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Edo Lighting

EDO STYLE

Edo furniture was created during a flourishing time for the decorative arts owing to the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate rule in Japan. Spanning from 1603 to 1867, this era of peace and economic growth supported artistic advancements in lacquer, woodblock printing, porcelain and other artisanal trades. Because the country was largely isolated, there was little outside influence, leading to centuries of exceptional attention to the design of its furnishings and the quality of its traditional arts.

Unlike during the Meiji period that followed, with an increase in domestic and international markets, furniture during the Edo period was predominately commissioned by the ruling class, although people from across social groups benefited from the burgeoning metropolitan hubs for artisanal trades. For instance, Kyoto became a major center for lacquer art. Most furniture pieces were made from wood such as cedar or ash, including the era’s sashimono cabinets, which involved fine joinery and were rooted in the Heian period.

Sashimono cabinets, which were built by master craftsmen in a range of different wood types owing to the various trees that populate Japan, occasionally featured a stack of slender drawers as well as sliding doors. They were popular with everyone from samurai to kabuki actors. Tansu storage chests crafted from wood with metal fittings were also common in Edo-period homes. Some were designed to be easily portable while others were made to double as staircases.

Painted folding screens, called byōbu, were also fashionable, with Japanese artists inspired by nature, literature and scenes of history and daily life to create vivid works. In Buddhist temples and the palatial homes of the aristocratic class, fusuma, or large sliding panels, would sometimes be adorned with gold or silver leaf. These dividers allowed interiors to change throughout the day, closing in small spaces for personal use or reflecting candlelight to illuminate communal spaces after dark.

Find a collection of Edo tables, lighting, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Edo
18th Century Japanese Bronze Tōrō Lantern
Located in Houston, TX
18th-Century Japanese bronze tōrō lantern with recently updated wiring.
Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Japanese Chochin Floor Lamp Limited Edition #1 Zen Washi
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: OBAKE A Contemporary style Japanese Washi Japanese traditional paper shade floor lamp. Washi shade is famous as Isamu Noguchi Akari lightings. Base is made of brass. Limited pattern painted model. Edition of 3+1AP E26,27 light bulb. Available to work with 100-250V. Artist statement In Japan, there is an animist belief that the soul dwells in old tools that have passed a long time and turns into spirits such as "Youkai" or "OBAKE." Its existence lurks in the darkness of everyday life, sometimes causing fear and sometimes entertaining. This lantern is not an old tool, but it is made by the historic "Kojima Shoten", where the 10th generation are craftsmen in Kyoto. It's rare nowadays, and it's a style in which lanterns are made from bamboo bones to assembling papers and painting in one workshop and go. So, I decided to transform the polite crafted Japanese lanterns, which have been run through a traditional history, into a modern and pop style. It's not just OBAKE lurking in the darkness, but an existence who snuggles up to us as a more sophisticated being. These one-eyed OBAKE have a meaningful look that originated in ancient Sanskrit culture. The red-eye "A [a]" is the facial expression that is the first pronunciation to make a sound in Sanskrit, which means "truth" and "spirit of inquiry" at the same time. The blue-eyed "UN [hu?]" expresses the pronunciation to close the sound, and at the same time means "wisdom" and "nirvana." There is also the idea that describing the beginning and end of the universe is represented by considering the "A" and "UN" as a pair. In Asia, it is a common sight to see a pair of guardian statues...
Category

2010s Japanese Edo Lighting

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Japanese Chochin Floor Lamp Limited Edition #2 Zen Washi
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: OBAKE UN Contemporary style Japanese Washi Japanese traditional paper shade floor lamp. Washi shade is famous as Isamu Noguchi Akari lightings. Base is made of brass. Limited pattern painted model. Edition of 3+1AP E26,27 light bulb. Available to work with 100-250V. Artist statement In Japan, there is an animist belief that the soul dwells in old tools that have passed a long time and turns into spirits such as "Youkai" or "OBAKE." Its existence lurks in the darkness of everyday life, sometimes causing fear and sometimes entertaining. This lantern is not an old tool, but it is made by the historic "Kojima Shoten", where the 10th generation are craftsmen in Kyoto. It's rare nowadays, and it's a style in which lanterns are made from bamboo bones to assembling papers and painting in one workshop and go. So, I decided to transform the polite crafted Japanese lanterns, which have been run through a traditional history, into a modern and pop style. It's not just OBAKE lurking in the darkness, but an existence who snuggles up to us as a more sophisticated being. These one-eyed OBAKE have a meaningful look that originated in ancient Sanskrit culture. The red-eye "A [a]" is the facial expression that is the first pronunciation to make a sound in Sanskrit, which means "truth" and "spirit of inquiry" at the same time. The blue-eyed "UN [hu?]" expresses the pronunciation to close the sound, and at the same time means "wisdom" and "nirvana." There is also the idea that describing the beginning and end of the universe is represented by considering the "A" and "UN" as a pair. In Asia, it is a common sight to see a pair of guardian statues...
Category

