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.
Pair of Large Organic Uchiwa Wall Sconces by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1973
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Pair of Large Organic Uchiwa Wall Sconces by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1973 Two pieces of big vintage organic Uchiwa fan lamps with metal holder for wall hanging. Designed from Ingo Mau...
Bamboo, Paper
Wall Lamp "Uchiwa" by Ingo Maurer for M-Design, Germany, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Vienna, AT
Iconic Uchiwa wall lamp designed by Ingo Maurer in the 1970s for M-Design, Germany. Crafted from rice paper and bamboo, this sculptural light is inspired by traditional Japanese fan...
Bamboo, Paper
Rare Large Uchiwa "Yotsuba I" Wall or Ceiling Light by Ingo Maurer for Design M
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Warsaw, PL
An extremely rare, large and iconic “Yotsuba I” lamp by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1973. This sculptural piece is crafted from hand-woven bamboo rice paper fans arranged in an overlapping...
Iron
A Pair of French Japonisme Three-Light Dragon Bronze Wall Appliques, Lievre
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A Pair of French Japonisme Three-Light Dragon Bronze Wall Appliques, Sconces Attributed to Edouard Lievre, circa 1870. Exuding the opulent allure of 19th-century Japonisme, this exq...
Bronze
Raingo Frères, "The Geisha" Wall-Light, France, circa 1860
Located in PARIS, FR
Large "Japonisme" six-light wall-light in patinated bronze with gold and silver highlights attr. to Raingo Frères, representing an elegant young woman in traditional Japanese Geisha ...
Bronze
Pr. French Ormolu Japonisme Sconces/Wall Light, att Barbedienne, style of Lievre
By F. Barbedienne Foundry, Edouard Lievre
Located in New York, NY
An Unusual Pair of French 19th Century Japonisme Ormolu/Gilt Bronze Wall Appliques/ Sconces with Crystal Bobeches, att. F. Barbedienne and att. to the French Designer: Edouard Lievre...
Crystal, Bronze
$15,876Sale Price / item|40% Off
Rare Aesthetic Movement Wall-Light Attributed to G. Viardot, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
A large Japanese style four lights sconce attributed to G. Viardot, in shape of a dragon made in carved tinted wood, holding in its mouth a Japanese blossoming cherry tree branch, fr...
Wood
The 'Baldr' Wall light
Located in Malton, GB
This is our 'Baldr' Wall light. The Norse god of light and wisdom. Made from forged steel right here in Yorkshire by Sam our incredible blacksmith. The whole process to roll and cra...
Steel
Wall lamp Ingo Maurer Delight
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Varedo, MB
Model: Delight Designer: Frans van Nieuwenborg, Martijn Wegman (1980) Delight by Ingo Maurer is a heat-resistant fiberglass fabric illuminated by a bulb. Ingo Maurer’s sense of humo...
Fabric
Set of 4 Maison Baguès Style French 3-Light Lion Wall Sconces
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of 4 (four) French brass (or bronze) Directoire style wall sconces each with 3 light candleholders. Expert detailing throughout including lion face motif. Each of the 3 lights us...
Brass, Bronze
The 'Nanna' Wall Light
Located in Malton, GB
This is our 'Nanna' Wall light. The Norse goddess of joy and peace. Wife of Baldr. Made from forged steel right here in Yorkshire by Sam our incredible black smith. The whole proces...
Steel
Ingo Maurer Uchiwa Rice Paper and Bamboo Wall Light
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Chicago, IL
The Uchiwa II wall lamp by Ingo Maurer is an elegant example of 1970s design, with a structure that combines natural materials and modernity. The metal and bamboo are harmoniously co...
Bamboo, Paper
$1,951 / set
H 16.54 in W 8.67 in D 5.91 in
Pair of French Bronze Wall Appliqués or Sconces Empire Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of French bronze wall appliqués or sconces Empire style. Bronze chased sconces. Spine shield starting from 2 designed as fully plastic sn...
