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.
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...
Two Occasional Chairs Attributed to Probber
Located in New York, NY
Exact match in dimensions, however different fabric on each chair. Both chairs show some cosmetic wear to fabric, usable as is or we also offer upholstery services. Measures: Seat h...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,644Sale Price / set|60% Off
H 31.5 in W 12.6 in D 13.39 in
Rare Pair of Brass Child's Chairs Attributed to Marc Du Plantier, 1960s
Located in Paris, IDF
Rare and cool kid’s brass chairs attributed to Marc Du Plantier and made in the early 1960s. Beautiful geometric brass design towers to newly upholstered water green velvet seats by ...
Brass
$4,975 / set
H 34 in W 18.5 in D 20.75 in
Pair of English Regency Side Chairs attributed to Morel & Hughes, circa 1815
By Morel and Hughes
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Pair of circa 1815 English Regency period side chairs attributed to renowned cabinetmakers Morel & Hughes having parcel-gilt and gilt-metal mounted rosewood 'klismos-form' frames; th...
Ormolu
$4,850 / set
H 39.75 in W 18.5 in D 15.5 in
Pair of French Art Deco Chairs Attributed to Raymond Subes
By René Prou, Raymond Subes, Gilbert Poillerat
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of French Art Deco chairs attributed to Raymond Subes. Stylish pair of French Art Deco hand forged wrought iron chairs attributed to Raymond Subes. This chic pair of French side...
Iron
$4,760Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 28.35 in W 19.49 in D 18.31 in
Pair of Midcentury Art Deco Barrel Hall Chairs Side Chairs, France, Circa 1950
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Mid Century Art Deco Barrel Chairs. France, Circa 1950. In excellent vintage condition commensurate of age. Please message for an acc...
Teak
$2,400Sale Price / set|64% Off
H 33.5 in W 18 in D 17 in
Pair of 18th Century French "Chauffeuse" Chairs, Georges Jacob Attributed
By Georges Jacob
Located in Doylestown, PA
An important pair of Louis XVI Period "Chauffeuse" or low fireside chairs, in original grey painted finish, with lyre backs and upholstered seats, on fluted legs. Provenance: From the Estate of noted collector, Paul W. Doll, who purchased the chairs in 1952 at Park-Bernet Auction from the estate of Mrs. Theodore Havemeyer. (see photo of catalog). Attributed to Georges Jacob, circa 1780. Georges Jacob (6 July 1739-5 July 1814) was one of the two most prominent Parisian master menuisiers. He produced carved, painted and gilded beds...
Beech
Unavailable|$3,800 / set
H 42.5 in W 21.5 in D 22.5 in
Pair of English Chippendale Mahogany Side Chairs, circa 1890
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair of English Chippendale Mahogany side chairs, circa 1890. Outstanding pair of marvelous carved mahogany side chairs in Classic ...
Mahogany
$1,145Sale Price / set|27% Off
H 37.01 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Pair of Green Side Chairs attributed to Ico Parisi for Ariberto Colombo, Italy
By Ariberto Colombo, Ico Parisi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Cantù, Italy, 1955. These chairs are elegant and a nice iconic model of the Italian design. They feature a beech frame and a dark green suede upholstery. They might show sl...
Beech, Suede
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 38 in W 18 in D 18 in
Fine Quality Pair of French Louis XVI Carved Side Chairs, Circa 1940s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality pair of French Louis XVI carved side chairs, circa 1940s, beautifully captures the neoclassical elegance and refined craftsmanship associated with the Louis XVI per...
Walnut
$3,729
H 31.5 in W 20.48 in D 17.13 in
Fine circa 1780 Georgian Shell Back Hall Chair Gillows of Lancaster Attributed
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Georgian circa 1780 Cuban mahogany hall chair attributed to Gillows of Lancaster A very fine Georgian chair, clearly made by Gillows however as its not stamped we have classed it as attributed to. The piece has all the normal master craftsman details, the recessed back handle, the very fine carved back rest, this piece just screams understated English fine...
Hardwood
$16,950 / set
H 35 in W 28 in D 33 in
Rene Gabriel Mid Century Side Chairs, Geometric Wood Frame, France
By Rene Gabriel
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century French pair of Rene Gabriel side chairs. Signature geometric wood frame design. Newly reupholstered in boucle fabric. Two loose cus...
Upholstery, Wood
French Modern Chair Attributed to Maurice Jallot
By André Arbus, Gio Ponti, Jacques Adnet, Maurice Jallot, Jules Leleu
Located in Houston, TX
French modern chair attributed to Maurice Jallot. This French Art Deco or French Art Moderne chair, side chair, chauffeuse or slipper chair is made...
Sycamore
Sold
H 51.75 in W 39 in D 26 in
Exquisitely Carved Dragon Ebonized Oriental Chinese Writing Desk and Side Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Remarkable, Circa 1920, Heavily Carved Chinese Ebonized 2 Part Writing Desk with Profoundly Carved Side Chair. Set features pierce carved dragons and other fine detailing throughout ...
Wood