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.
Vintage Japanese Shogi Game Board, Keyaki Wood, Carved Design, 1920s
Located in Wichita, KS
This authentic Vintage Japanese Shogi Game Board from the 1920s showcases traditional Japanese craftsmanship and timeless design. Carved from a solid block of rare Keyaki wood, the b...
Wood
Japanese Fireman Hood with Stencil Inscription Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A well-preserved Japanese fireman's hood (known as hikeshi zukin in Japanese) circa 1900s, late Meiji period. Woven with thick cotton with sashiko (co...
Cotton
Japanese Wood Bugaku Mask of Korobase Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking Japanese carved wood mask with polychrome paint and lacquer surface. This rare mask is dated to the Edo period (first half of 19th century and possibly earlier). The mask ...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Pair of Tall Carved Japanese Figures, Dumb Waiters or Card Butler Greeters
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Pair of Tall Carved Japanese Figures, Dumb Waiters or Card Butler A very Beautiful pair of 1920s Dumb waiters, a Geisha and a Samurai, these 2 Card Butlers are hand carved, they ar...
Fruitwood
Tête de démon Oni en bois sculpté et polychrome 20éme siècle
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Cette sculpture représente une tête de démon Oni issu du folklore japonais. Réalisée en bois polychrome elle offre une superbe patine réhaussée par la puissance des traits. Les sourc...
Steel
Group of French Paper Mache Black & Gilt Japanned Decorative Items, 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Group of French papier mâché black and gilt Japanned decorative items, 19th century. Comprising of a large oval lobed bowl, crumb tray and ...
Paper
Japanese Zushi Shrine, Hand-Carved Lacquer & Giltwood
Located in Bradenton, FL
Finely crafted Japanese Zushi (portable Buddhist shrine) that features a delicately carved standing Buddhist figure housed within a black lacquered cabinet with hinged doors. The shr...
Metal
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Toyo Iron Kan'ei Tsūhō Coin Sculpture / Trivet, Japan, 20th Century
By Toyo
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Toyo Iron Kan'ei Tsūhō Coin Sculpture / Trivet, Japan, 20th Century. Retains the original Toyo label.
Iron
$98Sale Price / set|56% Off
Japanese Blacksmith Tongs and Woodcarver Brace Drill, Early 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
REDUCED FROM $225....Antique Japanese Tools, a Blacksmith Tong Pincer and Woodcarver Brace Drill, both early 20th century. Most likely late Meij...
Iron
20th Century Abstract Iron Sculpture, Japan
Located in Point Richmond, CA
20th Century Hollow Abstract Iron Sculpture, Japan This heavy hollow iron sculpture by an unknown Japanese metalsmith is a knockout from every angle. It measure 9 inches high by 9 i...
Iron
$3,607 / set
Achan or vintage Sony Boys, set of 2
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Pair of "Atchan" aka Sony Boy. Figure introduced by Sony in 1956 as a mascot for the launch of the first transistor device, appearing in advertisements for the TR-55. The pair consis...
Plastic
Plaster Sculpture of a Samurai Warrior The Samurai were a caste of warrior
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Plaster Sculpture of a Samurai Warrior The Samurai were a caste of warrior in Japan for over 7 Centuries, this plaster figure celebrates the Samurai in all his elegant finery He is...
Plaster
Ceramic sculptural artwork, Raku, “Intimità”, 2003
Located in Milano, IT
A ceramic sculptural artwork that serves as a unique and refined addition to any sophisticated table within a contemporary interior. Created using the ancient Japanese Raku firing te...
Ceramic
Collection of 19th Century Wooden Bowls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 diameter x 4 high. These three butter bowls were found in New England and are all in fine condition. Sizes are as listed and sold as a collection of three. Measures: 10 diameter ...
Wood
19th C Original Painted Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted game board. Nice original Salmon and black paint.
Wood
Kumba Karna Masks, Indonesian, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
These Kumba Karna Masks are tribal decorative objects realized in the Indonesian island of Bali, during the second half of the 20th century. Dimensions: cm 19 x 20. Traditional...
Wood
Antique Mexican Demon Mask
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare antique Mexican Demon mask in wood, circa 1970. The mask makes a sound when moved.
Wood
$1,195 / set
H 15.5 in W 4 in D 2 in
Pair of Canadian Folk Art Carved Japanese Internment Camp Figures or Sculptures
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of Folk Art carved figures is believed to have been made by a Japanese immigrant to Canada either while or after being interned by the Canadian government during the Second World War. The male carved figure is hand painted in vibrant colors and the base reads: June 11, 1942" and "Ontario" underneath. The nude female carving...
