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Japonisme Chairs

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.

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Style: Japonisme
KITA LIVING Frame Chair Elliptical - Oak Mist
Located in Bomonti, TR
Characterized by elliptical forms, Frame Chair is an expression of comfort and well-balanced geometry. The confident relationship between skeleton, seat and backrest figures its pres...
Category

2010s Turkish Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak, Plywood

KITA LIVING Frame Chair Elliptical - Oak Chocolate
Located in Bomonti, TR
Characterized by elliptical forms, Frame Chair is an expression of comfort and well-balanced geometry. The confident relationship between skeleton, seat and backrest figures its pres...
Category

2010s Asian Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak, Plywood

A Set of (2) Antique Rosewood Carved Chairs
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A set of 2 rosewood chairs. Each chair has a delicate hummingbird and cherry blossom carving. Dimensions: Height – 37.5 inches from floor to the highest point and 36.5 inches from...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Teak

Frame Cushion Rectangular
Located in Bomonti, TR
Frame Cushion Rectangular is a seating pad characterized by a simple geometric form. It presents a comfortable experience by creating a pouf-like feeling for those who sit on it. Th...
Category

2010s Turkish Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Polyester

KITA LIVING Frame Chair Rectangular - Oak Mist
Located in Bomonti, TR
Characterized by rectangular forms, Frame Chair is an expression of comfort and well-balanced geometry. The confident relationship between skeleton, seat and backrest figures its pre...
Category

2010s Asian Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak, Plywood

U Stool Takuya Hamajima Contemporary Zen Japanese Ceramic
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Contemporary Japanese style chair. Rather sculpture than chair. Made of rusted steel, ceramic, and wood. Base is steel. Seat is ceramic. Arm pane...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Frame Cushion Elliptical
Located in Bomonti, TR
Frame Cushion Elliptical is a seating pad characterized by a simple geometric form. It presents a comfortable experience by creating a pouf-like feeling for those who sit on it. Thi...
Category

2010s Turkish Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Polyester

KITA LIVING Frame Chair Elliptical - Oak Black
Located in Bomonti, TR
Characterized by elliptical forms, Frame Chair is an expression of comfort and well-balanced geometry. The confident relationship between skeleton, seat and backrest figures its pres...
Category

2010s Turkish Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak, Plywood

KITA LIVING Frame Chair Rectangular - Oak Black
Located in Bomonti, TR
Characterized by rectangular forms, Frame Chair is an expression of comfort and well-balanced geometry. The confident relationship between skeleton, seat and backrest figures its pre...
Category

2010s Asian Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak, Plywood

Pair of Oriental Chairs, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very stylish pair of late 19th century Japanese side chairs, each with wonderful carved leaves and orchids to the backs and legs.
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Softwood

Exquisite Pair of Chairs Attributed to Gabriel Viardot, France, circa 1890
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rare and wonderful pair of "Pagoda" side chairs by Gabriel Viardot. Mahogany, with ivory and bronze detailing. The back medallions feature a dragon. Newly reupholstered with ve...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Chairs

Related Items
Japanese Hand Painted Ceramic Cat Sculpture
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-726 vintage Japanese hand painted ceramic cat sculpture
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1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Hand Painted Ceramic Cat Sculpture
Japanese Hand Painted Ceramic Cat Sculpture
$375 Sale Price
61% Off
H 9 in W 10.5 in D 6.5 in
Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner cushions for wishbone chair model CH24. Made in cognac boucle and good quality foam. Only the cushion, not the chair.
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2010s Danish Japonisme Chairs

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Leather

Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
$94 / item
H 1.19 in W 17.33 in D 16.15 in
Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner cushions for wishbone chair model CH24. Made in cognac pure aniline leather and good quality foam. Only the cushion, not the chair.
Category

2010s Danish Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Leather

Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
$94 / item
H 1.19 in W 17.33 in D 16.15 in
Set of 6 Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, Rosewood
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Model 42 dining chairs, 1956. Set of 6 dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. Refinished rosewood fra...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Wool, Rosewood

Set of 6 Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, Rosewood
Set of 6 Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, Rosewood
$14,339 / set
H 29.14 in W 20.87 in D 16.93 in
Contemporary Glass Bonsai Hand Blown Sculpture Tree Nature Zen Calm Organic
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Introducing an exquisite Hand-Blown Glass Sculpture representing a bonsai tree, masterfully crafted by the renowned Italian artist Simone Crestani. This stunning sculpture encapsulates the delicate beauty and profound symbolism of a bonsai, capturing the essence of nature in a timeless work of art. "The bonsai is the symbol of my work; it is the art of giving form, with respect and full understanding of what I am taking care of. The bonsai is a concentration of life, it overcomes the barrier of size and expresses strength and energy; it is a work of art that is never finished, in which nature continues to develop and evolve. I shape the material, but the end result has an identity of its own. I help it to grow and wait until it gives me an indication of the equilibrium that will allow it to express itself. With the bonsai, I am always ready to start work again, to reach a new limit, to follow a new branch of thought. It is my work that grows, slowly, with exertion and wisdom, and each day gives me life and emotions." This hand-blown glass bonsai tree...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Blown Glass

Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner cushions for wishbone chair model CH24. Made in black leather and good quality foam. Only the cushion, not the chair.
Category

2010s Danish Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Leather

Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
$75 / item
H 1.19 in W 17.33 in D 16.15 in
Japanese Seated Portrait of a Zen Master, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th century Japanese sculpture likely portrays an accomplished teacher of Japanese Zen Buddhism. Developed from wood with a polychrome finish, this monk is expertly carved with...
Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Wood

Japanese Seated Portrait of a Zen Master, c. 1800
Japanese Seated Portrait of a Zen Master, c. 1800
$2,480
H 18 in W 13.5 in D 6.75 in
Mosquito Chair in Vermillion Red Oak, Wooden Frame + Plywood, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Named after its wing-like seat, the Mosquito chair is a genuine eyecatcher, an elegant piece with a touch of poetry. This innovative design proved too d...
Category

2010s Slovenian Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Oak

Modern Japanese Gheisha Doll
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful vintage statue representing Gheisha in traditional costumes Ebonized wood base Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Sabrina Egidi official Expert in Italian furniture for the Chamber of Commerce of Rome and for the Rome...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Acrylic

Modern Japanese Gheisha Doll
Modern Japanese Gheisha Doll
$296
H 9.06 in W 1.58 in D 4.73 in
Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner cushions for wishbone chair model CH24. Made in canvas with leather tubing and good quality foam. Only the cushion, not the chair.
Category

2010s Danish Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Leather

Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
Hans J. Wegner Cushion for Wishbone Chair CH24
$94 / item
H 1.19 in W 17.33 in D 16.15 in
Garden Chair in Wrought Iron with cushion
Located in Miami, FL
Garden chairs in wrought iron for indoor or outdoor You must indicate if you want the product with the special treatment for outdoor. ...
Category

2010s Spanish Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Garden Chair in Wrought Iron with cushion
Garden Chair in Wrought Iron with cushion
$290 / item
H 36.22 in W 19.68 in D 19.68 in
Paul Mathieu X Luxury Living Contour Chair Set of 2 Cream
Located in Miami, FL
Slender and refined, the Contour chair with armrests brilliantly brings together a sober spirit with contemporary taste. Made with dark-lacquered wood, it houses the cream colored l...
Category

2010s Italian Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Leather

Previously Available Items
Chair by Gabriel Viardot, in the Asian Art Style, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chair by Gabriel Viardot, in the Asian Art style, 19th century. Carved wood and marquetry chair in the Japanese style, 19th century. h: 90cm, w: 40cm, d: 43cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 3 Japonisme style / Aesthetic Movement chairs, France, circa 1900
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Set of 3 chairs in Asian style. Japonism / Aesthetic Movement, France, circa 1900 Structure in good condition, traces of use. Damaged canings. Dimensions: height 92 cm width 48 cm...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of Asian Oversized Throne Chairs with Exaggerated Backs
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of exotic elegance to your home with this stunning pair of Asian oversized throne chairs. Standing at an impressive 73" high, these chairs are true showstoppers with thei...
Category

19th Century Antique Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Wood

Rattan Chair and Foot Rest by Yuzru Yamakawa, Japan, 1980
Located in Rijssen, NL
Exceptional rattan chair and footrest CL-261 by Yamakawa, Japan, circa 1980s. Yuzru Yamakawa joined the family rattan furniture business at its inception in the 1950s. A gifted de...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Rattan Chair and Foot Rest by Yuzru Yamakawa, Japan, 1980
Located in Rijssen, NL
Exceptional rattan chair and footrest CL-261 by Yamakawa, Japan, circa 1980s. Yuzru Yamakawa joined the family rattan furniture business at its inception in the 1950s. A gifted de...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

"Zaisu" by Kenji Fujimori for Tendo Mokko
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
A single plywood bent into a three-dimensional curved surface, a simple structure. It is beautiful rare seat chair. The hole drilled in the seat surface prevents displacement of th...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Plywood

"Zaisu" by Kenji Fujimori for Tendo Mokko
"Zaisu" by Kenji Fujimori for Tendo Mokko
H 15.75 in W 13 in D 19.3 in
"Zaisu" by Kenji Fujimori for Tendo Mokko
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
A single plywood bent into a three-dimensional curved surface, a simple structure. It is beautiful rare seat chair. The hole drilled in the seat surface prevents displacement of the ...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Chairs

Materials

Plywood

"Zaisu" by Kenji Fujimori for Tendo Mokko
"Zaisu" by Kenji Fujimori for Tendo Mokko
H 15.75 in W 13 in D 19.3 in

Japonisme chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, oak and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme chairs made in a specific country, there are Asia, Caucasus, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, popular names associated with this style include Gökhan Eryaman, and İsmail Dağlı. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $527 and tops out at $7,500 while the average work can sell for $585.

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