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.
Dinner plate L'Escalier de Cristal, 19th "Grands Oiseaux"
By L'Escalier de Cristal, Choisy-le-Roi
Located in Paris, FR
Presenting the "Grands Oiseaux" plates, an exquisite piece from the renowned Escalier de Cristal, the definitive tableware store of the 19th century. This hand-painted plate delicat...
Ceramic
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
Lot Of Six Rare Japanese Kutani Porcelain Ramekins Dessert Dishes & Saucers
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
LOT OF SIX RARE JAPANESE KUTANI PORCELAIN RAMEKINS DESSERT DISHES & SAUCERS Circa 1910. Two sets of three eggshell richly decorated in polychrome enamels and gold moriage fi...
Porcelain
Antique Tiffany Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Oyster Ladle
Located in New York, NY
Chrysanthemum sterling silver oyster ladle. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1920. Round bowl with twisted fluting and curved and reeded stem with d...
Sterling Silver
Duhme American Japonesque Sterling Silver Fish Serving Fork & Slice
Located in New York, NY
Japonesque sterling silver fish serving fork and slice. Made by The Duhme Company in Cincinnati, ca 1885. Handles shaped and tapering with fish and crabs in scrolled current; stipple...
Sterling Silver
"Escalier de Cristal" Dinner plate 19th from famous service "Grands Oiseaux"
By L'Escalier de Cristal, Choisy-le-Roi
Located in Paris, FR
Presenting the "Grands Oiseaux" plates, an exquisite piece from the most world world well-knowned Escalier de Cristal, the definitive tableware store of the 19th century. This hand...
Ceramic
Plate L'Escalier de Cristal, 19th "Grands Oiseaux"
By L'Escalier de Cristal, Choisy-le-Roi
Located in Paris, FR
Presenting the "Grands Oiseaux" plate, an exquisite piece from the renowned Escalier de Cristal, the definitive tableware store of the 19th century. This hand-painted plate delicate...
Ceramic
L'Escalier de Cristal's Plate, 19th "Grands Oiseaux"
By Choisy-le-Roi, L'Escalier de Cristal
Located in Paris, FR
Presenting the "Grands Oiseaux" plates, an exquisite piece from the renowned Escalier de Cristal, the definitive tableware store of the 19th century. This hand-painted plate delicat...
Ceramic
Plate L'Escalier de Cristal, 19th "Grands Oiseaux"
By L'Escalier de Cristal, Choisy-le-Roi
Located in Paris, FR
Presenting the "Grands Oiseaux" plates, an exquisite piece from the renowned Escalier de Cristal, the definitive tableware store of the 19th century. This hand-painted plate delicat...
Ceramic
Rare Tiffany Japanese Sterling Silver Asparagus Tongs
Located in New York, NY
Rare Japanese sterling silver asparagus tongs. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1875. U-form; terminals with low-relief stylized ornament: Perched birds, flowers, and cattails. ...
Sterling Silver
Dinner plate for L'Escalier de Cristal, 19th "Grands Oiseaux"
By Choisy-le-Roi, L'Escalier de Cristal
Located in Paris, FR
Presenting the "Grands Oiseaux" plates, an exquisite piece from the renowned Escalier de Cristal, the definitive tableware store of the 19th century. This hand-painted plate delicat...
Ceramic
Luxury 60 Pcs Service "Japon" Imari Know as "Monet" Creil & Montereau 19th
Located in Paris, FR
"Japon" Imari service, produced in 1876 by the Creil & Montereau pottery, shows the great success of Japonism in tableware production, like the Bracquemo...
Gold
Gorham Berry Spoon in Aesthetic Japonesque Chrysanthemum Pattern
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Chrysanthemum sterling silver berry spoon. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1885. Tapering stem. On recto, bright-cut flowerheads on butler-finished ground; verso plain. Scalloped bo...
