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Japonisme Ceramics

JAPONISME STYLE

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.

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Style: Japonisme
Antique Imari Fruit Plate, Japanese, Meiji Ceramic Decorative Charger, Victorian
Antique Imari Fruit Plate, Japanese, Meiji Ceramic Decorative Charger, Victorian

Antique Imari Fruit Plate, Japanese, Meiji Ceramic Decorative Charger, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique Imari fruit plate. A Japanese, Meiji era ceramic charger, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Appealing example of Imari export ware, with charming d...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Massive Antique Japanese Arita Porcelain Emperor Meiji
Massive Antique Japanese Arita Porcelain Emperor Meiji

Massive Antique Japanese Arita Porcelain Emperor Meiji

By Arita

Located in Hillringsberg, SE

This very large plate made in Japan during the Emperor Meiji time 1868-1912. Wonderful blue pattern on fine porcelain. There is a crack that’s shown thro...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Japanese stoneware ceramic vase by Hiroaki Taimei Morino
Contemporary Japanese stoneware ceramic vase by Hiroaki Taimei Morino

Contemporary Japanese stoneware ceramic vase by Hiroaki Taimei Morino

By Hiroaki Taimei Morino

Located in Uccle, BE

Morino Taimei (1934), also known as Taimei Hiroaki, draws from his traditional heritage and infuses it with a modern spirit. His father, a respected potter, sent him to study ceramic...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Vieillard Bordeaux Service "Grands Oiseaux", Universal exhibition 1878
Vieillard Bordeaux Service "Grands Oiseaux", Universal exhibition 1878

Vieillard Bordeaux Service "Grands Oiseaux", Universal exhibition 1878

By Vieillard Manufacture

Located in Paris, FR

Discover the elegance of this 72-piece tableware set, each piece featuring a refined brown edge. Presented at the 1878 Exposition Universelle, this collection highlights the beauty o...

Category

1870s French Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Large English Majolica Japanese Style Pitcher, circa 1880
Large English Majolica Japanese Style Pitcher, circa 1880

Large English Majolica Japanese Style Pitcher, circa 1880

Located in Austin, TX

Elegant large Victorian Majolica pitcher inspired by the Japon decorated with flowers, a large fan, a flag on pastel tones, end of the 19th century / England.

Category

1880s British Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Style Ceramic Cup Takuya Hamajima Contemporary Zen
Japanese Style Ceramic Cup Takuya Hamajima Contemporary Zen

Japanese Style Ceramic Cup Takuya Hamajima Contemporary Zen

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Japanese style cup made of ceramic and wood. Wood is zelkova and ceramic with zelkova ash glaze.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Large 19th Century French Blue & White Japon Platter Creil Montereau
Large 19th Century French Blue & White Japon Platter Creil Montereau

Large 19th Century French Blue & White Japon Platter Creil Montereau

By Creil et Montereau

Located in Austin, TX

Large 19th Century French Blue & White Japon Platter signed Creil Montereau. 13 inches diameter. This service is exposed in Giverny Claude Monet's house.

Category

1880s French Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Massive Japanese Arita Presentation Porcelain Plate Meiji Period
Massive Japanese Arita Presentation Porcelain Plate Meiji Period

Massive Japanese Arita Presentation Porcelain Plate Meiji Period

Located in Atlanta, GA

This massive Japanese Arita plate was made in Hizen, circa 1890-1910s, at the end of Meiji period by a potter named Takeshige Yoshisuke who was active in A...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Japanese contemporary Tanoue Shinya Kara Shell vase, 2011
Japanese contemporary Tanoue Shinya Kara Shell vase, 2011

Japanese contemporary Tanoue Shinya Kara Shell vase, 2011

By Tanoue Shinya

Located in Uccle, BE

Tanoue Shinya, is a ceramic artist from Kyoto. His work is already placed in the Museum of Kyoto and the Hyogo Ceramic Art Museum as well as being shown at US museums (Cincinnati, P...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Théodore DECK, Large vase of Far Eastern inspiration
Théodore DECK, Large vase of Far Eastern inspiration

Théodore DECK, Large vase of Far Eastern inspiration

By Theodore Deck

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

This large turquoise pot holder in glazed earthenware was made by the reknowned ceramist Théodore Deck at the end of the 19th century. Its beautiful bl...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Faience

Japanese Antique Kakiemon Plate from Arita
Japanese Antique Kakiemon Plate from Arita

Japanese Antique Kakiemon Plate from Arita

Located in Atlanta, GA

A milky white dish with slight scalloped rim and decorated with cobalt blue iron red and green enamel over glaze, this delicate piece in Kakiemon Style was dated at least to the earl...

