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.
Tiffany Japonesque Mixed Metal & Mokumé Dragonfly Water Pitcher
Located in New York, NY
Japonesque mixed metal and sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1880. Straight sides with curved shoulder and s-scroll handle; short and straight neck...
Sterling Silver
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.
Ceramic
Antique Ironstone Pitcher, Masons, Asian Scene, 19th Century
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This is an antique ironstone pitcher, from England, featuring a transferware design. Material: It's made of ironstone, a durable type of pot...
Ironstone
“Barbotine” vintage pitcher with Japanese-style decoration – France, circa 1880
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful cylindrical pitcher with a glossy black base, decorated with a bird among reeds painted in polychrome slip, with small grasses highlighted in gold. Twisted "rope" handle. L...
Ceramic
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Whiting Japonesque Craftsman Hand Hammered Water Pitcher
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Japonesque Craftsman sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Whiting in New York, ca 1885. Drum form neck and globular bowl on short and straight foot ring; c-scroll handle and small ...
Sterling Silver
Georgian Davenport Jug or Pitcher Ironstone Jardinière Ptn, circa 1815
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a mid size repaired Hydra jug or Pitcher made by the Davenport Company of Longport, Staffordshire, England in the late Georgian period, circa 1805-1820, made of Ironstone pot...
Ironstone
$1,059
H 9.06 in W 5.91 in D 3.94 in
Ceramic Pitcher by Jacques Innocenti, to Vallauris, circa 1960-1970
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A ceramic pitcher by Jacques Innocenti to Vallauris. Perfect original conditions. Handwritten signature under the base "Innocenti Vallauris", circa 1960.
Ceramic
Sterling Water Pitcher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
There isn’t much in the way of decoration but the shape and style of this water pitcher is fabulous. Notice the curved body juxtaposed against the straight handle. There’s a ribbing pattern along the neck that’s complimented in the lines and curl in the handle. The spout is narrow, which is helpful when pouring. There is an Old English letter L monogram...
Sterling Silver
Silver Water Pitcher with Japanese Flower Etching
By Orf Silver
Located in Asheville, NC
This elegant example of Aesthetic Movement silver was manufactured by ORF Silver Company. This decorative motif clearly displays the influence of Japanese art on Victorian design. Th...
Early 1900s Italian Majolica Orciuolo Apothecary Pitcher
By Castelli
Located in Dallas, TX
From Italy, this majolica apothecary pitcher (orciuolo) is in the manner of the pitcher done by Castelli, circa 1520, housed in the MET Museum NYC,...
Majolica
$192Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.3 in W 3.15 in D 2.8 in
Georgian Davenport small Jug or Pitcher Ironstone Jardinière Ptn, circa 1815
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a small size antique Hydra jug or Pitcher made by the Davenport Company of Longport, Staffordshire, England in the late Georgian period, circa 1805-1820, made of Ironstone po...
Ironstone
St. Clement French Barbotine Art Nouveau Earthenware Raspberry Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Saint-Clément faïencerie, a vintage French barbotine majolica glazed raspberry pitcher, circa 1960s, in the Art Nouveau style. Still bearing the original French gold foil label: “St Clément France...
Earthenware
$391
H 5.25 in W 5.2 in D 4.4 in
Masons Ironstone Jug or Pitcher in Basket Japan Pattern, Georgian circa 1818
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good, very early Mason's Ironstone Hydra jug or pitcher in the Basket Japan pattern, made in the English, late Georgian period, circa 1815-1820. This jug is very decorativ...
Ironstone
Antique Silver Plated Insulated Hot Water Pitcher with Leaf Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated hot water pitcher shows no maker's signature, but is presumed to have originated from the United States and dating to appr...
Silver Plate
Mason’s Vista Ironstone Pitcher, Red Transferware, England, 1940s
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A beautifully decorative Mason’s ironstone pitcher in the classic Vista pattern, made in England and richly decorated in red transferware over a warm cream ground. This elegant jug f...
Ceramic
19th Century Floral Sponge Ware Pitcher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This floral decorated sponge ware pitcher is in good condition. Great for flowers.
Pottery
Davenport Ironstone Pitcher, Jardinière Pattern, Georgian Circa 1815
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good Ironstone Hydra jug or Pitcher made by the Davenport Company of Longport, Staffordshire, England in the late Georgian period, circa 1805-1820. The piece is well ...
Ironstone
Market-Fresh Tiffany Mixed Metal Frog & Beetle Water Pitcher
Located in New York, NY
Market-fresh Japonesque mixed metal and sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Gently curved bowl and inset undulating rim with wide lip spout and inte...
Sterling Silver
Midcentury Ceramic Pitcher by Albert Thiry, 'circa 1960s'
By Albert Thiry
Located in London, GB
Midcentury ceramic pitcher (circa 1960s) by Albert Thiry (1932 - 2009). A classic Thiry design and decoration scheme, this pitcher's base co...
Ceramic
Midcentury Ceramic Pitcher by Albert Thiry, circa 1960s
By Albert Thiry
Located in London, GB
Midcentury ceramic pitcher (circa 1960s) by Albert Thiry (1932-2009). A classic Thiry design and decoration scheme, this pitcher's base colo...
Ceramic