Brass
$2,176
H 27 in W 6.75 in D 7.75 in
A tall French Maison Jansen Style Brass Wall Sconce, Wall Light, 1950s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A tall Art Deco torchiere wall sconce in the style of Maison Jansen, France, 1955-1959. Very elegant design made of brass with conical off-white linen shade. It takes one Edison E14 ...
Brass
$2,500 / set
H 16.5 in W 11.4 in D 3.54 in
Set of 3 Mid Century Uchiwa Style Wall Sconces Style Ingo Maurer, 1975
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Wall Lights Sconces (3x) Hemp Paper Uchiwa Style Ingo Maurer There are only 3 left- Sold as a set of 3 pieces. Nice set of 3 woven hemp paper uchiwa shades in the style...
Brass
$5,000
H 27.96 in W 16.93 in D 7.17 in
Spectacular French Mid-Century Clipper Ship Wall Light, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Bring a distinctive maritime spirit to your interior with this exceptional French Mid-Century wall light, handcrafted in iron during the 1950s. Designed in the form of an elegant three-masted clipper ship, this sculptural lighting fixture perfectly combines decorative artistry with functional illumination, making it an outstanding statement piece for collectors of vintage French design and nautical décor. The finely worked iron structure showcases graceful sails, intricate rigging, and subtle gilt accents that beautifully catch the light. Its square composition gives the piece a bold architectural presence while preserving the elegance and balance characteristic of French decorative arts from the post-war period. Whether installed in a living room, library, office, seaside residence, or sophisticated hallway, this wall light creates a warm ambient glow and serves as a captivating focal point. The original gilt highlights display gentle age-related wear, a desirable feature that enhances the authentic vintage character and testifies to the piece's history without detracting from its visual appeal. The overall condition remains very good, with a rich patina appreciated by collectors of genuine mid-century lighting. Dimensions: Height: 28 in. (71 cm) Width: 16.9 in. (43 cm) Depth: 7.2 in. (18.2 cm) Professionally rewired and ready for immediate installation, this wall light is compatible with electrical standards in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, China, and many other countries. It also accommodates modern LED bulbs, offering energy-efficient performance while preserving its timeless aesthetic. An exceptional example of French Mid-Century lighting, this rare nautical wall sconce...
Iron
Pair of Bronze French Style Two-Light Wall Sconces
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of bronze French style two-light wall sconces, very good condition. Smaller size which is great for a powder room, or smaller hallway. Dimensions: ...
Bronze
$7,590
H 29.53 in W 22.45 in D 7.09 in
Vintage Uchiwa Ingo Maurer Wall Lamp for M Design Germany 1970 s
By Ingo Maurer, Design M
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Uchiwa wall lamp were handcrafted from bamboo, wicker and Japanese rice paper. Ingo Maurer's interest in paper for lampshade was linked to his interest in Japan. From 1973 to 1975, h...
Bamboo, Paper
$1,339 / set
H 35.44 in W 10.24 in D 6.7 in
Nieuwenborg & Wegman 'Delight' wall lights for Ingo Maurer - Germany 1980.
By Ingo Maurer, Martijn Wegman, Frans van Nieuwenborg 1
Located in London, GB
A playful interpretation of the humble tea towel, the Delight wall sconces were created for lighting manufacturer Ingo Maurer by Dutch designers Martijn Wegman and Frans Van Nieuwenb...
Fiberglass
Wall Lamp "Uchiwa" by Ingo Maurer for M-Design, Germany, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Vienna, AT
Iconic Uchiwa wall lamp designed by Ingo Maurer in the 1970s for M-Design, Germany. Crafted from rice paper and bamboo, this sculptural light is inspired by traditional Japanese fan...
