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.
19th Century Majolica Serving Tray with Birds Sarreguemines
Located in Austin, TX
A charming Majolica serving tray with wood and metal handles circa 1890. A scene with a swallow and delicate flowers. Attributed to Sarreguemin...
Metal
19th Century Antique Japanese Silver Plated Tea Caddy
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Antique Japanese Silver Plated Tea Caddy This very elaborate piece is decorated with Dragons. it is silver-plated on copper, it is in sound condition but much of the ...
Silver Plate
Set of Four Japanese Maki-e Lacquered Pedestal Dishes
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four Japanese shallow footed bowls or dishes in red lacquer with predominantly gold Makie design circa 1920s-1930s Taisho period. Each was decorated with hiramakie painting of different motifs, mostly gold, black and pewter color. One with a temple drum...
Wood, Lacquer
Asian Japanese Red Lacquered Footed Bowl Centerpiece
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large vintage Japanese shallow footed bowl in red lacquer with gold calligraphy design. This beautiful lacquerware were made to serve foods during elaborate banquet. Great decorative...
Lacquer, Paint
$655
H 7 in W 9.5 in D 13 in
Sarreguemines French Barbotine Majolica Trompe l'Oeil Melon Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica covered tureen in the shape of a trompe l’oeil melon by Sarreguemines, circa 1900. Molded in the form of a large yellow melon with green vines and leaves. The li...
Earthenware
19th Century English Silver Plate Samovar / Tea Urn
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Mid 19th century English silver plated samovar / tea or coffee urn with Ram detail side handles and finial lid on square footed base . The samova...
Silver Plate, Copper
Japanese Lacquer Hokai Box, 19th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a good example of a traditional Japanese Hokai shell storage box for the Kai-awase game. This box is well-detailed in chased brass appliques and makie. The box is in overall ...
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Stacking Box, Jubako, Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and impressive Japanese gold maki-e decorated black lacquer five-tier jubako with presentation tray, two lids, and the original tomobako storage box, Meiji period, late 19th c...
Lacquer
Japanese Antique Lacquer Hair Comb with Flowers in Gold Maki-e
Located in New York, NY
Stunning antique Japanese lacquer hair comb with a geometric petal-like background of stylized chrysanthemums and flowers done in gold and red maki-e. Possibly Edo or Meiji time peri...
Giltwood, Lacquer
19th Century French Silver Plated Bread Basket with Vine Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
Serve your baguette or crackers in style in this elegant bread tray. Crafted in France circa 1870 and oval in shape with side handles, the dish stands on fo...
Silver Plate
$1,700
H 4.5 in W 3.25 in D 1.88 in
Japanese Meiji Period Antique Lacquer Box with Gold Maki-e Decoration
Located in New York, NY
A fine antique Japanese Meji Period lacquer box decorated with a fan and a stylized star shaped window in the maki-e technique. The fan at the top right corner, fully opened depictin...
Lacquer
$995
H 10 in W 16 in D 10 in
19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate Fine Food Warmer Dish Walker Knowles
By Walker, Knowles & Co.
Located in Savannah, GA
Sheffield silver large size tureen marked on the inside of the lid with a cross over a globe and the initials ITC which indicates it was made by Walker, Knowles and Co., 47 Burgess S...
Sheffield Plate
$12,000
H 2.5 in W 9 in D 10 in
Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Document Box, Edo Period, early 19th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A spectacular Japanese maki-e lacquer lidded box, possibly a writing box, suzuribako, decorated with images of folding fans, ogi, Edo Period, earl...
Coral
$967 / set
H 1.97 in W 19.3 in D 12.21 in
Japanese Maki Style Black Lacquer Effect Resin Two Trays Gold Painted Cranes
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly invite you to read the full description, as we aim to provide detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our pieces. Unusual and refined pa...
Resin
$647 / set
H 7.09 in W 13 in D 10.63 in
Antique Pair Silver Plated Entree Dishes Walker and Hall 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an exquisite and rare antique pair of English silver plated on copper entree dishes stamped Walker & Hall Sheffield Plate Old Style, and dated Circa 1860. The dishes are of rectangular shaped form with gaddrooned and acanthus leaf borders with detachable handles. In excellent condition, these wonderful entree dishes are ready to grace your dining table. A truly exquisite pair that would make a fine addition to any antique collection. Condition: In excellent condition with clear makers marks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 18 cm x Width 33 cm x Depth 27 cm Dimensions in inches: Height 7 inches x Width 1 foot, 1 inch x Depth 11 inches Walker & Hall the business was established in Sheffield in 1845 by George Walker who become an assistant of Dr John Wright. Dr John Wright had conducted important experiments on electroplating, Walker secured the royalty of electroplating for Sheffield. The business was joined by Henry Hall and became in 1853 Walker & Hall. The factory was at Howard Street, Sheffield, while showrooms were opened in 45 Holborn Viaduct, London. Branches were opened in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Cardiff, Belfast, Hull, Bristol, Melbourne and Adelaide (Australia), Cape Town (South Africa). Walker & Hall was converted into a limited liability company in 1920 under the style Walker & Hall Ltd and combined in 1963 under the British Silverware...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2 in W 15.5 in D 6 in
Vintage Limoges Bernardaud Asian Imari Pattern Porcelain Cake Handled Tray
By Bernardaud, Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Limoges Bernardaud Asian Imari pattern porcelain rectangular cake plate. Limoges porcelain tray with handles hand-painted with flowers and garlands in an Asian Japanese Imari inspired design, gilding all around the edges. Vintage beautiful Limoges China porcelain gilded handled cake tray in rectangular shape. Marked Bernardaud Limoges France Dimensions. 15.5 " x 6”. Each handcrafted piece of Limoges porcelain is decorated by hand in a stunning display of craftsmanship. Handmade in France. Founded in 1737 under Louis XV, then put under the protection of the Comte d’Artois, Louis XVI’s brother in 1774 and sold during the Revolution, Ancienne Manufacture Royale...
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Trays
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Japanese lacquer trays in square from with upturned edges and small corner feet. They are delicately decorated with Maki-e with nashiji gold sprinkled on black background. ...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 2 in W 10.25 in D 9.25 in
Royal Crown Derby "Traditional Imari" Pattern 2451 Lozenge Shaped Server
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
"Traditional Imari" Pattern 2451 by Royal Crown Derby-Lozenge Shaped Server. Hand decorated in cobalt blue, iron red and gold. Double acorn handl...
Gold, Enamel
Sold
H 8.63 in Dm 10.25 in
Pair of English Chamberlains ‘Worcester’ Porcelain "Kakiemon" Decor Platters
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Pair of fabulous quality antique English Chamberlains and Co. (Worcester) hand-painted porcelain "Kakiemon" decor small platters with rare impressed "Chamberlains" mark on lower rare of one of the pair of platters.
Porcelain
Collection of Four Japanese Lacquered Tray
Located in Atlanta, GA
A black lacquered tray, decorated with a gilt branch. Measures W.20 1/4" x 14". W 10"-14": Includes one footed tray with a few blossoms, W 10 3/4" x 10 3/4&...
Wood