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Japonisme Tea Sets

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 teapot, Meiji period
Japanese teapot, Meiji period

Japanese teapot, Meiji period

Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL

Japanese teapot in bronze with decorations in silver. Meiji period (1868 -1912), circa 1880. H: 12cm. W: 15,5 cm. D: 12cm.

Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Silver, Bronze

Russian Cloisonné Enamel Tea Set
Russian Cloisonné Enamel Tea Set

Russian Cloisonné Enamel Tea Set

By Pavel Ovchinnikov

Located in New Orleans, LA

This exceptional Russian cloisonné and enamel tea set is the work of Pavel Akimovich Ovchinnikov. One of Russia’s most skilled enamel artisans, Ovchin...

Category

19th Century Russian Antique Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Silver, Enamel

14-Piece Japanese Gilt and Painted Tea and Dessert Serving Set with Peacock
14-Piece Japanese Gilt and Painted Tea and Dessert Serving Set with Peacock

14-Piece Japanese Gilt and Painted Tea and Dessert Serving Set with Peacock

Located in Norwood, NJ

14-piece Kutani Japanese gilt and painted tea and dessert serving set with Peacock. Hand painted gilt and painted Peacock tea and serving set. Features floral and peacock design. Lidded tea and coffee pots, lidded creamer, sugar bowl, and five snack sets...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Gold

Copeland Spode for Tiffany Dessert & Tea Set for 12 Floral Japonesque Service
Copeland Spode for Tiffany Dessert & Tea Set for 12 Floral Japonesque Service

Copeland Spode for Tiffany Dessert & Tea Set for 12 Floral Japonesque Service

By Copeland Spode

Located in Great Barrington, MA

This is a complete dessert service for 12 that includes the matching coffee or teapot, creamer and sugar made by Copeland Spode, exclusively for Tiffany and Co. The butterscotch col...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Geisha Painted 21-Piece Japanese Footed Tea Set and Lacquer Serving Tray
Vintage Geisha Painted 21-Piece Japanese Footed Tea Set and Lacquer Serving Tray

Vintage Geisha Painted 21-Piece Japanese Footed Tea Set and Lacquer Serving Tray

Located in Lomita, CA

This is a an assembled 21-piece Japanese tea and condiment set that is a colorful example of mid-20th century export porcelain. Each piece is hand-painted with geisha, pagoda, and ga...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

English 19thc. "Imari" Decorated Hand Painted Tea Dessert Service for 8-26 Pcs
English 19thc. "Imari" Decorated Hand Painted Tea Dessert Service for 8-26 Pcs

English 19thc. "Imari" Decorated Hand Painted Tea Dessert Service for 8-26 Pcs

By Hammersley

Located in Great Barrington, MA

An amazing hand painted example of the influence of the Japonesque influence on English wares ca. 1890's. This is a complete set of 8 footed cups and saucers and 8 matching dessert p...

Category

1880s English Antique Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Jules Vieillard & Cie Manufacture, Japanese-style Tea Service
Jules Vieillard & Cie Manufacture, Japanese-style Tea Service

Jules Vieillard & Cie Manufacture, Japanese-style Tea Service

By Amedee de Caranza

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Cups : H. 6,2 cm/2'' 7/16 ; L. 9,5 cm/3'' 3/4 ; D. 7,2 cm/2'' 13/16 Saucers : H. 2 cm/13/16'' ; D. 13,5 cm/5'' 5/16 Teapot : H. 16 cm/6'' 5/16 ; L. 19,7 cm/7'' 3/4 ; P. 7,5 cm/2'' 15...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Faience

Three-Piece Tea Set with Engraved Japonism Dragons
Three-Piece Tea Set with Engraved Japonism Dragons

Three-Piece Tea Set with Engraved Japonism Dragons

Located in Paris, FR

This stunning tea set includes a masterfully designed teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl. Each piece is beautifully embellished with elaborate Japonisme-inspired scenes and dragon engra...

Category

20th Century Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

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1970s Russian Silver Gilt and Polychrome Cloisonné Enamel Tea Strainer
1970s Russian Silver Gilt and Polychrome Cloisonné Enamel Tea Strainer

1970s Russian Silver Gilt and Polychrome Cloisonné Enamel Tea Strainer

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage Russian silver gilt and polychrome cloisonné enamel tea strainer; an addition to our silver tea ware collection. This exceptional vintage Russian silver gilt and polychrome cloisonné enamel tea strainer has a circular rounded form. The bowl of the tea strainer is embellished with a pierced concentric circular design, encircled with Dual bands of white enamel bead motifs to the rim. The tapering handle is embellished with an impressive cloisonné enamel floral and foliate design in tones of blue and green, accented with further bands of white enamel circular motifs encompassing the concave thumb piece. The enamel segments are encompassed with applied silver paralleling rope twist ornamentation. This fine Russian silver enamel tea strainer retains the original gilding. The hallmarks to the reverse surface of the bowl include: Maker's mark: ??? (Untraced) Soviet silver...

