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.
Near Pair of Japonisme Painted and Ebonized Armchairs
Located in Astoria, NY
Near Pair of Japonisme Paint-Decorated and Ebonized Wood Arm Chairs, with cane-paneled seats. Slightly larger: 32" H x 20.75" W x 19" D; seat: 16.5" H. Provenance: From a 21 East 8...
Wood, Paint
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
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
$5,174 / 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
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
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).
$3,950 / set
H 34.25 in W 23 in D 23.5 in
Pair Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Gray Painted Armchairs
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of late 19th century Swedish Gustavian armchairs crafted in pine. The chairs feature fluted carved detailing throughout the back, arms, and skirt. They rest on four turned, flut...
Linen, Pine, 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
Late 19th-century Swedish Biedermeier armchair
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Late 19th-century Swedish Biedermeier armchair. This elegant chair features a solid wooden frame with classic turned front legs and a slatted backrest, showcasing the refined simplic...
Cotton
$2,319Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 31.5 in W 22.84 in D 20.08 in
Pair of Spanish Renaissance Revival Carved Savonarola Chairs, Early 20th Century
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Beautiful pair of Spanish Renaissance Revival Savonarola chairs, crafted in solid wood and richly carved with scrolling vegetal motifs. The iconic X-frame silhouette, inspired by med...
Hardwood, Oak
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 Easy Armchair
Located in Petworth, GB
A 19th century, English 'easy' armchair of large proportions with a striking curved arm. Newly upholstered in an Ian Mankin stripe. Stamped '11846' to the leg. Equal parts classic a...
Wrought Iron
19th Century English Armchair
Located in Brecht, BE
Brown furniture at its best, in very good condition and the best patina ever for this English beauty, sturdy, comfortable, great lines.
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
$3,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32 in W 27 in D 23 in
Pair of Baker Ebonized Mahogany and Cane Button Tufted Armchairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of ebonized mahogany and cane arm chairs by Baker Furniture. Stacked and loose seat cushion is upholstered in a button tufted persimmon velvet. Most likely a Michael Taylor or W...
Velvet, Cane, Mahogany
$7,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 45 in W 27 in D 30.25 in
Pair of French 19th-20th Century Baroque Style Carved Thrones Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of French 19th-20th century Baroque style carved walnut and needlepoint upholstered hall throne armchairs with raised carved armrests and fluted conjoint legs. The tapestries ...
Wool, Walnut
Pair of 19th century French carved walnut armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century carved walnut armchairs circa 1890. Good quality pair of carved french armchairs, made in walnut. Profusely carved on all surfaces in the solid. Open frame des...
Fabric, Walnut
A 19th Century Faux Coromandel Armchair
Located in Tetbury, England
Outstanding original painted decoration and rush seat.
Pine
Late 19th century French Provençal armchair with straw seat
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Late 19th/early 20th century armchair in stained wood with straw seat, typical of the Provence region of France. Backrest with three slats in a ‘moustache’ pattern, spindle-shaped tu...
Straw, Wood
A pair of large armchairs, early 20th century France.
Located in VILLERS-SUR-MER, FR
A pair of large red silk armchairs with high curved backs and rolled armrests. Early 20th century France.
Silk, Wood
French 19th Century Tufted Suede Armchair with Purple Buttons
Located in Buchanan, NY
A handsome French armchair dating to the 19th century, featuring deep tufted suede upholstery accented with distinctive purple buttons that lend an unexpected touch of character. Gra...
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