Skip to main content

Japonisme Armchairs

JAPONISME STYLE

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.

to
10
5
5
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
8
7
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
8,462
3,446
1,913
1,266
519
470
370
275
256
255
206
190
185
158
153
119
64
37
4
1
5
9
3
1
1
6
5
4
4
4
10
5
10
5
Style: Japonisme
19th Century Japanese Armchair
19th Century Japanese Armchair

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...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Softwood

Pair of lacquered wood and rattan "meditation" chairs - Japan, early 20th
Pair of lacquered wood and rattan "meditation" chairs - Japan, early 20th

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...

Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Late 19th Century Japanese Armchair
Late 19th Century Japanese Armchair

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.

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Softwood

Large Pair of 19th Century Oriental Armchairs
Large Pair of 19th Century Oriental Armchairs

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.

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Softwood

Carved & Tufted Orientalist Armchair Attrib. to G. Viardot - France, 19th C
Carved & Tufted Orientalist Armchair Attrib. to G. Viardot - France, 19th C

Carved & Tufted Orientalist Armchair Attrib. to G. Viardot - France, 19th C

By Gabriel Viardot

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).

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Anne Yellow Armchair
Anne Yellow Armchair

Anne Yellow Armchair

$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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Louis Blue Armchair
Louis Blue Armchair

Louis Blue Armchair

$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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Charles K Black and White Armchair
Charles K Black and White Armchair

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Anne Red Armchair
Anne Red Armchair

Anne Red Armchair

$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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Cassandre Armchair
Cassandre Armchair

Cassandre Armchair

$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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Related Items
Pair of 20th Century Vintage Tufted Leather and Wood Arm Chairs, Italian
Pair of 20th Century Vintage Tufted Leather and Wood Arm Chairs, Italian

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

19th Century Irish Mahogany Library Armchair
19th Century Irish Mahogany Library Armchair

19th Century Irish Mahogany Library Armchair

$8,970

H 37.41 in W 25.99 in D 26.38 in

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...

Category

19th Century Irish Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Pair of Early 20th-century Venetian Grotto Chairs
Pair of Early 20th-century Venetian Grotto Chairs

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Pair of Round-back Upholstered Armchairs
19th Century Pair of Round-back Upholstered Armchairs

19th Century Pair of Round-back Upholstered Armchairs

$11,960 / set

H 38 in W 32 in D 32 in

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...

Category

Mid-19th Century Irish Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

19th century country house armchair
19th century country house armchair

19th century country house armchair

$2,631

H 33.47 in W 29.53 in D 33.47 in

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...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Late 19th Century French Armchair
Late 19th Century French Armchair

Late 19th Century French Armchair

$1,523

H 38.19 in W 29.14 in D 33.08 in

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...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair Of 19th C. Neoclassical French Carved Walnut Armchairs
Pair Of 19th C. Neoclassical French Carved Walnut Armchairs

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...

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Susan Osbourne French Late 19th Century ‘Teddy Bear’ Armchair
Susan Osbourne French Late 19th Century ‘Teddy Bear’ Armchair

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...

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Moroccan Chair
Early 20th Century Moroccan Chair

Early 20th Century Moroccan Chair

$1,800

H 30 in W 24 in D 17 in

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 ...

Category

1940s Moroccan Vintage Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Armchairs
Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Armchairs

Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Armchairs

$1,800 / set

H 39 in W 23 in D 18 in

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...

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Early 20th C. Swedish Carved Oak Monk Chairs
Pair of Early 20th C. Swedish Carved Oak Monk Chairs

Pair of Early 20th C. Swedish Carved Oak Monk Chairs

$3,800 / set

H 33.5 in W 25 in D 22 in

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 ...

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Oak

19th Century Tufted Suede Armchair
19th Century Tufted Suede Armchair

19th Century Tufted Suede Armchair

$1,800

H 27 in W 29 in D 27 in

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 ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Suede

Previously Available Items
Exquisite Antique Japanese 1880 Qing Dynasty Carved Dragon Throne Armchair
Exquisite Antique Japanese 1880 Qing Dynasty Carved Dragon Throne Armchair

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...

Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Early 20th Century Hand Painted European Japonisme Chairs
Pair of Early 20th Century Hand Painted European Japonisme Chairs

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...

Category

Early 20th Century European Japonisme Armchairs

Materials

Lacquer, Paint, Wood

Japonisme armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme armchairs 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 armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme armchairs 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 armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,526 and tops out at $7,348 while the average work can sell for $4,088.