Sterling Silver
$668Sale Price|24% Off
Six Wedgwood Majolica Argenta 'Lincoln' Pattern Dessert Dishes
By Wedgwood
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Six Wedgwood majolica Argenta palette ‘Lincoln' pattern dessert plates with finely molded maroon prunus blossoms and dark taupe pine branches surrounded by a yellow Greek key border. The dishes are decorated in the japonisme style and feature the “Three Friends of Winter” motif, an Asian artistic convention showing the pine, plum, and bamboo together to represent steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience. The Wedgwood factory introduced muted Argenta glazes to its majolicas in the 1880s to keep up with ever-changing fashions. The Argenta glaze color palette was more subdued than that of traditionally vibrant majolica, and was thus more appealing to the Aesthetic Movement japonisme style that pervaded the market. These Argenta majolica dessert dishes...
Earthenware, Majolica
Footed bowl Choisy-le-Roi for L'Escalier de Cristal, 19th "Grands Oiseaux"
By Choisy-le-Roi, L'Escalier de Cristal
Located in Paris, FR
Presenting the "Grands Oiseaux" footed bowl, an exquisite piece from the renowned Escalier de Cristal, the definitive tableware store of the 19th century. This elegant bowl showcases a delicate hand-painted pheasant...
Ceramic
Serving Dish Choisy-le-Roi for L'Escalier de Cristal, 19th "Grands Oiseaux"
By L'Escalier de Cristal, Choisy-le-Roi
Located in Paris, FR
Introducing the "Grands Oiseaux" footed plate, an elegant piece hailing from the iconic Escalier de Cristal, the premier tableware store of the 19th century. This exquisite plate fe...
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
$74,975 / set
H 1 in Dm 10.8 in
Set of 12 Exquisite "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charger Plates
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite set of 12 "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charges was realized in America in 1905. Each plate has heavily detailed boarders featuring a Kylix cup amid scrolling s...
Sterling Silver
19th Century Meissen Porcelain Plate, Reticulated Blue Onion, Germany
Located in Andernach, DE
The outstanding historical antique Meissen's Blue Onion pattern decoration was originally created around 1730, inspired by East Asian models from the Ming dynasty. This very dinner...
Porcelain
Antique English Sheffield Silver Goblet, circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Sheffield silver goblet, circa 1890. GOB004
Silver Plate
$1,040 / set
H 0.32 in W 0.63 in D 7.29 in
Edwardian Mother-of-Pearl Handled Silver Butter Knives, Set of Six
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of six butter knives in original box with label Alexander Clark London. Made for Goldsmith and Silversmith. Hallmarks Alexander Clark and Co. Handles in mother-of-pearl. Blades e...
Silver
$2,000 / set
H 0.13 in W 7.75 in D 0.75 in
Antique English Victorian Mother of Pearl 24 Piece Dessert Set in Case, Ca. 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian Mother of Pearl 24 piece dessert service in case, circa 1880.
Silver
$329Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 0.25 in W 0.75 in D 7.75 in
Antique 18Pc Mother of Pearl Sterling Silver Fork Knife Fish Flatware Cutlery
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th century set of mother of pearl handled 6 table knives, 6 forks, and 6 spreaders. Main set features silverplate blades and collars (blades marked with pseudo hallmark SMS),...
Metal, Sterling Silver
Mushroom Handpainted in Italy Dinner Plate
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Italian craftsmanship meets Les-Ottomans in this beautifiul mushroom collection of handpainted plates The charme of the woods on your table in a un...
Ceramic
Mushroom Handpainted in Italy Dinner Plate
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Italian craftsmanship meets Les-Ottomans in this beautifiul mushroom collection of handpainted plates The charme of the woods on your table in a un...
Ceramic
$166,320
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Chrysanthemum by Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Candelabra Pair of 3-Light
Located in Big Bend, WI
Tiffany's luxurious Chrysanthemum silver was designed in 1880. With its flowing curves, swirling vegetation, meandering tendrils and exotic blossoming plants, Chrysanthemum is charac...
