Skip to main content

Meiji Lanterns

MEIJI STYLE

From 1868 to 1912, Emperor Mutsuhito oversaw an era of transformation in Japan. Formerly a country of feudalism and isolation, Japan entered an age of modernization influenced by newly established trade and exchange with the West. The Meiji period, or period of “enlightened rule,” also saw the global impact of the East Asian country’s culture. Japanese Meiji furniture was exhibited at expositions from Paris to San Francisco and created for export.

Prior to the Meiji era, furniture was mostly made by commission for the ruling class; now there were new domestic and international markets. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.

Meiji furniture made for Japanese homes and buildings constructed in Western styles resulted in taller tables, chairs, cabinets with large drawers and other features. The government invested in areas such as transportation and communication, and because people could freely choose occupations after the restrictions of feudalism, industries of various types were energized by expressive new ideas during those years. Art schools were formed and, for the first time, design was an area of study in the country, leading to the evolution of professional design as a career by the 1890s.

The work of Japanese designers was transmitted widely through lavishly illustrated pattern books that included designs for screens and lacquerware for the home. While screens today may be of use as decorative accents or partitions to ensure privacy in one’s space, Japanese screens were adorned with paintings and were featured in performing arts such as concerts, tea ceremonies and more. The color illustrations that characterize Meiji woodblock prints, a genre of Japanese art that grew out of 17th-century developments in printing and book publishing, depicted the sweeping changes that the era brought to East Asia.

Although it was a time of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions. From colorful porcelain table lamps with silk shades and hardwood tables decorated with dark lacquer to cabinets featuring iron hardware and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, Meiji furniture showcased Japan’s artistic heritage to the world.

Find a collection of antique Japanese Meiji period case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.

to
4
5
5
Height
to
Width
to
4
1
737
218
143
101
101
96
91
58
56
51
37
35
29
25
23
22
20
3
3
2
1
1
5
3
2
2
1
5
5
5
5
5
5
Style: Meiji
Japanese Tall Antique Electrified Temple Lantern With Fine Details
Japanese Tall Antique Electrified Temple Lantern With Fine Details

Japanese Tall Antique Electrified Temple Lantern With Fine Details

Located in South Burlington, VT

Special Antique Interior Lighting Choice, One-Of-A-Kind Japan, a handsome large antique Signed Temple Lotus Lantern enhanced with new interior paper and new electric light for your ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Fine Antique Lotus Leaf Bronze Lantern Extraordinary 19thc. Shogun Art
Japanese Fine Antique Lotus Leaf Bronze Lantern Extraordinary 19thc. Shogun Art

Japanese Fine Antique Lotus Leaf Bronze Lantern Extraordinary 19thc. Shogun Art

Located in South Burlington, VT

Hard to Find Lotus Lantern- First we have seen Please enjoy our video. An innovative heavily hand cast, and extraordinary designed Lantern that could emit brilliant night light. ...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Bronze, Copper

Japan Early Ikebana Planter Garden Cart with Children, Meiji Period
Japan Early Ikebana Planter Garden Cart with Children, Meiji Period

Japan Early Ikebana Planter Garden Cart with Children, Meiji Period

Located in South Burlington, VT

A rare 19th century hard to find Japanese Usubata Flower Planter Cart "Norimono", Late Meiji Period. Japan, this handsome quality old style "garden cart" ikebana planter is an exceptionally rare find and an authentic old work of Japanese art. Brilliantly designed and a handsome plant presentation with removable ikebana vase inserted into an openwork wicker basket set on a wheeled cart...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Japanese Vintage Electrified Shrine Lantern with exceptional Arabesque Details
Japanese Vintage Electrified Shrine Lantern with exceptional Arabesque Details

Japanese Vintage Electrified Shrine Lantern with exceptional Arabesque Details

Located in South Burlington, VT

Special Antique Interior Lighting Choice- One Of Kind. Japan, a lovely large vintage bronze and copper shrine Lantern with attractive Hoju jewel finial and handsome arabesque scroll...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Bronze, Copper

Japanese Tansu Style Wooden Crate Cage Chandeliers
Japanese Tansu Style Wooden Crate Cage Chandeliers

Japanese Tansu Style Wooden Crate Cage Chandeliers

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Fascinating pair of Japanese wooden crates or cages made in a Tansu style with iron strapping. The square crates have a house shaped roof made of an eboni...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Brass, Iron

Related Items
Antique Electrified Copper Lantern, Large Hexagon Glass, 20th Century
Antique Electrified Copper Lantern, Large Hexagon Glass, 20th Century

Antique Electrified Copper Lantern, Large Hexagon Glass, 20th Century

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Large architectural six sides lantern made of copper, electrified with three 60/watt light. Up to us code UL approve Suitable for what location Copper canopy...

