In the late 19th and early 20th century, France developed an enduring passion for Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. Not only did this interpretation of Japanese culture — which became known as Japonisme — infuse fresh energy into French art and design, but it also radically transformed how Europeans, and subsequently the world, would come to understand visual culture.
Until 1853, Japan had been closely guarded against foreign visitors for over two centuries. However, American Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed into Japan that year and initiated the first of its treaties with the United States and Europe, thereby opening its borders and giving the West its first-ever look at Japanese design.
For the next few decades, taken with Japonisme, sophisticated collectors in Paris, New York and elsewhere gorged themselves on lacquered screens, celadon ceramics and netsuke ornaments, along with artworks depicting various aspects of Japanese life. The East Asian country’s influence on Europe, particularly France, contributed to one of the most creatively prosperous periods in history, leaving an imprint on the Impressionist, Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, and inspiring artists like Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, Vincent van Gogh as well as luxury houses such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès. Japonisme emerged at the time when the ornate Renaissance Revival style was the most prominent mode of decorating in Europe, and Japanese aesthetics seemed strikingly modern and elegant in comparison.
In addition to everyday practical objects from Japan, such as vases, tableware and decorative boxes, Japanese art, especially Japanese woodblock prints by masters of the ukiyo-e school, caught the eye of many artists — particularly those in the Art Nouveau poster community in 1880s Paris. The luscious organic colors associated with traditional Japanese design, motifs like cherry blossoms and carp and the vivid patterns found in woodblock prints, silks and more were adopted and appropriated by painters as well as ceramicists and those working in other fields of the decorative arts. Today, demand for Japanese lacquerware — furniture, trays, writing boxes, screens, incense burners — from the Edo period (1615–1868) and the late 19th century continues to be very strong among collectors.
Find a collection of antique Japonisme furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Tiffany & Co. Edward C. Moore "Vines and Butterflies" Scent Bottle Chatelaine
By Edward C. Moore, Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite blend of Western craftsmanship and Eastern symbolism, this Tiffany & Co. "Vines and Butterflies" scent bottle offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century design and c...
Metal, Silver
Collection of Four Japanese Tanba Tokkuri Sake Bottles
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four Japanese Ceramic Tokkuri Sake storage bottles circa early 20th century (Meiji to Taisho period). The bottles were made in Tanba (or Tamba) ...
Ceramic
American Japonesque Applied & Hand Hammered Sterling Silver Perfume
Located in New York, NY
American applied sterling silver perfume vial, ca 1880. Clear glass cylinder with twisted fluting. Sterling silver collar and hinged cover with tendril, f...
Sterling Silver
Antique Hardstone and Silver Scent Bottle Circa 1840
By Maquet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique French silver mounted, Chinese carved hardstone scent bottle; an addition to our diverse ornamental collection. This exceptional hardston...
Silver
Japanese Meiji Period Early 20th Century Sake Bottle with Brown Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period monochrome sake bottle from the early 20th century with concentric lines. Created in Japan during the Meiji period, this antique sake bottle captivat...
Ceramic
Sterling Silver Overlay Perfume Bottle
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A sterling silver overlay perfume bottle with matching stopper, both in mint condition. The bottle is crafted from clear glass, its surface adorned with ornate sterling silver overla...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Hammered Bowl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are delighted to offer you this sterling silver hand hammered bowl by J. C. Boardman & Company of Wallingford Connecticut. This large bowl can definitely be used as a centerpiece....
Sterling Silver
Art Deco Heinrich Hoffmann Intaglio Perfume Scent Bottle
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This stunning Art Deco perfume bottle is attributed to Heinrich Hoffmann, a master Czech glassmaker known for his exceptional craftsmanship. Featuring elegant intaglio floral motifs,...
Glass, Art Glass
Antique Brilliant Cut Glass Perfume Bottle with Sterling Silver Top Cap
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Nicely cut glass perfume bottle with Sterling silver top. Marked sterling and hallmarked. In excellent antique condition with minimal wear.
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. "Tiffany Tulips" Porcelain Vase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous "Tiffany Tulips" porcelain vase By Tiffany & Co. (signed to the underside) England, Late 20th Century Measures: 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 8.25"H Ve...
Porcelain
19C Anglo Indian Silver Perfume Bottle Case
Located in Dallas, TX
19C Anglo Indian solid silver perfume bottle case. Lovely 19th century Anglo-Indian solid silver perfume bottle case with profuse repousse work. Not hallmarked because it was m...
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Scent or Perfume Bottle with Chased Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique perfume bottle is signed by an unknown English maker and dates to approximately 1898 and done in the period Victorian style. The bottle is done in sterling silver with a...
Sterling Silver
$1,250
H 4 in Dm 1.63 in
Tiffany & Co. Sterling & Crystal Vanity Perfume Bottle, Circa Early-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A substantial and beautifully made Tiffany & Co. crystal perfume vanity bottle with a sterling silver top, Art Deco period, circa early 20th century, America. This vanity bottle feat...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Gold Diamond and Sapphire Scent Bottle, French, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
This beautiful scent bottle is crafted from rock crystal with an 18-karat gold top mounted with diamonds and a single Sapphire. In excellent origina...
Rock Crystal, Gold
Thomas Webb & Sons Cameo Scent Bottle
Located in New Orleans, LA
Of all the glassworks produced in the late 19th century, cameo glass was the most challenging to perfect. Only a handful of artisans succeeded in mastering this intricate craft, with the firm of Thomas Webb & Sons standing out as the most accomplished. Webb’s cameo...
Art Glass
Pair of Japanese Bronze Genie Bottles
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a pair of small patinated bronze genie bottles with handles. The heads of some kind of tiger or dragon with a long tongue made the handles. Their ...
Bronze
Collection of Six Vintage Japanese Ceramic Sake Bottle
Located in Atlanta, GA
A collection of six Japanese stoneware sake bottles circa first quarter of 20th century. Heavily potted, these bottled were covered in white glaze and brushed on with black Kanji cha...
Ceramic
19th Century Cave à Liqueur Drinking Set in the Japonisme Manner by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in London, GB
Cave à Liqueur in the Japonisme Manner Firmly attributed to Baccarat Entirely complete and constructed of gilt bronze with glass, frosted and engraved; of lidded and lockable cir...
Ormolu
Group of Nine Vintage Japanese Sake Bottle
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large collection of nice Japanese stoneware sake bottles circa first quarter of 20th century. Heavily potted, these bottled were dipped in white glaze and brushed on with black Kan...
Stoneware
Sold
H 11.25 in W 5 in D 3.6 in
1980s Pair of Pino Signoretto Silver Green Blue Yellow Red Murano Glass Bottles
Located in New York, NY
Italian pair of Museum quality Murano glass perfume bottles by Maestro Pino Signoretto, signed. The blown Murano glass with an ivory-like quality is preciously worked with pure silve...
Silver, Gold Leaf
French Trembleuse Cup and Saucer in Kakiemon Style
By Edmé Samson
Located in Katonah, NY
An exceptionally beautiful French cup and saucer in the 18th century Chantilly Kakiemon style showing birds and flowering trees. The style featu...
Porcelain
Tiffany Japonesque Sterling Silver and Glass Perfume with Coy Fish
Located in New York, NY
Japonesque sterling silver and glass perfume. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, circa 1878. Circular with flat sides and short n...
Sterling Silver