragons Peonies Butterflies Goto
Located in Long Island City, NY
A highly impressive and unusually large Japanese cloisonné enamel lidded vase, standing 18 inches tall and constructed in three distinct parts comprising the lid, the central body, a...
Enamel
Pair Of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Cranes In Flight
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vases. Each adorned with image of cranes and resplendent multicolor floral motifs within intricate foliate patterns, all skillfully ...
Enamel
Heart Shaped Rattan and Bamboo Tray
Located in Hudson, NY
Heart shaped rattan and bamboo tray. Meiji period (1868-1912) woven tray in a highly unusual shape for a tray. Beautiful patina.
Bamboo, Rattan
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
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 Cloisonne Enamel, Butterfly Dragon Vase Attributed Honda
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji era cloisonne enameled rounded vase. The vase is adorned with a variety of intricate designs including phoenix birds, butterflies, serpents, flowers, and sc...
Enamel
Japanese Meiji Articulated Bronze Crab
Located in Essex, MA
Dark copper toned patina, wonderfully articulated. Purchased in London by previous owner.
Bronze
Antique Japanese late Meiji Period Bronze Vase Cast with Dragons in Relief
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A late 19th or early 20th century Meiji Period bud vase cast in bronze and featuring engraved bronze dragon relief and stylized elephant handles. It is an export piece and it probabl...
Bronze
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
$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
Antique Pair of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Stork Blossoming Garden Vases At
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antique Pair of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Stork Blossoming Garden Vases Silver wire high quality A pair of antique Japanese copper vases with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meij...
Copper, Enamel
Hayashi School Cloisonné Vase Pair, Meiji Period with Tomobako
Located in Newark, England
Meiji Period (1868-1912) From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to present this exceptional pair of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases by the Hayashi School, dating to the Mei...
Silver, Enamel
Antique Japanese Meiji Plique plique-à-jour enamel vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese glass vase executed in the Shotai Shippo technique, a Japanese type of plique-a-jour enamel. Late Meiji era, before 1912. Stylized floating chrysanthemum blossoms...
Enamel
$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
$605Sale Price|72% Off
Large Meiji Period Bronze Twin Handled Urn with Decoration
Located in Redding, CT
Large Meiji period bronze twin handled urn with decoration. Decoration consists of raised birds, branches with cherry blossoms and a dragon. Nice patina to this gorgeous vase that ca...
Bronze
19th Century Japanese Meiji Satsuna Enameled Porcelain Vase
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Japanese Meiji Satsuna Enameled Porcelain Vase. Measures 8" in width x 6" in depth x 14" in height.
Enamel
Genryusai Seiya: An Important Patinated Bronze Okimono of a Bactrian Camel
Located in Budapest, HU
An exceptional Meiji period Japanese bronze sculpture by the renowned master Genryusai Seiya, signed SEIYA zo to the underside. Naturalistically cast in the form of a standing Bactri...
Bronze
Early Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Bulbous Vase with Geometric Pattern
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design against a bright turquoise background. Meiji period. The vase is of a bulbous shape with a long fluted neck. Birds flyin...
Enamel, Copper
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
$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
19th Century Meiji Japanese Satsuna Enanel Porcelain Vase
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Meiji Japanese Satsuna Enaneled Porcelain Vase. Measures 7" in width x 7" in depth x 12.25" in height.
Enamel
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
$255Sale Price / set|32% Off
Antique Japanese Singing Bowl Brown Hammered Divots C5
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful early 20th century Japanese singing bowl of C5 tone, exhibiting rows of hand hammered divots, deliberate yet free, design with restra...
Bronze
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
Antique Silver Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Crane Vase Signed Hayashi Kodenji
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antique Silver Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Crane Vase Signed Hayashi Kodenji An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, before 1885. Classic...
Copper, Enamel
$2,660Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Meiji Goldstone Enamel Censer Koro with Dragons
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji Era, lidded and footed enamel over brass censer koro or jar. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The sphere form jar is enameled with meda...
Enamel, Brass
Exceptional Antique 19th c Japanese Porcelain Vase with Birds and Flowers. Red
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this lovely and well made Vase. The shape and color are truly beautiful. Country of origin: Japan Period: 19th century Condition Condition. 1 Large hairline. Size: ...
Porcelain
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
$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
Antique Pair Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Crane Vases Attributed
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antique Pair Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Crane Vases Attributed to Honda The exteriors of the wares are adorned with polychrome enamel medallions representing drago...
Enamel
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 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
$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 Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Golden Age Wisteria and Birds Vase Attributed t
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Golden Age Wisteria and Birds Vase Attributed to Hayashi high quality work An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji p...
Copper, 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 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