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Meiji Vases

MEIJI STYLE

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.

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Style: Meiji
Large Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese, Meiji era, enamel over copper vase. The vase has a globular shaped body and a long narrow neck. The ware is enameled with polychrome medallions depicting a ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Amphora Shaped Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of high quality Japanese, Meiji era, enamel over brass vases. Each vase has an amphora shaped body and a short wide neck. Each ware is enameled with polychrome medallions depi...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Crane in Bamboo Field
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over brass vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of a crane in bamb...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Large Antique Japan Meiji Butterflies Enamel Vase
Located in New York, 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...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Vase with Tennin
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese Meiji era, 1868 to 1912, cloisonne enamel vase decorated with an image of tennin, a beautiful winged woman dressed in ornate kimono with a flowing scarf that...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Double Gourd Dragon Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of rare large Japanese, late Meiji era, double gourd enamel vases. Each ware is enameled with polychrome bands and panels with dragon, flora...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Red Blue Purple Porcelainn Vase by Japanese Master Artist, 3
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary Japanese contemporary museum-quality decorative porcelain vase, intricately hand-painted in purple, green and blue on a beautifully shaped porcelain body, a signed mast...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Pair of Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Vases in the Style of Namikawa
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Japanese early Meiji period cloisonne vases, in the style of Namikawa Yasuyuki. The vases epitomize Namikawas refined craftsmanship and the finesse of early Meiji J...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Monumental 5' Japanese Floor Vase in the Style of Imari
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning, monumental Meiji period (1868-1912) Japanese Imari porcelain floor vase, featuring the classical blue and white background with gilt, orange, red and green overglaze. Delic...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Fish and Mantis Amphora Shaped Vase
Located in New York, 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...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of matching Japanese cast metal and cloisonne enamel vases richly decorated with polychrome floral ornaments on a black ground. Unmarked. Dated circa the late 19th century, Me...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Japanese Bronze Vase Early Meiji Period
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Early Japanese Meiji period bronze vase. Raised dragon with birds and cloud handles. Would look amazing in the right location. The very best color an...
Category

19th Century Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Bronze

Large Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Fan Motif Vase
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese Meiji era enamel over copper vase. The urn shaped vase is enameled with polychrome fan shaped medallions featuring floral, foliage and butterfly motifs surro...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Large Japanese Cloisonne Stripe Vase with Chrysanthemums Namikawa Yasuyuki Meiji
Located in New York, NY
A large high quality Japanese enamel over brass vase attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki, 1845 to 1927. The amphora shaped vase is made in a lobular desi...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Japanese Contemporary Pink Blue Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 3
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite Japanese contemporary porcelain vase, hand painted in deep blue and pink, a signed work by master artist of the Imari- A...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

A Meiji Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Wisteria and Fish Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period brass and cloisonne enamel vase decorated along the rim with overhanging wisteria flowers on a yellow ground abo...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Peach Goldstone Dragons and Phoenix Bird
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese copper, goldstone and cloisonne enamel vase from the Meiji period, 1868 to 1912. Features a slender tapering ovoid form rising to a short waisted octagonal neck w...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Translucent Floral Vases
Located in New York, 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 butterflies in bloss...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Japanese Bronze Bamboo Hanging Vase, Kakehana, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A subtle and beautiful Japanese bronze hanging flower vase, kakehana, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The slim and elegant vessel of cast bronze in the form of a stalk of segmented...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Bronze

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Bronze

Antique Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Vase
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Japanese Meiji period bronze vase. Would look amazing in the right location. The very best color and patina. Overall maximum dimensions: 31 cm high x 14 cm diameter (inner mouth 4....
Category

19th Century Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Bronze

Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Goldstone Mount Fuji Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period goldstone vase, attributed to Honda Yasaburo, an artist active from the 1870s to 1910. The vase features two intricately detailed plaques on its body...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

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...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Translucent Floral Red Vase
Located in New York, NY
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Translucent Floral Red Vase An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel design. Early Meiji period, ca. 1870s. Sli...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Emerald Whispers: Exceptional Celadon Green Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in New York, NY
"Emerald Whispers: Exceptional Celadon Green Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase" A very high quality Japanese, Meiji era, enamel vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a short f...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lotos Vase
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese early Meiji period vase attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki, a prominent cloisonne artist of the time. Showcases the highly regarded craftsmanship and intricate ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Double Dragon French Mounted Gilt Bronze Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese gilt bronze centerpiece urn or jardiniere with enameled body. Late Meiji period, before 1912. The foot is decorated with sculptural sea creatures. The item has fi...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Bronze

Large Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Birds of Paradise
Located in New York, NY
A fine quality Japanese cloisonne vase having a flared rim to slender neck and baluster body. The surface is enameled with highly detailed polychrome medallions depicting highly deta...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Large Japanese Meiji Period Imari Vase, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large and impressive fine quality 19th century Imari vase, with hand painted classical floral motif and inset panels painting of playful Foo Dogs. Japan, Meiji period, late 19th c...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Green Goldstone Enamel Millefiori Mask Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Elongated baluster shape. Intricate floral pattern against the dark green back...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel With Pair of Peacocks
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period enamel over brass vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a narrow neck. The vase is enameled with a polychrome scene with a pair of peacocks m...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Large Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Pictorial and Geometric Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Meiji period Japanese polychrome cloisonne enamel vase of an ovoid form with short and wide neck, bearing two painted enamel panels, the recto panel shows a noble Japanese...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Contemporary Blue Green Yellow Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 2
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Contemporary Japanese porcelain decorative vase hand painted in green, red and blue on a beautifully shaped body, a signed work by highly acclaimed Japanese master porcelain artist i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Ginbari Baby Blue Enamel Floral Double Handel V
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome ginbari cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, Squat round shape, long neck and decorative side handles. Blue body with pink and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Pair Japanese Noritake Hand Painted Vases Urns Centerpieces Pink Roses
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An Elegant Fine Pair Japanese Noritake Hand Painted Porcelain Vases of outstanding quality. First quarter of the Twentieth Century, late Meiji pe...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Japanese Contemporary Platinum Blue Porcelain Vase by Master Artist Duo
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Outstanding Japanese contemporary museum quality porcelain vase, highly detailed, extremely intricately hand painted in blue and platinum on a stunningly shaped porcelain body, showc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Platinum