2010s Japanese Edo Lighting

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Japanese Chochin Floor Lamp Zen Washi Japanese Paper Shade
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Under the Hazy Moon Contemporary style Japanese Washi Japanese traditional paper shade floor lamp. Washi shade is famous as Isamu Noguchi Akari lightings. Base is made of brass...
Category

2010s Japanese Edo Lighting

Materials

Brass

Japanese Temple Lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Japanese lantern is rare and spectacular in its size and ornamental design. A true one of a kind piece. It can be used as a hanging fixture, as seen in the photos or a magnifice...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Lighting

Materials

Brass, Iron

Large 19th Century Imari Temple Jar Table Lamp
Located in Richmond, London
A stunning Japanese Imari Temple Jar table lamp. 19 century. Why we like it Great scale in traditional Imari palette and motifs. About Imari ware Imari ware originated in the tow...
Category

19th Century Asian Antique Edo Lighting

Materials

Porcelain

Bamboo Lattice Light Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen Japanese Craft Mingei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Lamp designed by Ryosuke Harashima. This work is made of antique Japanese bamboo basket and brass. Artist creates new style lamp by comb...
Category

2010s Japanese Edo Lighting

Materials

Brass

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Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Swedish Modern Floor Lamp with Malachite Print Paper Shade by Fornasetti, 1950s
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking floor lamp was designed in Sweden in the 1950s. The design features a three-legged base in black lacquered metal. Mounted on top of the base are two tubular arms, also...
Category

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Limited Edition Rispal 'Praying Mantis Zébrant' Floor Lamp in Zebra Wood
Located in Glendale, CA
Limited edition Rispal 'Praying Mantis Zébrant' floor lamp in zebra wood. The iconic model #14.950 was originally designed in 1950 by François R...
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21st Century and Contemporary French Edo Lighting

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18th Century Brass Barn Portable Lantern Candlelight
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early Danish 18th Century Brass Barn Portable Lantern.
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Located in New York, NY
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Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Edo Lighting

Materials

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Japanese Owl Lantern Outdoor
Japanese Owl Lantern Outdoor
H 9.63 in W 5.38 in D 4.63 in
Japan Old Original Ikebana Flower Lantern
Located in South Burlington, VT
From our recent garden acquisitions in original natural condition Hard to find example complete with original suspension loop and working door. Heavy hand cast iron "Ikebana flower" incised panel form lantern with distinctive "12 petal" top. An attractive and sturdy antique lantern with a distinct eastern thematic "ikebana flower" motif carved into five firebox side panels. The startling sinewy plant motif strongly suggest Asian ikebana. The round tops were cleverly designed with 12 flower petals. Fine original used garden condition with an attractive natural patina appropriate to age- just the way we like to find them. Heavy quality capable of handling inclement weather conditions. An unusual opportunity to own a rare original authentic example in an attractive hard to find style Quality: excellent craftsmanship and high quality heavy construction by specialized lantern artisans. Suspension handle is easily removeable if you prefer to place your lanterns on your surface of choice. Only one. Dimensions: 13 inches tall to top of suspension handle and 6.25 inches diameter Provenance: Old garden collection. Please enjoy our photo of an inspirational themed Japanese 19th century Ikebana woodblock print from an original Ikebana book...
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Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Lighting

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Japan Fine Antique Bronze Birds & Dragonflies Lantern, Lovely Details
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Japanese Rare Oversized Owl Garden Candle Lantern with Antique Chain
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-992 Rare tall Japanese owl garden candle lantern supplied with antique chain for hanging.
Category

Mid-20th Century Edo Lighting

Materials

Iron

Japanese Robin Blue Heart Pagoda Garden Candle Lantern
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-724 Hand cast Japanese candle lantern with hearts on top Height to top of lantern 10".
Category

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Materials

Iron

Wonderful Hector Finch Temple Brass Glass Bell Jar 3-Light Lantern Light Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
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19th Century French Bronze Gilt Lantern
Located in Delft, NL
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Category

19th Century French Antique Edo Lighting

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Previously Available Items
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Located in London, GB
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Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Lighting

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Early Nineteenth Century Imari Lamp
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Pair Of Large Edo Period Japanese Bronze Candlesticks Wabi Sabi
Located in London, GB
A pair of large early 19th C. Japanese bronze candlesticks. Heavily patinated with remnants of wax due to hundreds of years of use. Simple shapely design.
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Antique Vintage Japanese Chinese Imari Porcelain Ormolu Table Lamp Blue Gilt Edo
Located in Dublin, Ireland
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Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Edo Lighting

