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.
19th Century Japanese Armchair
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very dramatic late 19th century Japanese carved softwood armchair. Having mythical dragons entwined to the backrest and arms, raised on carved cab...
Softwood
Pair of lacquered wood and rattan "meditation" chairs - Japan, early 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Asian Art - Antique Decoration Measures : 80x60cm H:91cm SH:43cm Discover this pair of lacquered wood and rattan meditation chairs, dating from the early 20th century in Japan. Thei...
Rattan, Wood
Late 19th Century Japanese Armchair
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very dramatic 19th century Japanese carved armchair. Depicting mythical dragons to the arms and back, amongst clouds. Raised on carved cabriole legs.
Softwood
$5,262 / set
Large Pair of 19th Century Oriental Armchairs
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive large pair of Japanese carved softwood armchairs, each depicting carved exotic flowers and foliage.
Softwood
Carved & Tufted Orientalist Armchair Attrib. to G. Viardot - France, 19th C
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Impressive Asian-style armchair carved with fretwork detailing, mother-of-pearl inlays and large carved lion's paw feet. Beautifully upholstered in 100% silk brocade with deep button tufting. The fabric is Tassinari & Chatel's Cernuschi collection. Attributed to Gabriel Viardot or Perret & Vibert (La Maison des Bambous).
$12,826 / item
Anne Yellow Armchair
By Kenzo Takada
Located in Cadorago, CO
An exceptional work of craftsmanship by wood and textile artisans, this plush armchair is a charming addition to refined modern interiors. Hand-carved from solid beech and finished i...
Wood
$17,826 / item
Louis Blue Armchair
By Kenzo Takada
Located in Cadorago, CO
This armchair has a sumptuous design, upholstered with an eclectic combination of four distinct satin fabrics, making it a charming statement piece for modern living spaces. The soli...
Wood
$5,068 / item
Charles K Black and White Armchair
By Kenzo Takada
Located in Cadorago, CO
Defined by its intriguing modern flair, this armchair is upholstered in the double-faced Kaede fabric, featuring a dynamic black and white pattern with feather motifs. It is the perf...
Wood
$13,072 / item
Anne Red Armchair
By Kenzo Takada
Located in Cadorago, CO
Showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship, this armchair serves as a bold and striking accent for any interior. The structure is meticulously hand-carved from solid beech and upholstere...
Wood
$11,192 / item
Cassandre Armchair
By Kenzo Takada
Located in Cadorago, CO
This armchair exudes elegant sophistication, particularly when arranged as a pair and complemented by the Michelle Pouf to create a harmonious living room nook. The matte-black steel...
Wood
$1,250 / set
H 31.5 in W 26.5 in D 30 in
Pair of 20th Century Vintage Tufted Leather and Wood Arm Chairs, Italian
Located in San Francisco, CA
This pair of classic and modern arm chairs are comfortable in most settings. The chairs are in good condition, with patina on both the leather and wood components. Add the pair to an...
Leather, Wood
19th Century Irish Mahogany Library Armchair
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine early 19th century mahogany framed library armchair, the curved top-rail above button back upholstered in leather, with raised padded arm rests and down scrolled arms whi...
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Early 20th-century Venetian Grotto Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Odds are good that you haven't seen many of these, with their scallop shell backs and seats, dolphin-head arms, and particularly such strange, roughened, coral-textured legs suggesti...
Wood, Paint
19th Century Pair of Round-back Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century pair of round-back upholstered armchairs. Dates from the transition period between square William IV lolling chairs and curvilinear Victorian; the carved embellishment t...
Mahogany
19th century country house armchair
Located in Batley, GB
A good quality late 19th century country house armchair. Raised on turned walnut legs and brass casters. Structurally in good solid order and for upholstery. As with all our upho...
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Armchair
Located in Cirencester, GB
One now available. This late 19th Century open armchair is made from walnut and the frame is in excellent sturdy condition. A beautiful addition to any room. Unusual to find these w...
Walnut
Pair Of 19th C. Neoclassical French Carved Walnut Armchairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Labeled Dugard underneath the seats. With carved gadrooned pediment crest rails with center scrolled crests over burled upper backs. The curved arms with carved leafy backs and ribbe...
Fabric, Walnut
Susan Osbourne French Late 19th Century ‘Teddy Bear’ Armchair
Located in London, GB
This French 19th-century Teddy Bear Chair, originaly created as a comfortable drawing room chair. Its generously rounded arms and softly enveloping profile give the piece its distin...
Brass
Early 20th Century Moroccan Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
An early 20th century Moroccan armchair with an elaborate pattern of repeated large and small eight-point stars executed in inlaid exotic and ebonized woods and mother-of-pearl. The ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Armchairs
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A matching pair of French walnut armchairs with shaped upholstered backs, curved open arms, and upholstered seats. The frames show carved and molded detailing along the seat rails, a...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Early 20th C. Swedish Carved Oak Monk Chairs
Located in Kent, CT
A very good pair of early 20th Century, three-legged, carved oak Swedish "Monk" chairs with triangular seats, chip carved back rests and turned arms, legs, and stretchers. This pair ...
Oak
19th Century Tufted Suede Armchair
Located in Buchanan, NY
This French 19th century armchair is a one-of-a-kind piece. Its design is classic and timeless: tufted suede provides both visual appeal and comfort, while the rolled back ensures a ...
Suede
Sold
H 51.19 in W 27.96 in D 21.07 in
Exquisite Antique Japanese 1880 Qing Dynasty Carved Dragon Throne Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Japanese Export circa 1880 hand carved Throne chair with oversized Dragon back rest...
Wood
French Yellow Floral Fabric Armchair Fully Upholstered, 1960s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very nice yellow floral fabric Armchair fully upholstered, from the 1960s. Floral Japanese style. The fabric is slightly fused on the back but...
Fabric
Pair of Early 20th Century Hand Painted European Japonisme Chairs
Located in New York, NY
An intricately hand painted pair of decorative chairs crafted in the early 20th century. The design is a European interpretation of crafts imported from Japan. These round-seat chair...
Lacquer, Paint, Wood
French Yellow Floral Fabric Armchair Fully Upholstered, 1960s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very nice yellow floral fabric Armchair fully upholstered, from the 1960s. Floral Japanese style. The fabric is slightly fused on the back but...
Fabric