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Silver Wire Enamel Miniature Vase Bird on Bambo
Located in New York, 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...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

19th Century Japanese Carved Stone Bud Vase
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Japanese Meiji period carved stone Meiping style urn or bud vase. The lovely pale yellow stone varying in shades from mustard to umber with some black striations is just...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Stone

Large Pair of High Quality Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Vases Sparrows in
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large high quality Japanese enamel over brass vases The sphere shaped vases are covered with polychrome enamel medallions depicting sparrows in blossoming flowers, and Phoe...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Barrel Vase with Butterflies
Located in New York, 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...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Porcelain Vase by Japanese Master Artist
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite Japanese contemporary porcelain decorative vase, hand painted in vivid blue and red on an elegant bottle shape body, a signed piece by highly acclaimed Japanese master porc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Gold

Extra Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Pink Vase Gonda
Located in New York, NY
An extra large antique, late Meiji era, Japanese copper and enamel vase by Gonda Hirosuke, Japanese, 1865 to 1937. A sphere shaped body is covered with ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

A Pair of Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Cherry Blossom and Geometric Patte
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Japanese copper vases with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Cylindrical shape with pronounced base and ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Antique Mixed Metal Japanese Vase Bronze Japan 19/20th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
nteresting and finely made mixed metal shibuichi vase. Very cool. Condition 2 dents to the body. Size 14.5CM high Period 19th century Meiji Periode (1867-1912)
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

An Inlaid Shibuichi Vase in Lovely Shape Landscape Meiji Kyoto, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Meiji Period (1868-1912), Japan A small vase with an inlaid scene of a bird and flowers in a garden. Additional information: Material: Bronze & Cloisonne Region of Origin: Japan Pe...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Bronze

A Pair of Barrel Shaped Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly Vases
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese cloisonne enamel vase from the Meiji period featuring an elegant form with high shoulders and light beige ground color. Decorated with multicolor floral and foliate motifs with butterfly images to the body. A rim and base are finished in gilt brass. Circa the early 20th century. Antique Japanese Vases...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Purple Blue Gold Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 2
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite gilded and intricately hand-painted Japanese contemporary porcelain vase in an elegant shape, extremely intricately hand-painted in various hues of purple and blue, a signe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Gold

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...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Bronze

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...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Contemporary Blue Pink Gold Black Porcelain Vase by Master Artist
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Unique Contemporary Japanese decorative porcelain vase, intricately hand painted in blue and pink on a beautifully shaped body, set against a stunning background of intricate tenmoku...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Platinum

Pair Antique Japanese Bronze Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique Japanese Bronze Vases clearly illustrate the mastery of the metalsmiths of Japan! Cast and sculpted in bronze and given a rich oil-rubbed antique finish, each features ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Bronze

Large Matching Pair Satsuma Meiji Era Figural Vases Figures in Clouds Gold Leaf
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
LARGE Matching Pair Satsuma Meiji Era Figural vases figures in clouds gold leaf. Amazing multi color decoration. Vases display prominently from any decor...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Pottery

Pair Of Satsuma Earthenware Vases "zenkozan" Japan, Meiji Period
Located in Bilzen, BE
Pair of Earthenware vases from Satsuma Japan Each side with different decoration Signature under the base "Zenkozan" end of the Meiji period Height 22 cm Perfect condition
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Japanese Contemporary Yellow Blue Green Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 3
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite Japanese Contemporary decorative porcelain vase, extremely intricately hand painted In vivid green, yellow and blue on a stunning bottle shaped body with an elegant long ne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Meiji Period Japanese Double Gourd Vase Blue White, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this fantastic and Quality painted double gourd vase from the Meijij period. The flowers are in enamel and thickly painted in a bit of relief when you touch them. Al...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Contemporary Green Blue Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 3
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite Japanese contemporary hand-painted decorative porcelain vase, a signed work by widely acclaimed award winning master porcelain artist of the Imari- Arita region of Japan, f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Japanese Blue and White Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 2
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Unique Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain vase, intricately hand painted in cobalt blue underglaze on an elegantly shaped porcelain body, a signed work by respected award-win...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Contemporary Gold Red Purple Blue Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 4
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Contemporary Japanese dimpled decorative porcelain vase, a stunning piece gilded and hand painted by highly acclaimed porcelain artist of Japan’s Imari-Arita region. The artist is th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Gold

Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Enamel Vase
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive Japanese bronze and cloisonne enamel vase having raised decoration depicting a carp in the river, with a deer under a tree.
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Vases

Materials

Bronze

Meiji vases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji vases for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage vases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji vases made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original vases, popular names associated with this style include Ando Jubei, Satsuma, Kinkozan, and Makuzu Kozan. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for vases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $83 and tops out at $98,000 while the average work can sell for $2,994.

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