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Japanese Huge 1850 Antique Signed "Lotus Flower" Temple Lighting Lantern
Located in South Burlington, VT
A Rare Signed Treasure Lighting Lantern ?? "Jyumotsu" from Japan's Western Shining Temple ??? Saikoji, Japan, a huge and handsome antique large scale bronze temple lighting lantern hand wrought in an attractive "Lotus Flower Purity" motif , Edo period circa 1850. Caste's a lovely night light through its prolific hand pierced roof and six beautiful master crafted hand pierced side panels. The portable six sided lantern with a pair of ornate doors and four panels around the sides are ornately pierced and etched with designs of clouds and vines. The top of the lantern is in the form of a blossoming lotus -signature of purity- with 12 etched petals, and with a small, heavy flame finial. You will notice the fine etching on the lantern's top piece is underneath the lotus pettles, since the lantern was hung and meant to be viewed from below. The solid etched base has six (6) large solid feet for stabile display.. Signed. The bottom of the base has an identifying inscription that reads " ??? Saikoji, also read Seikoji, (Western Shining Temple) and kanji ?? "Jyumotsu" (treasured fixture). Superbly crafted with attractive surface engravings of waves, clouds, flowers and vines. May be suspended from loop or installed on any surface on its six sturdy feet. Quality: Displays a fine natural aged warm golden brown patina from over 150 years of loving use. Dimensions: 21 inches tall to top of loop handle and 15.5 inches wide Huge 21 inch garden work of art with awesome visual impact - this is an ideal installation and significant accent for your special outdoor garden or favorite indoor space. Provenance: Japanese collection Many of our customers place LED or oil candles inside the main section making a romantic and enjoyable decorative accent for entertaining friends and family. It's a perfect choice for your indoor or outdoor garden space. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Japanese works...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Edo Period Imari Porcelain Vase and Table Lamp, circa 1700
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A late 17th, early 18th century Japanese Edo period Imari porcelain vase or jar of hexagonal baluster form having underglaze blue and overgla...
Category

Late 17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Lighting

Materials

Brass

Japanese Edo Period Imari Porcelain Vase and Table Lamp, circa 1700
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A late 17th, early 18th century Japanese Edo period Imari porcelain vase or jar of hexagonal baluster form having underglaze blue and overgla...
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Late 17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Lighting

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Brass

Japanese Antique Classic 1850 "Birds and Waves" Garden Lantern
Located in South Burlington, VT
Early 1850 Japanese Garden Lantern Classic - Hard To Find Japan, unusual large antique lantern design with an attractive "birds & waves" craftsmen perforated patterns incised into each of the six panels of the firebox and a charming three dimensional "cicada" clinging to the handle loop. The first of this design and style we have seen. A great old classic. Edo period, 1850 Fine original quality appropriate to its good age. Excellent orignal surface patina. Dimensions: 16 inches tall and 13 inches diameter; cicada is 2 inches long An unusual opportunity to own a unique "undiscovered" scarcer style authentic old lantern from early Japan.. This is the first of this early style we have seen in over fifteen years of dealing with fine Japanese garden ornaments...
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Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Lighting

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Copper

Wall Lights Made in Japan / Reproduction of Japanese Antique Lighting Bracket
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a bracket light made in Japan. Made of brass. It is a product that reproduces old Japanese lighting. Since ancient times, it has been used as an outdoor light and an interior ...
Category

2010s Japanese Edo Lighting

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Brass

Japanese Early Hand Wrought "Leaf" Oil Lamp
Located in South Burlington, VT
From Our Recent Japanese Acquisitions From Japan comes this rare surviving hand cast "Leaf form" oil lamp complete with its original "rat tail" hanger, mid 19th century or earlier...
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Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Lighting

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Hand Forged Iron Suspension Chain, Rare
Located in South Burlington, VT
From our recent Japanese acquisitions travels For displaying/hanging a special accessory such as flower planter or lantern From Japan comes this hard to find and beautiful handwrought iron "link and rod" hanging flower vase or lantern chain...
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Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Lighting

Materials

Iron

Japan Early Antique "Okigata" Temple Shrine Lantern, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
An antique Okigata (portable) three-piece stone lantern with thick and heavy dark patina from great age. The firebox engraved with Fine designs of birds, a tiger, and mountainside symbols. Dimensions: 30 inches tall and 24 inches diameter, three pieces Period: Edo period (1750-1850) Quality: Very fine condition, fine details, carved from solid granite The well proportioned carved stone lantern fashioned in three parts with a finial Hohju, light chamber Hibukuro, and well detailed base stone kiso. A rare one. Provenance: acquired from a 50 year old Shiga antique garden lantern...
Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Lighting

Materials

Granite

19th Century Japanese Cedar Wood Lantern with Bronze Fittings and Handle
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a hand carved cedar wood (jindai sugi) pagoda-stype round andon or lantern with bronze fittings and ring handle, circa 1860-1880 (Edo to Meiji period). Hand carved with big d...
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Lighting

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Cedar

Edo lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Edo lighting for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with brass, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Edo lighting made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original lighting, popular names associated with this style include and Ryosuke Harashima. 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 lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $800 and tops out at $9,500 while the average work can sell for $4,150.

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