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.
Set of 4 Ruby Red Cut-to-Clear Crystal Glasses, Hand-Cut Barware, circa 1960s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Set of 4 Ruby Red Cut-to-Clear Crystal Glasses, Hand-Cut Barware, circa 1960s An elegant set of four vintage cut-to-clear crystal glasses in deep ruby (cranberry) red, showcasing fin...
Crystal
Rare Tiffany Sterling Silver Decanter Set in Historic Japanese Pattern
By Tiffany & Co., Edward C. Moore
Located in New York, NY
Japanese sterling silver decanter set. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Oval bowl with tapering sides and rectilinear handle mounted to two rings. Sides have scrolled wire and pate...
Sterling Silver
$695
H 1.75 in W 2.38 in D 5.63 in
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 'Tipsy Jigger' Liquor Measure with Handle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage silver handled liquor measure. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In a hemispherical form with measuring lines, a handle, and a finial. Marked to the ...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Liquor Decanter Bottle Name Tags 7 Available
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful sterling silver liquor & wine decanter name tags. Marked sterling, some with hallmarks two marked made in Spain. They run the gamut from gin to...
Sterling Silver
Cut Crystal Glass Set of 2 Tumblers Barware Handcrafted in Italy
By WARM, Corinna Warm
Located in Santa Monica, CA
The 'Well' collection was conceived to elevate and celebrate drinking water in a vessel worthy of its importance. In collaboration with Italian crystal company Mario Cioni, Designer Corinna Warm created a unique, handcrafted, mouth blown, cut crystal water carafe...
Crystal
$235
H 1.73 in W 1.97 in D 0.09 in
Mid-Century Sterling Silver Bourbon Whiskey Decanter / Liquor Label
By Tiffany & Co., Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage silver Bourbon whiskey decanter or liquor label. In sterling silver. The silver label hangs on a chain and reads: BOURBON Marked to the reverse. Simply a great vin...
Sterling Silver
$21,000 / set
H 6.5 in Dm 3.88 in
Signed Webb 36 Pc Set Hand Blown Amethyst Cut to Clear Crystal Stemware Service
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a rare and amazing amethyst overlay cut to clear stemware service for 12 made and signed by Webb ca. 1920's. The 36 piece set consists of...
Crystal
$375 / set
H 6.74 in Dm 2.88 in
Set of 4 Vintage Nachtmann Cut to Clear Crystal Traube Hock Wine Glasses
By Nachtmann
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Traube, the bestselling pattern by Nachtmann, was created in 1940s. Colored crystal in various colors is layered on top of clear crystal, and then cut to clear with a festive pattern of grapes, stars, and fans. The ornate, multifaceted stems and round bases with abstract graphic cut pattern add visual interest and guide the eye upwards to bright , highly decorative bowls. The set of 4 ruby red glasses is marked with original foil stickers (please note, one glass is missing its stickers, one has 2 stickers, a round and a rectangular one with Nachtmann Bleikristall...
Crystal
Set of 6 Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Cocktail Tumblers or Mugs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 cocktail mugs or glasses. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver with gold washed interiors. With tapered side walls and a slightly concave base. Fully hallmark...
Sterling Silver
Amethyst Cut To Clear Crystal Decanter
Located in Denton, TX
Amethyst color & diamond cut crystal and etched pattern decanter. This piece can be used as barware or a decorative sculpture.
Crystal
An Art Deco Sterling Silver Overlay Cordial Decanter Set 1920's
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A handsome art deco sterling silver overlay decanter with 4 cordial glasses, original to each other. The design on each is scenes of Venice, the decanter is 9 inches tall, with the ...
Sterling Silver
Set of Ten English Cut Crystal Wine Glasses
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful set of ten mid-20th century English Stuart crystal wine glasses with wheel and panel cut design including thumbprint impression...
Crystal
$364Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 9.85 in Dm 3.94 in
Murano Blue Glass Decanter Set with Sterling Silver San Giorgio Overlay – Italy
Located in Bochum, NRW
A fine vintage Venetian, Murano blue glass liquor decanter with stopper and six matching shot glasses. Each applied with a sterling silver overlay, decorated with the San Giorgio lan...
Glass, Murano Glass
Vintage Sterling Silver Scotch Whiskey Decanter or Liquor Label
By Gorham Manufacturing Company, Asprey & Garrard Limited, Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage scotch decanter or liquor label. In sterling silver. The ribbon shaped silver label hangs on a chain and reads 'SCOTCH'. Fully marked to the reverse. Simply a wond...
Sterling Silver
K-OVER Champagne, CHERRY BLOSSOM, argento 999/°°, Italia
By Mary Yoshida
Located in Firenze, IT
Questa cover per bottiglia di champagne è una vera e propria opera d’arte e appartiene alla collezione Works of Art. La K-OVER è stata realizzata interamente a mano da Mary Yoshida...
Silver
K-OVER Champagne, ASIAN LADY, argento 999/°°, Italia
By Mary Yoshida
Located in Firenze, IT
Questa cover per bottiglia di champagne è una vera e propria opera d’arte e appartiene alla collezione Works of Art. La K-OVER è stata realizzata interamente a mano da Mary Yoshida...
Silver
Sold
H 5.25 in W 2.22 in D 0.25 in
Japanese Sterling Silver 950 Geisha Tea Caddy Spoon Al Malaikah Temple
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique sterling silver geisha tea caddy spoon. Makes a great spoon for many items or as a decorative piece. Beautifully hand crafted piece with great details.
Sterling Silver
Philippe Deshoulieres Lourioux Limoges Plates Boston MFA Japanese No Theatre
By Limoges, Deshoulières Limoges, Louis Lourioux
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Set of four Japanese Art plates recreated by Philippe Deshoulieres, Lourioux, France for the Museum of Fine Arts- Boston. Philippe Deshoulieres...
Porcelain
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