Category

Early 18th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Yoshidaya Saiko Kutani Ceramic Dish
Japanese Yoshidaya Saiko Kutani Ceramic Dish

Japanese Yoshidaya Saiko Kutani Ceramic Dish

By Yoshidaya

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Japanese Ao-Kutani stoneware dish with overglaze decoration in the shape of barbed quatrefoil shape from late Edo period, circa early mid-19th century. Around 1804, 100 years after Ko-Kutani (old-Kutani) ware disappeared abruptly after thriving from 1655-early 1700s, saiko-kutani (revived-kutani) was attempted by many kilns and several distinguished styles developed. Among them, Yoshidaya kiln attempted to revive the original style of Ko-Kutani known as Aote, which employed four dark colors: green, yellow, dark blue/black and aubergine to create bold and striking design. The Yoshidaya production was short-lived and lasted roughly from 1823-1831. This dish is likely dated from this period or shortly after. The overglaze design centered around a crouching tiger under a black bamboo grove in a deep green background, surrounded by luxuriant banana leaves in green and aubergine with black outlines. The base of a similar concentric barbed quatrefoil design is further decorated with black foliage outlines and marked with a square Fuku mark. For a Yoshidaya dish with identical shape but different landscape decoration, see lot 79 of sale 6547 Christie's London. Important Japanese and Chinese Art...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Set of 2 Japanese Bowls Arita Sometsuke Blue White Flowers Decor
Vintage Set of 2 Japanese Bowls Arita Sometsuke Blue White Flowers Decor

Vintage Set of 2 Japanese Bowls Arita Sometsuke Blue White Flowers Decor

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage set of 2 square bowls features a traditional Arita style blue and white decor with Mino Yaki motifs of lush, exotic flowers and leaves in Sometsuke decoration technique. The ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Imari Porcelain Flower Pot 19th Century
Imari Porcelain Flower Pot 19th Century

Imari Porcelain Flower Pot 19th Century

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Beautiful porcelain planter decorated with imari. On this flowerpot, the background is blue, there are reserves in which appear a dragon and a bird surrounded by red flowers. The upp...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Japanese Kutani Porcelain Dragon Phoenix Bird Charger Plate 13"
Antique Japanese Kutani Porcelain Dragon Phoenix Bird Charger Plate 13"

Antique Japanese Kutani Porcelain Dragon Phoenix Bird Charger Plate 13"

Located in Dayton, OH

Early to mid 20th century Japanese kutani / imari style serving plate / platter - white porcelain hand painted with spiraling dragons and phoenixes / pheasants by flowering trees, s...

Category

Early 20th Century Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese contemporary Kaneta Masanao ceramic Hagi vase
Japanese contemporary Kaneta Masanao ceramic Hagi vase

Japanese contemporary Kaneta Masanao ceramic Hagi vase

By Kaneta Masanao

Located in Uccle, BE

Kaneta Masanao, is certainly one of Hagi pottery's most well-known and easily identifiable. He's part of the eighth generation Hagi potter and has expand ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Blue and White Earthenware Bowl Cherry Blossom Japonism Decoration
Antique Blue and White Earthenware Bowl Cherry Blossom Japonism Decoration

Antique Blue and White Earthenware Bowl Cherry Blossom Japonism Decoration

Located in Munich, DE

This large blue and white bowl is covered with wonderful ornaments in the fashionable Japonism taste of the 1880's and 1890's. The earthenware bowl carries as a makers mark an impres...

Category

1880s Belgian Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Large Japanese Imari Porcelain Platter
Large Japanese Imari Porcelain Platter

Large Japanese Imari Porcelain Platter

Located in Bradenton, FL

19th Century Japanese Imari Porcelain Platter. Platter is 15" in length and has a landscape and floral pattern. Plate has vibrant colors of blue, red, green, and yellow against a whi...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Japonisme Moriage Dragon Ware Cup in Black, 1920s
Antique Japonisme Moriage Dragon Ware Cup in Black, 1920s

Antique Japonisme Moriage Dragon Ware Cup in Black, 1920s

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A beautiful artisanal handcrafted porcelain Dragon ware teacup. This set features a moriage dragon design. Created from slip and applied around the body...

Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain, Paint

Stunning Midcentury Japanese Inspired French Decorative Object, Signed Forestier
Stunning Midcentury Japanese Inspired French Decorative Object, Signed Forestier

Stunning Midcentury Japanese Inspired French Decorative Object, Signed Forestier

Located in Miami, FL

Stunning French ceramic decorative object inspired by Japanese pottery designs with wonderful prominent blue and green hues. The shape and colors makes this piece exceptionally inter...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884
Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884

Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884

By Creil et Montereau

Located in Paris, FR

A stunning dessert plate from the "Kioto" collection by the renowned Creil et Montereau manufacturer, dating back to 1878-1884. This fine earthenware piece, typical of the japonisme ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884
Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884

Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884

By Creil et Montereau

Located in Paris, FR

A stunning dessert plate from the "Kioto" collection by the renowned Creil et Montereau manufacturer, dating back to 1878-1884. This fine earthenware piece, typical of the japonisme ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

MAISON Alphonse Giroux – Japonisant decorative porcelain dish
MAISON Alphonse Giroux – Japonisant decorative porcelain dish

MAISON Alphonse Giroux – Japonisant decorative porcelain dish

By Alphonse Giroux et Cie

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

This decorative Japanese-style painted porcelain dish is a product of the Alphonse Giroux company, founded in 1799. Bearing a "Maison Alph. Giroux" label on the reverse, our dish can...

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period
Japanese Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period

Japanese Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period

By Makuzu Kozan

Located in Atlanta, GA

A beautiful ceramic vessel in the form of Bo, the so-called monk's alms bowl from the studio of Japanese Potter Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one of the most established and collected ceramist from Meiji Period. Born as Miyagawa Toranosuke, Kozan established his pottery studio in Yokohama circa 1870s and later became one of the appointed artists to the Japanese Imperial household. His work was exhibited in many international fairs that the Meiji government participated at the turn of the century and won many grand prizes. Of a relatively large size, this piece was made as a decorative center piece for display. It was brilliantly decorated with underglaze paint of a green-on-green bamboo motif, using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting). As a result, the bamboos appear took on a three-dimensional quality as if appearing in a mist. Known as one of the most creative ceramists, circa 1887, Kozan started experimenting with new chemical colors from the West in the format of his porcelain glaze. New colors allowed him to create underglaze design that appeared bright, smooth and glossy. To create design that is realistic and dimensional, more common in the western paintings, he was inspired by the native Japanese ink painting technique developed around 1900 by Yokoyama Taikan...

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Imari Bowl Centerpiece with French Ormolu Mounts, circa 1900
Japanese Imari Bowl Centerpiece with French Ormolu Mounts, circa 1900

Japanese Imari Bowl Centerpiece with French Ormolu Mounts, circa 1900

Located in Austin, TX

An elegant French Louis XVI style Japonisme centerpiece comprised of a large 19th century Meiji Period Japanese Imari Porcelain bowl with French gilt metal ormolu mounts, late 19th-e...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ormolu

Pair Antique Japanese Artia Ceramic Cabinet Plates
Pair Antique Japanese Artia Ceramic Cabinet Plates

Pair Antique Japanese Artia Ceramic Cabinet Plates

By Arita

Located in Atlanta, GA

A pair of Japanese decorative ceramic plates, made in Arita for export market circa 17-18th century. The cabinet-display dishes feature lotus-petal gilt rim and a lavish tricolor ene...

Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Glazed Ceramic and Gilt Bronze Vases, France, Late 19th Century
Pair of Glazed Ceramic and Gilt Bronze Vases, France, Late 19th Century

Pair of Glazed Ceramic and Gilt Bronze Vases, France, Late 19th Century

Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires

Pair of glazed ceramic and gilt bronze vases, France, late 19th century.

Category

1890s French Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Bronze

Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884
Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884

Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884

By Creil et Montereau

Located in Paris, FR

A stunning dessert plate from the "Kioto" collection by the renowned Creil et Montereau manufacturer, dating back to 1878-1884. This fine earthenware piece, typical of the japonisme ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Studio Ceramic Centerpiece Okumura Shozan Meiji Period
Japanese Studio Ceramic Centerpiece Okumura Shozan Meiji Period

Japanese Studio Ceramic Centerpiece Okumura Shozan Meiji Period

Located in Atlanta, GA

A beautifully crafted large ceramic bowl as a centerpiece by Okumura Shozan (1842-1905) in the Kyo-yaki (kyoto ware) style. A Classic ovoid form with flatly...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884
Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884

Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884

By Creil et Montereau

Located in Paris, FR

A stunning dessert plate from the "Kioto" collection by the renowned Creil et Montereau manufacturer, dating back to 1878-1884. This fine earthenware piece, typical of the japonisme ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884
Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884

Dessert plate, Kioto service, Creil et Montereau, 1878 - 1884

By Creil et Montereau

Located in Paris, FR

A stunning dessert plate from the "Kioto" collection by the renowned Creil et Montereau manufacturer, dating back to 1878-1884. This fine earthenware piece, typical of the japonisme ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Japonisme ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme ceramics 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 ceramics created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, earthenware and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme ceramics 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 ceramics, popular names associated with this style include Creil et Montereau, Hiroaki Taimei Morino, Theodore Deck, and Fukumoto Fuku. 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 ceramics differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $38,834 while the average work can sell for $2,010.