Sterling Silver
Mushroom Handpainted in Italy Dinner Plate
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Italian craftsmanship meets Les-Ottomans in this beautifiul mushroom collection of handpainted plates The charme of the woods on your table in a unique and special collection create...
Ceramic
Rosenthal porcelain dinner service "Maria", Germany 1966
By Rosenthal
Located in Delft, NL
Rosenthal porcelain dinner service "Maria", Germany 1966 A white porcelain dinner service set by Rosenthal, Germany Dated with the Rosenthal mark of 1966 The romantic set called " M...
Porcelain
Round Dish in Satsuma Earthenware, Japan, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Round dish in Satsuma earthenware, Japan, 19th century. A 19th century round dish in Satsuma earthenware, Japan, Meiji period. H: 2cm, D: 28,5cm
Earthenware
Set of Tiffany Audubon Sterling Silver with 74 Pieces for 12
Located in New York, NY
Audubon sterling silver set. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. This set comprises 74 pieces (dimensions in inches): Forks: 12 forks (7 1/4) and 12 salad forks (6 5/8); Spoons: 12 ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 2.17 in W 5.32 in D 9.45 in
Serving Dish Choisy-le-Roi for L'Escalier de Cristal, 19th "Grands Oiseaux"
By L'Escalier de Cristal, Choisy-le-Roi
Located in Paris, FR
Discover the magnificent serving dish from the "Grands Oiseaux" collection, an exceptional piece from the iconic Escalier de Cristal, the premier tableware store of the 19th century....
Ceramic
Set of 11 Antique Tiffany Japanese Sterling Silver Tablespoons
By Edward C. Moore, Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Set of 11 Japanese sterling silver tablespoons. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1875. Reeded handle and oval terminal; double-sided low-relief stylized ornament with perched bi...
Sterling Silver
Set of 8 Antique Tiffany Japanese Sterling Silver Breakfast Knives
By Tiffany & Co., Edward C. Moore
Located in New York, NY
Set of 8 Japanese sterling silver breakfast knives. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1875. Reeded handle and oval terminal; double-sided low-relief stylized ornament with perche...
Sterling Silver
19 Th Century Satsuma Set of Blue Tea Service, Japan, Meiji Period
By Satsuma
Located in Valladolid, ES
Gorgeous Satsuma porcelain set consisting of a teapot service, milk and sugar bowl, and five cup and saucer stations, all in a deep lapis lazuli blue. Satsuma porcelain is made throu...
Porcelain
"Japon" or "Monet" Creil & Montereau Service, 106 Pieces
Located in Paris, FR
"Japon" service, produced in 1876 by the Creil & Montereau pottery, shows the great success of Japonism in tableware production, like the Bracquemond-Rousseau service, produced by th...
Faience
Sold
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Coffee and Tea Set for 8 Persons 'Fleurs des Indes' Herend Hungary, 20th Century
By Herend
Located in Vienna, AT
Herend service consisting of 32 parts: coffee pot with lid, teapot with lid, milk jug, sugar bowl, eight cups, eight saucers, eight dessert plates, a ca...
Porcelain
Sold
H 0.25 in W 2.25 in D 5.25 in
Japanese Sterling Silver 950 Geisha Tea Caddy Spoon Al Malaikah Temple 30g
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage sterling silver geisha shaped spoon, engraved on the reverse commemorating the Al Malaikah Temple, XVIII Olympiad 1964, Tokyo, Mark T. Gates Potentate. Al Malaikah is a divis...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Japanese Lacquered Serving Tray
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Japanese lacquer ware circular tray. Large round serving tray lacquered Japanese tray. Black and red lacquered serving tray with a deli...
Lacquer
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
Japanese Peach Lusterware Cherry Blossom Design Luncheon Set for Four
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous set for four peach lusterware Japanese luncheon set in the cherry blossom design. Comprised of four luncheon plates, four cups and four ...
Porcelain