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.
American Japonisme Twin Fan Figural Napkin Ring by Meriden, Circa 1880
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Japonisme Twin Fan Figural Napkin Ring by Meriden Silver Plate Co., c. 1870s–1880s This finely modeled American silver-plated napkin ring is a documented Japonisme design b...
Metal
Antique English Silver Plate Biscuit Box, circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English SilverPlate Biscuit Box, circa 1880.
Silver Plate
$562
H 1.97 in Dm 1.97 in
Set of 10 Silver-Plated Rose Napkin Rings, Vintage Table Décor Collection Foral
Located in Wembley, GB
Set of 10 Silver-Plated Rose Napkin Rings, Vintage Table Décor Collection A luxurious set of 10 silver-plated napkin rings, each exquisitely shaped as a blooming rose with detailed l...
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
$576 / item
H 1.97 in Dm 1.97 in
Antique English Silver Napkin Rings Set of 6, Original Case Ornate Art Deco
Located in Wembley, GB
Enhance your dining experience with this elegant set of 6 antique English Art Deco silver-plated napkin rings, beautifully presented in their original velvet-lined fitted case. Each ring is finely engraved with an ornate border pattern, reflecting the artistry and craftsmanship of classic English silverware. Perfect for adding a touch of heritage sophistication to your table setting, these vintage napkin rings make an impressive gift for weddings, anniversaries, or collectors of fine silver. Their well-preserved condition and complete original case make this set especially desirable for both display and practical use. Authentic antique English silver-plated napkin rings Complete set of 6 rings in original fitted presentation case Ornate engraved border design with timeless appeal Rich purple velvet and silk-lined interior for elegant storage Ideal for formal dining, display, or collectible silverware collections 📏 Dimensions (approx.): 5 x 5 cm This is more than a dining accessory; it’s a piece of English history, offering both charm and functionality. A wonderful way to elevate your table décor while owning a set of collectible vintage silver treasures. Antique English silver napkin rings, silver-plated napkin rings set, vintage silverware dining accessories, collectible silver napkin rings, engraved silver tableware, antique silver...
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
$102 / set
H 2.76 in W 3.15 in D 2.76 in
Antique Pair of Victorian Cased Silver Plated Napkin Rings, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A lovely pair of antique Victorian silver-plated napkin rings circa 1880 in date. The triangular shaped ring feature machine engraved fancy floral pattern and come in their origi...
Silver Plate
$617 / set
H 0.99 in Dm 1.19 in
Silver Plated Napkin Ring Set, Wilkens Ostfriesen Desig Boxed Set of Six Germany
Located in Wembley, GB
Wilkens Silver-Plated Napkin Ring Set – Ostfriesen Pattern, Boxed Set of Six, German Silverware This elegant set of six Wilkens silver-plated napkin rings is a fine example of Germa...
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
$195 / set
H 5 in Dm 6 in
American Arts & Crafts Hammered Silver Plate Tea Service by Meriden, circa 1920s
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Early 20th-century three-piece hammered silver plate tea service by Meriden Britannia Company (Meriden Silver Plate Co.), model 2402, produced under International Silver Company, cir...
Silver Plate, Metal
$79
H 2 in W 3.5 in D 2.5 in
Vintage Princess House Victorian Rose Silver Plated Napkin Rings - 7 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Princess House Victorian Rose Silver Plated Napkin Rings - 7 Pc Set. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 2" H x 3.5" W x 2.5" D. Ring approx ...
Silver Plate
$570Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 1.97 in Dm 1.97 in
Set of 8 Silver-Plated Rose Napkin Rings, Vintage Table Décor Collection Foral
Located in Wembley, GB
Set of 8 Vintage Silver-Plated Rose Napkin Rings Floral Silver Tableware Collection, Decorative Dining Accessories This exceptional set of eight vintage silver-plated rose napkin rin...
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
Antique Silverplated Sugar Bowl by Meriden Britannia Co., 1919
Located in Phoenix, AZ
This wonderful piece was made by the Merida Brittania Company in 1919. It measures about 10.5" high with the from the bottom to the top of the lid, 7" high without a lid, and is a 5"...
Silver Plate
$2,800
H 18.5 in W 12 in D 16 in
Meriden Silver Plate Aesthetic Figural Lemonade Ice Water Tilting Pitcher
Located in Miami Beach, FL
A Meriden Brittania Co. Silver plate figural tilting covered pitcher on stand with two cups and drip cup / bowl, circa 1880 Meriden Britannia Company, Mer...
Silver Plate
$425
H 1.58 in Dm 1.97 in
Set of 6 Napkin Rings Vintage Silver-Plated in Cutlery Design Fork, Knife Spoon
Located in Wembley, GB
A playful yet elegant set of six vintage silver-plated napkin rings, each designed with a charming crossed cutlery motif of fork, knife, and spoon. These unique table accessories bri...
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
$350 / set
H 1 in W 2 in D 2 in
Vintage Victorian Style Silver Plated Floral Embossed Napkin Rings - Set of 12
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Victorian Style Silver Plated Floral Embossed Napkin Rings - Set of 12. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 1" H x 2" Diameter.
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.5 in W 10.25 in D 10.25 in
Sheffield Imari Style Porcelain Handled Silver Table Knives, Cased Set of Eight
By Sheffield
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of eight English Staffordshire porcelain Imari pattern handled table knives, circa 1849 - 1860, in the manner of Royal Crown Derby. In the original fitted wood presentation c...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.5 in W 8.25 in D 11.25 in
19th Century English Porcelain Crabstick Handled Dessert Knives, Cased Set of 12
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A scarce set of 12 boxed porcelain handled dessert knives, circa 1860-1870, attributed to Royal Worcester, Staffordshire, England, and retailed by Richard Briggs of Boston. The be...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.5 in W 10.25 in D 10.25 in
English Imari Style Porcelain Handled Silver Table Knives, a Cased Set of Eight
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of eight English Staffordshire porcelain Imari pattern handled table knives, circa 1849 - 1860, in the manner of Royal Crown Derby. In the origin...
Silver Plate