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.
1940s Japanese Iron Pagoda Candle Lantern, Hand-Crafted Japonisme
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Japanese iron pagoda garden candle lantern. Hand cast iron Japanese candle lantern with hearts on top. Can rest on table or hanged by loop Meas...
Iron
$26,900 / set
Pair of Large Antique Japanese Gilt Copper Lanterns
Located in New York, NY
A exquisite pair of large and unique antique Japanese octagonal form reticulated gilt copper lanterns. These large antique Japanese gilt copper lanter...
Copper
$2,800
H 45.28 in W 16.15 in D 8.27 in
Large Italian Art Deco Wrought Iron Lantern, Paolo Buffa Style. 1940s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Argelato, BO
Large Italian Art Deco Lantern in the style of Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1940s This is a highly elegant piece, crafted thanks to the remarkable technical expertise of Italian craftsmen. T...
Wrought Iron
Italian 1940s Brass and Glass Lantern
Located in New York, NY
An Italian 1940s brass and glass lantern with crown top. Six sided. Lantern body measures 8" in diameter, 24,5" height, from top of canopy to bottom of lantern 46" drop. Newely pol...
Brass
$2,508
H 31.5 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Pair of Antique Louis XVI French Lanterns Chandeliers in Gilt Bronze & Cut Glass
Located in Coimbra, PT
Beautiful antique pair of Louis XVI French lanterns. Four cast gilt bronze frames with cut and etched glass panels shade. Price per unit. Dimensions : "Width" 7.88 in/ 20 cm "Depth"...
Bronze
$2,350
H 32 in W 19 in D 19 in
Wonderful 2 Large Navy Blue Gold Gilt Pagoda Bamboo Chinoiserie Lantern Fixtures
Located in Roslyn, NY
Available are 3 wonderful large navy blue gold gilt pagoda bamboo chinoiserie lanterns each with 4-candelabra light fixtures, ready to install with chain and canopy Each lantern sol...
Enamel
$3,650 / set
H 21 in W 9.5 in D 9.5 in
Wonderful Pair Chinoiserie Gold Gilt Pagoda Lantern Bell Chandeliers Fixtures
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Chinoiserie Gold Gilt Pagoda lantern chandeliers With 3 Candelabra Lights Completely Rewired With Bells On Each Corner, These Fixtures...
Glass
Japanese Antique Sun Face Pagoda Lantern, Hand-Crafted Iron
Located in South Burlington, VT
Rare Japanese "Sun Face" Garden Lantern Iconic design.......... This beautifully hand-cast lantern sculpture in a classic Japanese pagoda form with a "sun face" on all four side p...
Iron
French Hand Painted Tole Pagoda Hanging Lantern, Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
French Tin hand-painted tole pagoda hanging lantern with tiered ruby pear-shaped prisms and interior four-light cluster. Originally candle powe...
Crystal, Tin
Pair of Large Solid Copper Architectural Wall Lantern
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elevate the curb appeal of your home or add a touch of timeless elegance to your outdoor spaces with this magnificent pair of large, solid copper architectural wall lanterns. The...
Copper
$500
H 14.57 in W 10.63 in D 10.63 in
Hand-Crafted Japanese Andon Lantern in Bamboo & Paper, Showa Style
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Beautiful Japanese Andon lantern for tea ceremony . Wood frame with Awashi handmade paper and bamboo handle. A beautiful addition to any room! It can be used with simple candle an...
Bamboo, Paper
$2,555
H 16.54 in W 5.71 in D 9.85 in
Spanish Revival Gilt Iron and Amber Glass Wall Lantern / Wall Sconce, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Revival Hand Forged Wall Hanging Lantern / Wall Sconce in Gilt Iron Sculptural gilt iron wall sconce / lantern with amber blown glass cylinder lampshade, Spain, 1940s This spanish hanging...
Gold Leaf, Wrought Iron, Iron
Large Arts & Crafts era Jugendstil Brass and Copper Pendant Light, Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and stylish Jugendstil pendant with original, curved glass panels. This stunning design is all handcrafted and in good condition. If you love the Jugendstil / Arts and Crafts...
Brass, Copper
Large Stunning Pair of Solid Copper Wall Lanterns
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elevate your home's exterior or interior with this exquisite pair of solid copper lanterns. These aren't just light fixtures; they are a piece of history, offering timeless eleganc...
Brass, Copper
Japanese Iron Garden Lantern Old Gold Finch and Bamboo
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Japanese outdoor cast iron garden lantern with gold finch and bamboo design. Round gold finch, bamboo, and pine tree motif outdoor patio or garden lantern....
Iron
1950's Japanese Monarch Butterfly Garden Outdoor Lantern
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1950's Japanese Monarch Butterfly Garden vintage outdoor Lantern. DIMENSIONS: Height: 8 in. Width: 11.25 in. Depth: 5.5 in. A beautifully des...
Iron
Japanese Lantern in Tole, 19th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
A 19th century Japanese tole hanging lantern, pagoda form, with cicada on handle.
Tôle
Japanese Iron Garden Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Japanese cast iron pagoda lantern has circular screen sides with tree and bird motif, hinged door. Single candle holder interior.
Pair of Antique Japanese Bronze Lanterns
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A non-matching pair of Japanese patinated bronze lanterns with new wiring. One with a swirling dragon and the other with a floral motif. Both of the same approximate size and shape s...
Bronze
Cloud Light
By Yuri Kinoshita
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large scale hand made Japanese paper woven light, called Nagagumo . Can be made in custom sizes. Beautiful shape over a table creating soft light.
Wire