Japonisme Folk Art
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
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.
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Iron
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...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Maple
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 ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Plastic
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Iron
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 ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Paper
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...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
Plaster Sculpture of a Samurai 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 i...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Japonisme Folk Art
Pair of Carved Japanese Carved 3D Dumb Waiters or Card Butler Greeters
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Pair of carved Japanese carved 3D dumb waiters or card butler greeters.
A very unusual pair of 1920s dumb waiters, a Geisha and a Samurai, these 2 card butlers are hand carved, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japonisme Folk Art
Related Items
Modern Creative Kokeshi Doll by Hideo Ishihara, Japan
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Rare Modern creative Kokeshi doll by Hideo Ishihara, Japan
This rare whimsical sosaku kokeshi was created and signed by the award winning master, Hid...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Set of Two Vintage Christmas Small Nutcrackers, Wood, Erzgebirge, Germany, 1970
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Wooden nutcrackers figure from the Erzgebirge. The region Erzgebirge formerly Eastern Germany is famous for this special kind of nutcrackers, where intricate carving has been their h...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Wood
H 5.12 in W 1.19 in D 1.19 in
Hand-Carved Wood Javanese ‘Wayang Topeng’ Theatre Mask, Indonesia c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A visibly old mask from the Javanese masks theatre ‘wayang topeng’: carved from hard wood, and painted on the front side. The mask shows clear traces of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Wood
H 9.85 in W 8.27 in D 4.73 in
Set of Seven Handmade Vintage Primitive Vintage Nesting Cubes/Blocks in Pine
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Primitive set of seven blocks and boxes (some four-sided, some two) which nest in the largest box (ca. early 20th Century, USA).
Thoughtfully crafted with finger jointed-edges and un...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Pine
H 6.5 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Indonesian 'Wayang Golek" Shadow Puppet, Java, Indonesia, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This “Wayang Golek” is a visibly old shadow puppet carved using soft wood and cloth. It features an articulated head and arms connected to rods, the dress...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Fabric
H 23.63 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
Early 20th Century Wooden Foundry "Y" Pipe Mold
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Early 20th Century Wooden Foundry "Y" Pipe Mold
Great original patina.
Perfect to hang on a wall if your first or last name starts with a "Y".
This piece will add interest to a...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Carved Oak Early 20th Century Rabbit Sculpture
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Early 20th Century Characterfully stout, anatomically enigmatic Rabbit. Oak. European, Circa 1920.
Category
Early 20th Century English Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Oak
Vintage 15 Car Train Set or Collection
Located in Redding, CT
Vintage 15 Car Train Set or Collection .Great collector gift set of Trains for that Train enthusiast.
The set includes two 1950s American Flyer streamline aluminum trains. One engine and one pull car. Some are Lionel Trains...
Category
1950s Vintage Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Tin, Metal, Iron
Japanese Glazed Ceramic and Silver Koro Incense Burner Makuzu Kozan
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tri-pod ceramic incense burner (koro) by Japanese Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa late Meiji to the start of Taisho period (1890-1910s). A fine example of the artist's work belonging to the late part of his underglaze paint phase (started around 1887 until his death), the surface of the koro was painted in beautiful shades of blue to depict a continuous landscape not unlike a traditional ink and watercolor hand scroll. The rise and fall mountains recede and fade into the horizon and are dotted with groves of pines. The sky is painted with a beautiful subtle shade of pink, suggesting a time of sunrise or sunset. The koro is fitted with an ensuite reticulated sterling silver hoya (incense cover), pierced with swirling cloud and marked with "pure silver' in Kanji. The base is signed in underglaze blue "Makuzu Kozan Sei" within a double ring. The piece is beautifully potted in form and the decoration was done with expertise using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting), in order to achieve the striking landscape known as "Mountain and Water" with sense of dimensions and gradient, the poetic effects normally conveyed only by sumi ink staining on paper. The piece comes with an unsigned tomobako (wood storage box) of a recent age.
Also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), Makuzu Kozan was one of the most established and collected ceramist from Meiji Period. Born as Miyagawa Toranosuke, Kozan established his pottery studio in Yokohama around 1870s and later became one of the appointed artists to the Japanese Imperial household. His work was exhibited in many international fairs that the Meiji government participated at the turn of the century and won many grand prizes. Being one of the most creative ceramists, Kozan started experimenting with new chemical colors from the West in the format of his porcelain glaze around 1880s. New colors allowed him to create underglaze designs that appeared bright, smooth and glossy. He even invented his own receipt of cobalt blue to achieve a much brighter yet softer shade, as evident on this vase. To create landscape that is realistic and dimensional, more common in the western paintings, he was inspired by the native Japanese ink painting technique developed around 1900 by Yokoyama...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Silver
19th Century Fruitwood Mortar and Pestle
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
19th century fruitwood mortar and pestle. Lathe work, remnants of paint or dark stain. Original pestle included.
Period: First half of the 19th century
Origin: Eastern, US
Size: 5" ...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Fruitwood
19th Century Mortar and Pestle
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
19th century fruitwood mortar and pestle. Remnants of oxblood red and silver blue banded paint. Original pestle included.
Origin: Eastern, United States
Period: First half of the 19...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Fruitwood
Japanese Wood "Shikami" Mask, Noh Theater, Late 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A superb Noh theater mask, hand-carved in sturdy Japanese cypress wood. The character it represents is the "Shikami", a wrathful deity.
Shikami (wry face), the grimacing face of “s...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Previously Available Items
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...
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
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...
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Kokuyo White Silk Embroidery Vintage Wedding Photo Album
Located in North Hollywood, 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...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Silk
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.
Category
Early 20th Century Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Blown Glass, Jute
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".
Category
Mid-20th Century Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Blown Glass
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
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...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Japanese Wooden Fish Old Folk Art 1860s-1900s/ Antique Object figurine wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
An item unique to Japanese hearth culture.
It's like a talisman that protects you from a fire accident.
This is black and beautiful.
Why is it black?
...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Folk Art
Materials
Cedar
H 3.94 in W 13.19 in D 2.37 in
Japonisme folk art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Japonisme folk art 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 folk art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, asian art and furniture, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with cotton, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme folk art made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 folk art 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 $6,800 while the average work can sell for $1,300.