Bamboo, Paper
Sold
H 29.93 in W 23.04 in D 6.3 in
Rare Pair of Large Uchiwa Wall Sconces by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1973
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Two pieces of big vintage Uchiwa fan lamps with metal holder for wall hanging. Designed from Ingo Maurer, Germany in 1973. All fans are handmade of bamboo and Japanese rice paper. Th...
Bamboo, Paper
Sold
H 29.53 in W 22.84 in D 5.52 in
Pair of Uchiwa III Japanese Fan Wall Appliques by Ingo Maurer Germany 1973
By Ingo Maurer
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Pair of Uchiwa III wall appliques by Ingo Maurer for M-design Munich Germany 1973 The Uchiwa III is the medium sized version of the Uchiwa series and gives a very impressive diffuse...
Bamboo, Paper
Sold
H 23.63 in W 17.72 in D 5.52 in
Rare Pair of Uchiwa II Japanese Fan Wall Appliques by Ingo Maurer Germany 1973
By Ingo Maurer
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Very Rare Pair of Uchiwa II wall appliques by Ingo Maurer for M-design Munich Germany 1973 The Uchiwa II is the smallest version of the Uchiwa series and gives a very impressive dif...
Bamboo, Paper
Sold
H 30.32 in W 22.84 in D 5.91 in
Rare Pair of Large Uchiwa Wall Sconces by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1973
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Two pieces of big vintage Uchiwa fan lamps with metal holder for wall hanging. Designed from Ingo Maurer, Germany in 1973. All fans are handmade of bam...
Bamboo, Paper
‘Uchiwa’ Table Lamp by Ingo Maurer for M Design, Germany, 1977
By M Design, Ingo Maurer
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare Uchiwa bamboo table lamp or wall lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Ingo Maurer's interest in rice paper for lampshades brought him to design and produce var...
Bamboo, Parchment Paper
Sold
H 39.38 in Dm 33.47 in
Set of Four "Uchiwa" Light Fixtures by Ingo Maurer for Design M, Germany, 1970s
By M Design, Ingo Maurer
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare set of four light fixtures from the "Uchiwa" series by Ingo Maurer for Design M, Germany, 1970s. The set consists of Hana II chandelier, Uchiwa I floor l...
Bamboo, Paper
Sold
H 85.83 in W 42.33 in D 5.91 in
An ‘Uchiwa’ Floor Lamp by Ingo Maurer for M Design - Germany, 1977
By Ingo Maurer, Design M
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Large and rare Uchiwa bamboo floor lamp or wall lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Ingo Maurer's interest in rice paper for lampshades brought him to design and produce various models inspired by traditional Japanese fans during the 1970s. His interest at that time was focused in the modelling of lighting able to create a soft and warm, eye-pleasing light. All the Uchiwa lamps...
Bamboo, Parchment Paper
Uchiwa Fan Wall Lamp by Ingo Maurer, 1974
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Echt, NL
Uchiwa fan wall lamp by Ingo Maurer in very good condition. Designed by Ingo Maurer for M design, Germany. This lamp was handmade in 1977 from bamboo, w...
Bamboo, Wicker, Paper
Uchiwa Fan Wall Lamp by Ingo Maurer, 1974
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Echt, NL
Uchiwa fan wall lamp by Ingo Maurer in very good condition. Designed by Ingo Maurer for M design, Germany. This lamp was handmade in 1977 from bambo...
Bamboo, Wicker, Paper
Uchiwa Fan Wall Lamp by Ingo Maurer, 1974
By M Design, Ingo Maurer
Located in Echt, NL
Uchiwa fan wall lamp by Ingo Maurer in very good condition. Designed by Ingo Maurer for M design, Germany. This lamp was handmade in 1977 from bamboo, w...
Bamboo, Wicker, Paper
"Uchiwa" Wall Light by Ingo Maurer, 1974
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Uchiwa type wall lamp, one of the "Uchiwa Series" by Ingo Maurer. In the early 1970s, he released a series of works especially inspired by Japan. One of them is the UCHIWA series re...
Bamboo, Paper