Category

20th Century American Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Copper

Midcentury Venini Style Murano Chandelier
Midcentury Venini Style Murano Chandelier

Midcentury Venini Style Murano Chandelier

$6,850

H 30 in W 24 in D 24 in

Midcentury Venini Style Murano Chandelier

Midcentury Venin style Murano chandelier. Unusual Italian midcentury Murano glass chandelier inspired by Venin. This vintage Murano glass chandelier is comprised of unusual oval shaped textured blown glass tubes suspended from a chrome frame. This Hollywood Regency Murano chandelier...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Chrome

Japanese Antique Chestnut Drawer Chest, 1880s–1900s - Japandi Wabi-Sabi
Japanese Antique Chestnut Drawer Chest, 1880s–1900s - Japandi Wabi-Sabi

Japanese Antique Chestnut Drawer Chest, 1880s–1900s - Japandi Wabi-Sabi

Located in Chiba, Chiba

A Japanese antique drawer chest crafted from chestnut wood, dating from the 1880s–1900s. Compact in scale yet rich in character, the piece has developed a deep, quiet patina through ...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Wood

Antique Japanese Karuma Tansu
Antique Japanese Karuma Tansu

Antique Japanese Karuma Tansu

$7,800Sale Price|56% Off

H 58.25 in W 67 in D 19.75 in

Antique Japanese Karuma Tansu

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th c. Kuruma tansu - cabinet on wheels. These were used to store belongings and the wheels made them easy to move outside during house fires, which were...

Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Wood

Huge Aldo Tura Red Goatskin Lantern Table Lamp
Huge Aldo Tura Red Goatskin Lantern Table Lamp

Huge Aldo Tura Red Goatskin Lantern Table Lamp

$2,104

H 17.72 in W 8.67 in D 11.82 in

Huge Aldo Tura Red Goatskin Lantern Table Lamp

By Aldo Tura

Located in Munich, DE

Superb lantern table lamp made by Aldo Tura, Italy in the 1960s. The lamp was executed in lacquered red goatskin with brass rings and includes a little bowl and it is in very good...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Goatskin

Gilt Wrought Iron Chinoiserie Style Chandelier with Glass Geisha
Gilt Wrought Iron Chinoiserie Style Chandelier with Glass Geisha

Gilt Wrought Iron Chinoiserie Style Chandelier with Glass Geisha

Located in Antwerp, BE

Elegant chandelier with scrolled arms and leaves and unusual frosted crystal candleholders and central figure in the form of a Japanese geisha, circa 1920. Total height with the cha...

Category

Early 20th Century French Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Brass

Serge Castella "Cage" Chandelier, circa 2020, France
Serge Castella "Cage" Chandelier, circa 2020, France

Serge Castella "Cage" Chandelier, circa 2020, France

By Serge Castella Interiors

Located in Girona, Spain

Serge Castella "Cage" Chandelier Custom-made. Signed and numbered. Metal and plaster. France, circa 2020. Very good condition. Serge Castella Interiors focuses on Antiques, Design an...

Category

2010s French Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Late 19th Century Large Two Section Antique Japanese Kitchen Tansu
Late 19th Century Large Two Section Antique Japanese Kitchen Tansu

Late 19th Century Large Two Section Antique Japanese Kitchen Tansu

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Late 19th Century Large Two Swection Antique Japanese Kitchen Tansu A Kyoto Mizuya Tansu also known as a Gifu Mizuya Tansu from the Meiji Period (1868-19...