Category

1970s Russian Vintage Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Japanese Silver Plated 5-Piece Coffee or Tea Set
Japanese Silver Plated 5-Piece Coffee or Tea Set

Japanese Silver Plated 5-Piece Coffee or Tea Set

$2,900 / set

H 11.75 in W 12.5 in D 5.5 in

Japanese Silver Plated 5-Piece Coffee or Tea Set

Located in North Miami, FL

Japanese silver plated 5-piece coffee or tea set Dimensions: Serving tray, 26.5 wide, 14.5 deep, 1 inch tall Larger coffee pot, 11.75 inches tall, 12.5 deep, 5.5 wide Smaller tea...

Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Rosenthal Porcelain Coffee or Tea Set, 1960s
Vintage Rosenthal Porcelain Coffee or Tea Set, 1960s

Vintage Rosenthal Porcelain Coffee or Tea Set, 1960s

By Rosenthal

Located in Bastogne, BE

Björn Wiinblad for Rosenthal - Studio Linie, Germany coffee or tea set. Large vintage German service of the famous Rosenthal Linie factory from Germany...

Category

1960s German Vintage Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Russian silver 2 piece Tea set, Chinese market, DMITRY EGOROV, Moscow 1895
Russian silver 2 piece Tea set, Chinese market, DMITRY EGOROV, Moscow 1895

Russian silver 2 piece Tea set, Chinese market, DMITRY EGOROV, Moscow 1895

Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL

Here we a have a fine rare example of the cross-cultural ties between Russia and China, tea that was an important ingredient in Russian culture was brought from China, but the Russia...

Category

1890s Antique Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel

Amami, Tea Set with Six Contemporary Porcelains with Decorative Design
Amami, Tea Set with Six Contemporary Porcelains with Decorative Design

Amami, Tea Set with Six Contemporary Porcelains with Decorative Design

$202Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 2.25 in Dm 3.35 in

Amami, Tea Set with Six Contemporary Porcelains with Decorative Design

By Vito Nesta

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Inspired by the coral reef of the Amami Islands in Japan, the Amami collection features tropical fishes and beautiful seaweed. A perfect choice for every spot near the seaside. Tea ...

Category

2010s Italian Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

English 19thc. "Imari" Decorated Hand Painted Tea Dessert Service for 8-26 Pcs
English 19thc. "Imari" Decorated Hand Painted Tea Dessert Service for 8-26 Pcs

English 19thc. "Imari" Decorated Hand Painted Tea Dessert Service for 8-26 Pcs

By Hammersley

Located in Great Barrington, MA

An amazing hand painted example of the influence of the Japonesque influence on English wares ca. 1890's. This is a complete set of 8 footed cups and saucers and 8 matching dessert p...

Category

1880s English Antique Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Raynaud Limoges 23-Piece Porcelain Tea & Coffee Service with Gold Trim
Raynaud Limoges 23-Piece Porcelain Tea & Coffee Service with Gold Trim

Raynaud Limoges 23-Piece Porcelain Tea & Coffee Service with Gold Trim

By Limoges

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This 23-piece tea and coffee service by Raynaud & Cie embodies the elegance and artistry for which Limoges porcelain is renowned. Each piece is crafted from fine, translucent porcela...

Category

20th Century French Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Japanese Ceramic Teapot with Geometric Handle
Vintage Japanese Ceramic Teapot with Geometric Handle

Vintage Japanese Ceramic Teapot with Geometric Handle

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage Japanese teapot is decorated with dark brow semi-matte glaze on the body and high-gloss burnt orange glaze on the lid; the earthy palette is complemented by natural wood color if the geometric handle. The teapot has a minimal, restrained appearance; it is clearly marked with the original sticker "MCI Japan".

Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Haviland Limoges Gilt Porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 12
Haviland Limoges Gilt Porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 12

Haviland Limoges Gilt Porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 12

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Late 20th century Haviland, Limoges France gilt porcelain tea / coffee service for twelve people. Each piece is great condition. Marks (Tower) Haviland Limoges, France undersigned. Alltogether 27 pieces. Set include 12 tea / coffee cups 4" x 2.3". 12 tea / coffee saucers...

Category

Late 20th Century French Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Gold

Set of porcelain de Paris coffee & tea service
Set of porcelain de Paris coffee & tea service

Set of porcelain de Paris coffee & tea service

$2,850 / set

H 27 in W 24 in D 2 in

Set of porcelain de Paris coffee & tea service

Located in Washington, DC

Set of porcelain de Paris coffee & tea service - eighteen (18) pieces. Made famous during the Napoleon Period 1795 - 1830
Coffee pot - W - 8"; H - 10"
Te...

