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Japonisme Serving Pieces

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
Japanese Papier Mâché Crumb Tray, Japan, 19th Century
Japanese Papier Mâché Crumb Tray, Japan, 19th Century

Japanese Papier Mâché Crumb Tray, Japan, 19th Century

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Japanese lacquered papier-mâché crumb sweeper with matching brush, Japan, 19th century. An elegant table set comprising a crumb sweeper and matching brush, crafted from black lacquered papier-mâché and richly decorated with Japanese scenes in gold tones. The decoration depicts stylized figures, horsemen, and landscapes, executed using a traditional technique inspired by Oriental lacquer. Highly prized at the end of the 19th century amidst the European craze for Japonisme, these table accessories combine decorative refinement with domestic use. The curved brush, adorned with the same decoration, harmoniously completes the set. With its exquisite craftsmanship, antique patina, and decorative appeal, this object is now a beautiful collector's item or a charming piece for an eclectic interior. Style : Japonisme Japanese decorative art Orientalist Late 19th century Decorative lacquer Collectible Main features : Set including a crumb tray and dustpan Black lacquered papier-mâché Figurative gold decoration Motifs of figures and horsemen Handcrafted Antique patina Utilitarian and decorative object Japan, 19th century Keywords : Japanese papier-mâché crumb tray, antique crumb tray, Japanese lacquerware, Japanese papier-mâché, Meiji period decor, Japanese table accessory, oriental decorative object, antique lacquered tray, Japanese collectible, Victorian Japanese decor, Japanese crumb tray, black lacquered papier-mâché, antique dustpan and dustpan set, Japonisme object, antique Japanese decor...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood, Paper

19th Century Antique Japanese Silver Plated Tea Caddy
19th Century Antique Japanese Silver Plated Tea Caddy

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 ...

Category

19th Century Antique Japonisme Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Set of Four Japanese Maki-e Lacquered Pedestal Dishes
Set of Four Japanese Maki-e Lacquered Pedestal Dishes

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...

Category

1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

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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...

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Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Serving Pieces

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Japanese Antique Lacquer Hair Comb with Flowers in Gold Maki-e
Japanese Antique Lacquer Hair Comb with Flowers in Gold Maki-e

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...

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Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Serving Pieces

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Giltwood, Lacquer

Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Stacking Box, Jubako, Meiji Period, Japan
Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Stacking Box, Jubako, Meiji Period, Japan

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...

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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Serving Pieces

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Lacquer

Sarreguemines French Barbotine Majolica Trompe l'Oeil Melon Covered Tureen
Sarreguemines French Barbotine Majolica Trompe l'Oeil Melon Covered Tureen

Sarreguemines French Barbotine Majolica Trompe l'Oeil Melon Covered Tureen

By Sarreguemines

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...

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Early 20th Century French Japonisme Serving Pieces

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Earthenware

19th Century English Silver Plate Samovar / Tea Urn
19th Century English Silver Plate Samovar / Tea Urn

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...

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1860s English Antique Japonisme Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

19th Century French Silver Plated Bread Basket with Vine Decor
19th Century French Silver Plated Bread Basket with Vine Decor

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...

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Mid-19th Century French Antique Japonisme Serving Pieces

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Silver Plate

Serving Tray, 19th Century English in Papier Mâché
Serving Tray, 19th Century English in Papier Mâché

Serving Tray, 19th Century English in Papier Mâché

Located in Dallas, TX

19th century English papier mâché serving tray with an exquisitely hand painted scene of a stylized bird, floral bouquet and rococo bordering with lacquered finish. Perfect for servi...

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Mid-19th Century English Antique Japonisme Serving Pieces

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Paper

19th Century English Papier Mâché Tray
19th Century English Papier Mâché Tray

19th Century English Papier Mâché Tray

$1,485

H 2.25 in W 25.75 in D 19.25 in

19th Century English Papier Mâché Tray

Located in San Francisco, CA

A beautifully hand-painted and gilt paper mâché tray depicting a young Queen Victoria inside the coach (note the initials VR on the coach door).

Category

19th Century English Antique Japonisme Serving Pieces

Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Dragon Lacquer Folding Wall Shelves
Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Dragon Lacquer Folding Wall Shelves

Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Dragon Lacquer Folding Wall Shelves

Located in Atlanta, GA

A rare and unusual pair of Japanese Meiji period lacquered folding wall shelves, likely late 19th century, each formed with an irregular cloud-shaped backplate decorated in gilt and ...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Serving Pieces

Materials

Lacquer

A Green Majolica Fish Saucer by Sarreguemines, Mid 20th Century
A Green Majolica Fish Saucer by Sarreguemines, Mid 20th Century

A Green Majolica Fish Saucer by Sarreguemines, Mid 20th Century

By Sarreguemines

Located in ARMADALE, VIC

A Green Majolica Fish Saucer by Sarreguemines, Circa 1930 Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimensions: Height: 12cm. Width: 24.5cm. Depth: 9cm.

Category

1930s French Vintage Japonisme Serving Pieces

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A Japanese Circular Maki-e Lacquer Box with Fan-Shaped Reserves
A Japanese Circular Maki-e Lacquer Box with Fan-Shaped Reserves

A Japanese Circular Maki-e Lacquer Box with Fan-Shaped Reserves

Located in Milano, IT

A refined Japanese circular maki-e lacquer box on a nashiji ground, decorated with three elegant fan-shaped panels enclosing delicate floral and naturalistic motifs. The panels depic...

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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Serving Pieces

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Lacquer

Previously Available Items
Vintage Limoges Bernardaud Asian Imari Pattern Porcelain Cake Handled Tray
Vintage Limoges Bernardaud Asian Imari Pattern Porcelain Cake Handled Tray

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...

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Mid-20th Century French Japonisme Serving Pieces

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Pair of Antique Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Trays
Pair of Antique Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Trays

Pair of Antique Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Trays

Sold

H 1.5 in W 10.75 in D 10.75 in

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. ...

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Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Serving Pieces

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Pair of English Chamberlains ‘Worcester’ Porcelain "Kakiemon" Decor Platters
Pair of English Chamberlains ‘Worcester’ Porcelain "Kakiemon" Decor Platters

Pair of English Chamberlains ‘Worcester’ Porcelain "Kakiemon" Decor Platters

By Chamberlains Worcester

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.

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Mid-19th Century English Antique Japonisme Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Collection of Four Japanese Lacquered Tray
Collection of Four Japanese Lacquered Tray

Collection of Four Japanese Lacquered Tray

Sold

H 14 in W 20.25 in D 1 in

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&...

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Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Japonisme serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage serving pieces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme serving pieces made in a specific country, there are Europe, Asia, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original serving pieces, popular names associated with this style include Chamberlains Worcester, and Noritake. 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 serving pieces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $760 and tops out at $1,795 while the average work can sell for $1,450.