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.
19th Century Japanese Imari Scalloped Plate
Located in Pearland, TX
A striking 19th century antique Imari plate with a lovely scalloped edge, featuring vibrant red-oranges and blues. It displays beautifully, perfect on a wall or plate rack. Originati...
Porcelain
$1,800 / set
19th Century Set of 6 Japonese Imari Plates
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Set of 6 Japonese Imari Plates , decagon shape. 8.3 inches diameter.
Porcelain
Meiji Period Japanese Igezara Transferware Plate with Phoenix and Foliage Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period Igezara transferware plate from the late 19th century, with phoenix and foliage motifs. Created in Japan during the Meiji era, this Igezara transferware plate...
Pottery
Set of Ten Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Dinner Plates
Located in Point Richmond, CA
A Set of Ten Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Dinner Plates. This set of fine porcelain china is decorated in three firings. The first firing in light and dark under glaze cobalt blu...
Porcelain
$403Sale Price|20% Off
Japanese Imari Porcelain, Blue & White Plate, Meiji Era, (1868-1912)
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A fine example of Japanese Imari porcelain, this plate likely dates to the Meiji period and reflects the artistry and craftsmanship that made Imari ware so prized worldwide. Originating in the kilns of Arita and shipped through the port of Imari, these porcelains became synonymous with elegance, rich design, and cultural exchange between Japan and the West. Design: This plate features a scalloped edge and is richly decorated in cobalt blue and white with a detailed tableau of peacocks, birds, flowering trees, and foliage—motifs deeply symbolic in Japanese art, representing beauty, longevity, and renewal. The balance of naturalistic detail and decorative flourish is characteristic of Imari porcelain of the late 19th century. Era: Given its style and subject matter, this piece can be attributed to the late 19th to early 20th century, during Japan’s Meiji era, a period when traditional craftsmanship flourished alongside modernization. Why Collectors Value It: Exemplifies the refined artistry of Japanese porcelain during a culturally transformative period. Features timeless natural motifs that resonate with both collectors and decorators. A versatile piece—equally striking as a display plate, wall mount, or part of a larger Imari collection...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Japanese Contemporary Blue White Porcelain Dessert or Bread Plate
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exceptional Japanese contemporary porcelain dessert/fruit/bread plate in an elegant square shape, hand-painted in blue underglaze in cobalt and light blue to showcase a graceful arab...
Porcelain
$448Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Japanese Porcelain Meiji Arita Polychrome Dish Plate, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this unusual plate Unmarked at the base. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Me...
Porcelain
$1,078Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dinner Set Antique Japanese Kutani Plate with Mount Fuji Japan Porcelain, 19/20C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
4 Fabulous Japanese plates Marked at the base with 3 character overglaze mark. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century, 2...
Porcelain
$358Sale Price|20% Off
Meiji Japanese Sometsuke Arita Arita Plate with Toy Horse Figures, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nice plate with interesting scene. Also seem toy horses where figures are riding on. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Type: Plates Region of Origin: Japan Perio...
Porcelain
Japanese Contemporary Blue White Porcelain Dinner Plate
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Japanese contemporary porcelain dinner plate in an elegant square shape, hand-painted in blue uderglaze in cobalt and light blue to showcase a grace...
Porcelain
Antique Quality Japanese Imari Plate
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique quality Japanese Imari plate having a scalloped edge with wonderful hand painted panels in red, blue, green, white and gold colours In lovely original condition Dimensio...
Ceramic
19th Century Set of Mason's Plates
Located in High Point, NC
19th century set of four English ironstone plates, signed Mason's over a crown and banner. The plates are transfer decorated in a pattern of florals ...
Ironstone
Japanese Imari Dinner Plates, Set of 10
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very good set of 10 Japanese Imari hand painted dinner plates that date to the Meiji period. All 10 plates are in very good original condition, showing only hints of use. T...
Porcelain
Japanese Porcelain Charger finely Hand Painted, Meiji Period circa 1880
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality, hand decorated Japanese porcelain charger, large plate or bowl with an Imari pattern, dating to the late 19th centur...
Porcelain
19th Century Japanese Hand-Painted Blue and White Porcelain Charger Plate
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese porcelain charger plate from the 19th century, with hand-painted blue and white blooming tree, rocky formation and bird décor. Created in Japan during the 19th century, th...
Porcelain
Vintage Asian Imari Dessert Plates - Set of 8
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Delight in the vibrant beauty of this Set of 8 Vintage Asian Imari Dessert Plates, each featuring an ornate design bursting with traditional charac...
Porcelain
$2,240 / set
H 1.58 in Dm 13.39 in
Set of 12 Majolica Oyster Plates with Matching Server, 19th Century
By Longchamp
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This striking set comprises twelve majolica oyster plates and one large matching serving platter, beautifully crafted in the style of Longchamp, France. Each plate features a vivid g...
Faience, Ceramic, Majolica
18th Century Chinese Blue and White Large Plate, Qing Qianlong circa 1750
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good Chinese porcelain large plate, made for the export (Canton) market, during the middle of the 18th century, Qing-Qianl...
Porcelain
Set of 12 Coalport English Porcelain Dinner Plates
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous set of 12 antique English Coalport porcelain turquoise and gold encrusted dinner plates. Circa 1920. A timeless and classic touch for a fine interior. 10.5 inch diameter.
Porcelain
$960Sale Price / set|52% Off
H 1 in Dm 10 in
Set of Six Antique Early 19th Century Masons Dinner Plates
Located in New Orleans, LA
A set of six Mason's ironstone Imari Plates, early 19th century, with lovely scalloped, embossed and gilt decorated dinner plates in the typical...
Stoneware
$1,200 / set
H 0.79 in Dm 9.06 in
Meissen, Germany. Set of six antique porcelain dinner plates. Ca 1800
Located in København, Copenhagen
Meissen, Germany. A set of six antique porcelain dinner plates. Hand-painted with polychrome floral motifs. Dating: circa 1800. Marked...
Porcelain
Two Antique Japanese Quality Imari Plates
Located in Suffolk, GB
Two antique Japanese quality Imari plates having a scalloped shaped edge and boasting wonderful hand painted panels in red, blue, white and green colours Lovely examples in perfec...
Ceramic
Sold
H 2.25 in Dm 11.82 in
Antique Japanese Kutani Charger with Figures in a Mountain Landscape, 19th C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Very lovely pieces with a nicely painted With figures in a mountain landscape. Marked at base. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Japan Period:...
Porcelain
Japanese Porcelain Plate Arita Japan Zoshuntei marked Base Geisha, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Cool plate Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Type: Plates Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Period (1867-1912) Japanese St...
Porcelain
Antique Meiji Imari Style Porcelain Plate with Reticulated Rim, Ca 1900
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this beautiful plate Underglaze blue and overglaze other enamels. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Japan Period: 18th centur...
Porcelain
Sold
H 1.25 in Dm 8.5 in L 1.25 in
19th Century Japanese Meiji Imari Porcelain Painted Charger Scalloped Trim Plate
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Japanese Meiji period hand painted porcelain imari style plate.
Porcelain, Paint
Set of 12 Japanese Satsuma Pottery Calendar Cabinet Plates Marked Kinkozan
By Kinkozan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A remarkable full set of 12 Meiji period Satsuma pottery calendar cabinet plates produced by the renowned Kinkozan studios of Kyoto. Each plate is intricately hand-painted with de...
Pottery