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.
Antique Japonisme Moriage Dragon Ware Ashtray or Trinket Dish, 1920s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful artisanal handcrafted porcelain dragonware ashtray or trinket dish. This pretty catchall features a moriage dragon design. Created from slip...
Ceramic, Paint
Ceramic Dish Ashtray in Ceramic Art Deco Green Color Fishes Patern
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Art Deco ashtray or vide poche in ceramic. Green color. Made in France. Fishes Patern.
Ceramic
Val Saint Lambert Green Sommerso Core Crystal Ashtray Dish Belgium c.1950
Located in London, GB
Val Saint Lambert green Sommerso core crystal ashtray dish Belgium c.1950. Presented in excellent condition, free from chips or cracks.
Glass
Lalique French Crystal Jewelry Dish or Ashtray Leaf Design
By Lalique, René Lalique
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, signed, Lalique crystal dish with decorative leaf and indent design around edge, circa 20th century, France. Piece is from French luxury crystal maker Lalique. Made...
Crystal
$398
H 2.76 in Dm 6.7 in
Vintage Murano Glass Ashtray or Trinket Bowl by Avem Attributed to Dino Martens
By Dino Martens, Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. It is made in murano glass. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in perfect original condition and r...
Murano Glass
$761 / item
H 2.37 in W 4.89 in D 3.67 in
1 of 30 Cenedese Rectangular Black & Clear Murano Glass Bowl, Dish or Ashtray
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare opportunity to purchase one of a large quantity of Antonio da Ros for Cenedese (new old stock) thick and heavy vintage Mid-Century modern Italian Murano small rectangular glass ...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Italian Mid-Century Modern Bubble Glass Trinket Ashtray
Located in Copenhagen, K
Small Red Bubble Glass trinket or ashtray with sideways opening, Italy circa 1960's
Art Glass
Vallauris Multicolor Ceramic Fat Lava Round Bowl or Ashtray
By Vallauris
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Mid-Century Vallauris ashtray / bowl in multicolor glazed ceramic. Beautiful fat lava glazed ceramic ashtray in brown, pink purple and red colors. Manufactured by Vallauris. France, 1950s. This cool ashtray was handcrafted in France at the Mid-20th century period. Hand-crafted piece in shades of orange red, pink purple, ochre and green ceramic on a brown background with fat lava effect. It has four cigarrette or cigars holders. Highly decorative piece! This colorful piece will be the perfect gift for smokers. Also useful as jewelry bowl , decorative bowl or vide-poche. Overall Measures: 19 cm diameter x 9 cm height (7,48 in diameter x 3,54 in height). Vallauris Ceramic Round Bowl // Glazed Ceramic Fat Lava Bowl...
Ceramic, Majolica
Red Murano Ashtray or Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage red triangular Murano glass ashtray or candy bowl / Made in Italy, circa 1960s Measures: diameter 6 inches, height 3 inches Order Reference #: FABIOLTD G195 This piece make...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Amber Murano "Bullicante" Glass Bowl or Ashtray, Italy, Barovier 1960
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful round bowl or ashtray made in a stunning multicolor amber Murano glass using the "bullicante" technique. This unique piece is attributed to the mastery of Barovier & Toso...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Art Glass
$220Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.5 in W 4.75 in D 3.38 in
Italian Murano Art Glass Bowl or Ashtray Red Green
Located in New York, NY
An Italian Murano green and red art glass ashtray or small bowl vide-poche catchall in an oval teardrop shape, Midcentury Moder design, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Dimensions: 1.5...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Italian, 1950 Glass Bowl or Ashtray
By Murano 5
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Murano Italian, 1950 glass bowl or ashtray.
Murano Glass
$316Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.63 in Dm 4.5 in
English Wedgwood Jasperware Ashtray or Key Holder/Vide Poche
By Wedgwood
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware ashtray or key holder/vide poche in “Wedgwood Blue” features a repeating motif of white, high relief acanthus ...
Ceramic
Hermes Porcelain Ashtray with Japanese Scene
By Hermès
Located in Astoria, NY
Hermes porcelain ashtray / vide poche with Japanese scene of two samurai on horseback, marked "Hermes Paris" and "Made in France". Some chippi...
Ceramic