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Meiji Benches

MEIJI STYLE

From 1868 to 1912, Emperor Mutsuhito oversaw an era of transformation in Japan. Formerly a country of feudalism and isolation, Japan entered an age of modernization influenced by newly established trade and exchange with the West. The Meiji period, or period of “enlightened rule,” also saw the global impact of the East Asian country’s culture. Japanese Meiji furniture was exhibited at expositions from Paris to San Francisco and created for export.

Prior to the Meiji era, furniture was mostly made by commission for the ruling class; now there were new domestic and international markets. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.

Meiji furniture made for Japanese homes and buildings constructed in Western styles resulted in taller tables, chairs, cabinets with large drawers and other features. The government invested in areas such as transportation and communication, and because people could freely choose occupations after the restrictions of feudalism, industries of various types were energized by expressive new ideas during those years. Art schools were formed and, for the first time, design was an area of study in the country, leading to the evolution of professional design as a career by the 1890s.

The work of Japanese designers was transmitted widely through lavishly illustrated pattern books that included designs for screens and lacquerware for the home. While screens today may be of use as decorative accents or partitions to ensure privacy in one’s space, Japanese screens were adorned with paintings and were featured in performing arts such as concerts, tea ceremonies and more. The color illustrations that characterize Meiji woodblock prints, a genre of Japanese art that grew out of 17th-century developments in printing and book publishing, depicted the sweeping changes that the era brought to East Asia.

Although it was a time of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions. From colorful porcelain table lamps with silk shades and hardwood tables decorated with dark lacquer to cabinets featuring iron hardware and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, Meiji furniture showcased Japan’s artistic heritage to the world.

Find a collection of antique Japanese Meiji period case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Meiji
Japanese Antique Keyaki Wood Bench / Low Table, Meiji Era “1868–1912”
Japanese Antique Keyaki Wood Bench / Low Table, Meiji Era “1868–1912”

Japanese Antique Keyaki Wood Bench / Low Table, Meiji Era “1868–1912”

$850

Japanese Antique Keyaki Wood Bench / Low Table, Meiji Era “1868–1912”

Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08

Japanese Antique Keyaki Wood Bench, Meiji Era (1868–1912), Wabi Sabi This Japanese antique bench was likely crafted in the Meiji Era (1868–1912). Made entirely of keyaki (Japanese ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Benches

Materials

Wood

Monumental Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Ebonized High Relief Carved Dragon
Monumental Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Ebonized High Relief Carved Dragon

Monumental Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Ebonized High Relief Carved Dragon

$4,200Sale Price|30% Off

Monumental Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Ebonized High Relief Carved Dragon

Located in Dayton, OH

Impressive Imperial Japanese Meiji period Elm Dragon storage bench. Features high relief carved accents and under seat storage. From top to bottom this piece is adorned with three to...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Meiji Benches

Materials

Hardwood

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H 12 in W 45 in D 9.5 in

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H 14 in W 59 in D 13 in

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Belgian Carved Oak High Back Bench with Storage, circa 1890
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Japanese Bench
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H 15.25 in W 70 in D 22.5 in

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Previously Available Items
Japanese Antique Primitive Bench 1860s-1900s / Long Chairs Mingei Wabisabi
Japanese Antique Primitive Bench 1860s-1900s / Long Chairs Mingei Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Primitive Bench 1860s-1900s / Long Chairs Mingei Wabisabi

Sold

H 14.57 in W 96.46 in D 10.63 in

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Japanese Antique Primitive Bench 1860s-1900s / Black Chairs Wabi Sabi Mingei

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H 13.39 in W 74.02 in L 13.39 in

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Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

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Japanese Antique Primitive Bench 1860s-1900s / Long Chairs Mingei Wabisabi
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H 21.26 in W 90.95 in D 14.18 in

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Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

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Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Benches

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Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Ebonized High Relief Carved Dragon Bench
Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Ebonized High Relief Carved Dragon Bench

Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Ebonized High Relief Carved Dragon Bench

Sold

H 40.5 in W 52 in D 26 in

Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Ebonized High Relief Carved Dragon Bench

Located in Dayton, OH

A fine and impressive Imperial Japanese Meiji Period Dragon bench. Features high relief carving throughout. The arched and pierced back consists of 3 dragons. In the center is a larg...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Meiji Benches

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Hardwood

Monumental Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Dragon Carved Bench Trunk Chest
Monumental Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Dragon Carved Bench Trunk Chest

Monumental Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Dragon Carved Bench Trunk Chest

Sold

H 70 in W 56 in D 26 in

Monumental Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Dragon Carved Bench Trunk Chest

Located in Dayton, OH

Imperial Japanese Meiji Period dragon bench. Features high relief carved accents and under seat storage. From top to bottom this piece is ordained with three toed dragons. The crown ...

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Late 19th Century Antique Meiji Benches

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Hardwood

Long Antique Primitive Japanese Elm Bench
Long Antique Primitive Japanese Elm Bench

Long Antique Primitive Japanese Elm Bench

Sold

H 17 in W 97.5 in D 12 in

Long Antique Primitive Japanese Elm Bench

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Long, narrow Japanese backless bench with flared legs. Measure: Seat is 8.5 wide, width of legs is 12. Great proportion to this piece. Wood is thick and grooved and worn to a smooth,...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Benches

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Elm

Meiji benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji benches 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 benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with hardwood, wood and other materials. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $7,000 and tops out at $7,000 while the average work can sell for $7,000.