Category

1990s Japanese Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Previously Available Items
Japan Huge Antique Chrysanthemum Floral Bronze Orb Lantern, 19th Century
Japan Huge Antique Chrysanthemum Floral Bronze Orb Lantern, 19th Century

Japan Huge Antique Chrysanthemum Floral Bronze Orb Lantern, 19th Century

Located in South Burlington, VT

First chrysanthemum orb lantern we've seen in this huge size Japan, a fine antique hand cast bronze round lantern with unique "champleve” enameled floral chrysanthemum leaves and tree branches - an orb with exquisite details from the 19th century. It is one of the finest lanterns...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Pair Antique Garden Cart Planters Children, Meiji Period
Japanese Pair Antique Garden Cart Planters Children, Meiji Period

Japanese Pair Antique Garden Cart Planters Children, Meiji Period

Located in South Burlington, VT

A rare pair (2) of 19th century hard to find Japanese Usubata Flower Planter Carts "Norimono", Late Meiji Period. Japan, this handsome quality ol...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Temple Lantern Light
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Temple Lantern Light

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Temple Lantern Light

Located in Norwich, GB

A beautiful antique Japanese Meiji Period bronze temple lantern light. Circa 1890. Delivery is Included for all areas in Mainland UK via a selected p...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Tall Antique Stone Pathway Garden Lighting Lantern, 38"
Japanese Tall Antique Stone Pathway Garden Lighting Lantern, 38"

Japanese Tall Antique Stone Pathway Garden Lighting Lantern, 38"

Located in South Burlington, VT

From our most recent Japanese garden acquisitions Only one: This 19th century icon Our unique and tall 38 inch stone Arts & Crafts antique stone lantern. Japanese fine pathway stone lantern with original and beautiful lichen and patina from great age They work especially well at night with an oil candle. See our photo. Upon request, we will include one complimentary bottle to get you started. Install them as pathway, deck, or pool lights, or as handsome entry or exit walkway lighting. Fine original condition. Dimensions: 38 inches tall and 10 inches wide at top Period: Late Meiji period (1900-1912) Quality: Very good condition with good details and carved from a dark solid gray hued stone One of a kind in this tall size. The well proportioned carved stone lantern fashioned with a Classic minka house style top portion and, tapered square cut crane leg pole Firebox features Sun and crescent moon carvings. Provenance: acquired from a Southern Japanese antique garden lantern...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Stone

Japanese Antique Basket Garden Lighting  Lantern
Japanese Antique Basket Garden Lighting  Lantern

Japanese Antique Basket Garden Lighting Lantern

Located in South Burlington, VT

Dating over one hundred years ago comes this dainty Japanese antique Meiji period "basket ring" form hand lantern in a simple 12 horizontal ring tapered p...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Copper

Japanese Matching Pair Antique Yukimi Lanterns, Signed
Japanese Matching Pair Antique Yukimi Lanterns, Signed

Japanese Matching Pair Antique Yukimi Lanterns, Signed

Located in South Burlington, VT

Yukimi Pair Lantern find Japan, a fine matching pair (2) of large 17 inch diameter antique "signed" top hand cast Yukimi lanterns with handsome detail...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Fine Antique Japanese Andon Lamp 1880, Historical Treasure, Immediately Usable
Fine Antique Japanese Andon Lamp 1880, Historical Treasure, Immediately Usable

Fine Antique Japanese Andon Lamp 1880, Historical Treasure, Immediately Usable

Located in South Burlington, VT

Rare find. Historical treasure. This fine 140 year old Japanese Andon lamp wooden light fixture, would look wonderful in your interior and it is immediat...

Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Wood

Fine Antique Japanese Andon Lamp 1880, Historical Treasure, Immediately Usable
Fine Antique Japanese Andon Lamp 1880, Historical Treasure, Immediately Usable

Fine Antique Japanese Andon Lamp 1880, Historical Treasure, Immediately Usable

Located in South Burlington, VT

Rare find. Historical treasure. This fine 140 year old Japanese Andon lamp wooden light fixture, would look wonderful in your interior and it is immediat...

Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Wood

Japan Antique Lantern
Japan Antique Lantern

Japan Antique Lantern

Sold

H 30 in W 8.5 in D 8.5 in

Japan Antique Lantern

Located in South Burlington, VT

Seldom available- a rare petite antique beauty. Japan, a fine pathway stone lantern with original and beautiful lichen and patina from great age They work especially well at night with an oil candle. See our photo. Upon request, we will include one complimentary bottle to get you started. Install them as pathway, deck, or even pool lights, or as handsome entry or exit walkway lighting. Fine original condition. Dimensions: 30 inches tall and 8.5 inches diameter, two pieces Period: Meiji period (1868-1890) Quality: Very fine condition with good details and carved from a dark solid gray hued stone One of a pair currently available. The well proportioned carved stone lantern fashioned in two parts with a Classic minka house style top portion and, square cut crane leg pole Provenance: acquired from a Southern Japanese antique...

Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Stone

Japanese Antique Lantern "Treasure Fortune Ship" Takarabune, 19th Century
Japanese Antique Lantern "Treasure Fortune Ship" Takarabune, 19th Century

Japanese Antique Lantern "Treasure Fortune Ship" Takarabune, 19th Century

Located in South Burlington, VT

From our recent Japanese acquisitions, the first we have seen Do you have a ship to deliver you good fortune this year? Suited for a museum, special indoor gallery space, or garden comes this Japanese superbly hand cast lantern in the form of the fortune treasure ship...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Iron

Japanese Tall Antique Arts & Crafts Stone Pathway Lantern, 30”
Japanese Tall Antique Arts & Crafts Stone Pathway Lantern, 30”

Japanese Tall Antique Arts & Crafts Stone Pathway Lantern, 30”

Located in South Burlington, VT

From our most recent Japanese garden acquisitions Only one: This 19th century icon Our unique and tall 30 inch stone "Arts & Crafts" antique stone lantern. Japanese fine pathway stone lantern with original and beautiful lichen and patina from great age They work especially well at night with an oil candle. See our photo. Upon request, we will include one complimentary bottle to get you started. Install them as pathway, deck, or pool lights, or as handsome entry or exit walkway lighting. Fine original condition. Dimensions: 30 inches tall and 10 inches wide at top, two pieces Period: Late Meiji period (1900-1912) Quality: Very good condition with good details and carved from a dark solid gray hued stone One of a kind in this tall size. The well proportioned carved stone lantern fashioned with a Classic minka house style top portion and, tapered square cut crane leg pole Firebox features Sun and crescent moon carvings. Provenance: acquired from a Southern Japanese antique garden lantern collection Stone lanterns, Ishidoro were introduced to Japan via Korea and China in the 6th century AD. They were used initially in temples and later shrines as votive lights. About the 16th century stone lanterns were adopted for secular purposes and designed and placed in the gardens of tea houses and private residences made famous by tea master Sen Rikkyu (1522-1592). Many of our customers place LED candles inside the main section making a romantic and enjoyable decorative accent for entertaining friends and family. It's a good choice for your indoor or outdoor garden space. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee. About Japanese stone lanterns: Japan’s stone lantern tradition is a concept that was imported from India and has existed in Japanese temples and gardens since the 7th century. Japan’s lantern tradition was originally conceived as entrance lighting and guardians to temples and pagodas and when lit served as an offering to Buddha. Some of the earliest stone lanterns were carved with Buddhist images on the firebox and usually had compartments for an oil lamp or candle. Later on, they became more secular in nature, and their use evolved as functional and decorative elements in traditional Japanese tea gardens where they served as a spiritual source of light for evening tea ceremonies. Often carved from granite stone, today’s vintage survivors serve as fashionable aesthetic elements in modern day Japanese and Asian inspired gardens. Today, during festivals and ceremonies, rice paper is often cut to fit stone lantern windows to increase reflection of candles placed inside them. Soon these paper lenses disappear and for one special evening and event, the glow is surreal. There are four main categories of antique Japanese stone lanterns...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Stone

Pair of Antique Japanese Andons
Pair of Antique Japanese Andons

Pair of Antique Japanese Andons

Sold

H 32.5 in Dm 10 in

Pair of Antique Japanese Andons

Located in Hudson, NY

Pair of antique Japanese Andons, Meiji period (1868-1912) andons with wood and silk shades and a lacquer base. Fitted with candle pricks, sold as a pair.

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Lanterns

Materials

Silk, Wood, Lacquer

Meiji lanterns for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji lanterns for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lanterns created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji lanterns 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 lanterns differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $600 and tops out at $3,500 while the average work can sell for $1,805.