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19th Century French Antique Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Art Deco Tea, Coffee, Dessert Set, Porcelain, Victoria, Czechoslovakia, 1930s
Art Deco Tea, Coffee, Dessert Set, Porcelain, Victoria, Czechoslovakia, 1930s

Art Deco Tea, Coffee, Dessert Set, Porcelain, Victoria, Czechoslovakia, 1930s

By Victoria Czechoslovakia

Located in Bochum, NRW

Delightfully angular pure Art Deco porcelain tea / coffee and dessert serving set for 5 by Victoria, Czechoslovakia. Comprising: jug, sugar bowl, milk jug, serving plate, 5 cups wi...

Category

1930s Czech Vintage Japonisme Tea Sets

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Porcelain

Vintage ULIM Limoges Porcelain Tea and Coffee Set – 41 Pieces
Vintage ULIM Limoges Porcelain Tea and Coffee Set – 41 Pieces

Vintage ULIM Limoges Porcelain Tea and Coffee Set – 41 Pieces

By ULIM Limoges

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This beautiful 41-piece tea and coffee set is part of the ULIM collection, a classic and highly sought-after design from Limoges, known for its fine French porcelain. Adorned with a ...

Category

20th Century French Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Previously Available Items
Japanese Geisha and Cherry Blossom Kutani Ware Porcelain Tea Cup and Saucer Set
Japanese Geisha and Cherry Blossom Kutani Ware Porcelain Tea Cup and Saucer Set

Japanese Geisha and Cherry Blossom Kutani Ware Porcelain Tea Cup and Saucer Set

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A beautiful Japanese Kutani tea serving set of 13. This set includes six cups, six saucers, and one sugar bowl with a lid. Each piece is hand-painted with a...

Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain, Paint

19 Th Century Satsuma Set of Blue Tea Service, Japan, Meiji Period
19 Th Century Satsuma Set of Blue Tea Service, Japan, Meiji Period

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...

Category

1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Japonisme Moriage Dragon Ware Cup and Saucer Set in Lime Green
Antique Japonisme Moriage Dragon Ware Cup and Saucer Set in Lime Green

Antique Japonisme Moriage Dragon Ware Cup and Saucer Set in Lime Green

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A beautiful artisanal handcrafted porcelain dragonware teacup and saucer set. This set features a moriage dragon design. Created from slip and applied a...

Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Tea Sets

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Gold

Antique Japonisme Moriage Dragon Ware Cup and Saucer Set with Lithophane Geisha
Antique Japonisme Moriage Dragon Ware Cup and Saucer Set with Lithophane Geisha

Antique Japonisme Moriage Dragon Ware Cup and Saucer Set with Lithophane Geisha

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A beautiful artisanal handcrafted porcelain Dragon ware teacup and saucer set. This set features a moriage dragon design. Created from slip and applied around the body of the cup, the eye-catching dragon is hand-painted in a gorgeous blue, back, and gray with hints of red. We believe the eyes are decorated with deep blue glass beads. Both the handle and the rim are hand-painted in 22-karat gold. Perhaps the most striking detail on this set is the hidden lithophane geisha...

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1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Tea Sets

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Gold

Rosenthal Elite Tea Service in Hand-Painted Porcelain for Six People, Japanism
Rosenthal Elite Tea Service in Hand-Painted Porcelain for Six People, Japanism

Rosenthal Elite Tea Service in Hand-Painted Porcelain for Six People, Japanism

Located in København, Copenhagen

Rosenthal Elite tea service in hand-painted porcelain for six people. Japanism, 1930s / 40s. Consisting of six teacups with saucers, six plates, sugar / cream set, and teapot. The ...

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1930s German Vintage Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Iron Teapot
Japanese Iron Teapot

Japanese Iron Teapot

Sold

H 8.75 in W 8 in D 8 in

Japanese Iron Teapot

Located in Pasadena, CA

This is a good example of an early to mid-20th century Japanese iron teapot. This Tetsubin or tea ceremony tea pot dates to the late Meiji or earl...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Iron

Japanese Exceptional Gilded Metal Cloisonné Teapot, Early 20th Century
Japanese Exceptional Gilded Metal Cloisonné Teapot, Early 20th Century

Japanese Exceptional Gilded Metal Cloisonné Teapot, Early 20th Century

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

An exceptional antique Japanese cloisonné lidded kettle shaped teapot with gilded metal finish believed to date from the early to mid-20th century. The teapot of square shape stands ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Metal

Gorham Japonesque Hand-Hammered and Mixed Metal Teapot with Frog and Mouse
Gorham Japonesque Hand-Hammered and Mixed Metal Teapot with Frog and Mouse

Gorham Japonesque Hand-Hammered and Mixed Metal Teapot with Frog and Mouse

Japonesque sterling silver and mixed metal teapot. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1880. Squat and round with all-over honeycomb hand hammering. Stubby spout and stationary c-scroll handle have all-over pointille. Cover flush and concave with fluting and raised centre (vacant). Copper frog...

Category

1880s American Antique Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver, Copper

Japonisme tea sets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme tea sets 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 tea sets 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, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme tea sets made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tea sets, popular names associated with this style include Copeland Spode, Kutani Studio, and Pavel Ovchinnikov. 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 tea sets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $64,500 while the average work can sell for $838.