Softwood
Rare Pair of Fireman's Axe Parade Torches
Located in York County, PA
Rare pair of fireman’s axe parade torches, 1860-1880: Pair of fireman’s axe parade torches with traditional wooden axe handles and the heads made o...
Antique Carved Wood Mask
Located in Vienna, AT
Carved Wood Mask, African Art
Hardwood
19th Century Russian Icon of Saint Nicholas
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th century Russian Icon of Saint Nicholas, likely first half 19th century, with I believe egg tempera on gessoed wooden panel, depicting Christ in a h...
Pine
Vintage Carved Wood Mask, African Folk Art 20th Century
Located in Bochum, NRW
A hand carved wood wall mask, vintage from the 20th Century. African Folk Art. Handmade and carved from a single piece of exotic wood, in a manner specific to traditional African ar...
Wood
$639 / set
H 12.6 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Pair Of Antique French Folk Art Carved Oak Falcon Figures, Wooden Bird Sculpture
Located in Bristol, GB
PAIR OF BIRD OF PREY CARVINGS Depicting a pair of birds of prey, believed to be falcons. Carved in a stylised naive folky manner with a beautiful attention to details and excellen...
Wood, Oak
$2,086 / item
H 11.23 in W 4.93 in D 15.16 in
21st Century Board Game Leather and Walnut Wood Connect Four Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
One-of-a-kind set ready for your enjoyment. Pinetti Connect 4 is something exclusive. Forty two wooden pieces covered in a bicolour soft leather that neatly fit on satin brass bars. Four in a row...
Brass
19th Century Japanese Meiji Iki mask
Located in London, GB
19th Century Japanese Meiji Iki mask A Japanese Meiji period Iki mask dated from the late 19th Century, depicting a dynamic expressive human face, with glass eyes and hair and a burn...
Gesso, Wood
Large Kokeshi by Kyutaro Ogura
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Vintage Large "Kokeshi" by Kyutaro Ogura. This large size is very rare. With signature. Kyutaro Ogura (Ogura Kyutaro: 1906-1998) Master: Hisashiro Ogur...
Maple
Japanese Fireman's Coat Hikishi-Banten Showa Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Japanese Fireman's jacket (known as Hikeshi-Banten in Japanese) woven with heavy cotton and decorated with stencil resist dye circa 1920-30s...
Cotton
Japanese Fireman's Coat Hikeshi-Banten Showa Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Japanese Fireman's Jacket (known as hikeshi-banten in Japanese) woven with heavy cotton and decorated with stencil resist dye circa 1920s Sh...
Cotton
Japanese Woven Bamboo Ikebana Flower Basket
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
JAPANESE WOVEN BAMBOO IKEBANA FLOWER BASKET Early 20th century. Shaped as a baluster vase with a twelve lobed strips of bamboo woven in...
Bamboo
3 Stacked Japanese Hand Blown Glass Fishing Buoy Floats Net Marker Nautical 15"
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of three vintage Japanese hand blown glass fishing buoy floats, featuring red, green, blue, yellow and dark amber graduated glass orbs, divided by ca...
Jute, Blown Glass
Japanese Large Noh Lion Mask
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a superb example of a large Japanese Noh mask in the form of a Guardian Lion. The mask dates to the early 20th century. The mask is signed by...
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Kokuyo White Silk Embroidery Vintage Wedding Photo Album
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Japanese Kokuyo white and silver silk embroidery photo album. Beautiful rich red silk fabric with flying white cranes Absolutely beautiful vintage wedding day album by Japanese company "Kokuyo". Front and back are covered with a woven silk blend fabric with silver highlights. Same fabric as the Japanese wedding kimonos...
Silk
Sold
H 4.5 in Dm 4.5 in
Antique Hand Blown Green Glass Japanese Float Fishing Net Nautical Buoy Marker
Located in Dayton, OH
Net wrapped hand blown green glass Japanese fishing float.
Jute, Blown Glass
3 Vintage Green Japanese Blown Glass Fishing Floats Nautical Buoy Marker
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of three vintage green hand blown glass Japanese fishing net floats. Measure: 5".
Blown Glass
Sold
H 56 in W 38.25 in D 1.5 in
Framed Block Printed Asian Japanese Bonsai Tree Wood Panels, Set of 3
Located in Plainview, NY
Large framed set of three Asian Japanese or Chinoiserie block prainted panels featuring fine details of a large Bonsai Japanese tree. Each panel displays a different angle of the sce...
Wood
Noh Fox Mask, Early 20th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a wonderfully expressive and articulated fox mask. The mask dates to the first half of the 20th century and is in overall good condition. The fox's ja...
Wood
1800s-1900s Japanese Wooden Mortar Antique Wooden Bowl Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese mortar. It is an item for kneading mochi. The era is from the Meiji era to the Taisho era. It keeps a wonderful texture. It i...
Wood