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.
Midcentury Japanese rope and bamboo low bench, handwoven, 1970
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Beautiful unique low Japanese rope and bamboo sofa, sold at Conran shop in the 1980s, with the back even more beautiful then the front. Conran is a high end shop. About themselves t...
Steel
$7,755 / item
Rattan Sofa by Isamu Kenmochi , 2022, Y･M･K-NAGAOKA
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
This is a custom-made model, exclusive to CASA DE, produced by YMK Nagaoka (formerly Yamakawa Rattan), which has been manufacturing rattan furniture since the 1950s. The supple curve...
Rattan
Oriental Carved Sofa, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A beautiful 19th century Japanese sofa, having carved classical oriental foliate, floral decoration, with mythical dragons to the arms and raised on scrolling cabriole legs.
Softwood
Minimalist Platform Sofa by Studio Yann Gandon in Solid European Beech
Located in København S, DK
The Platform Sofa by Studio Yann Gandon is a minimalist, Japanese-inspired piece that brings a sense of calm and visual clarity to any interior. Handcrafted in Denmark from solid Eur...
Hardwood, Beech
Faux Bamboo Midcentury Bench
Located in St. Louis, MO
Elegant bench with dark brown mahogany splayed legs carved to resemble bamboo, silk upholstery has some fading
$4,850 / set
H 29.25 in W 33 in D 35 in
Isamu Kenmochi Sculptural Rattan Lounge Chairs Mid Century Modern Japan
By Yamakawa Rattan, Isamu Kenmochi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Rattan Lounge Chairs, designed by Isamu Kenmochi for Yamakawa Rattan, Japan, circa 1960s. They are a near pair, as the chair seen on the right in the first photo is slight...
Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan
19th Century French Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 19th century French sofa is a masterfully crafted piece that reflects timeless design and superior artistry. The walnut frame features intricate carvings along the arms ...
Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century Anglo Indian carved sofa
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality 19th Century Anglo Indian carved sofa, the shaped back profusely carved with various foliage, the frame connecting down to the high...
Teak
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian sofa or bench in old paint. Recently upholstered seat and bolster cushions in linen. Circa 1810.
Pine
$849
H 17 in W 15.75 in D 14 in
Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Japan Mid-Century Modern Stacking Stool
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single bentwood stool by Isamu Kenmochi (1912-1971) for Akita Mokko. Original condition, minor scuffs. Label, circa 1950s Kenmochi was one of the most significant designers in midcentury Japan. He was a founding member of the Japan Industrial Designers, which included Sori Yanagi and Riki Watanabe...
Beech
Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Stacking Vintage Stool
By Akita Mokko, Isamu Kenmochi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Designed by Isamu Kenmochi and produced by Akita Mokko, this stool is considered one of the icons of Japanese modern design. Kenmochi is known for his works that blend traditional J...
Wood
19th Century Swedish Sofa
Located in Chireno, TX
Gray painted Swedish sofa circa 1860. 19th century sofa beautifully hand-carved with exceptional decoration. Newly upholstered in off-white ticking with down-wrap cushion. Joined con...
Upholstery, Down, Wood
Bamboo Bench – 1970s
Located in Roma, RM
Bamboo Bench – 1970s Product details Bamboo structure with rush bindings. Dimensions: 120 W x 90 H x 65 D cm Seat height: 40 cm
Bamboo, Straw
19th Century Low Back Sofa
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century low back sofa with carved arms, over long seat raised on cabriole legs with acanthus leaf detailing terminating on original brass castors.
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century French Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant late 19th-century Louis XVI-style sofa is crafted from beech wood, painted in a soft antique finish that highlights its delicate carved details. Resting on four tapered,...
Velvet, Beech
Rattan Rattan Lounge Chair by Isamu Kenmochi , Circa 1980s
By Isamu Kenmochi, Yamakawa Rattan
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Rattan sofa designed by Isamu Kenmochi and manufactured by Yamakawa Rattan. Circa 1980s. No restorations or modifications have been made. The cushion is also original vintage condition.
Upholstery, Rattan
Sold
H 32 in W 80 in D 37.5 in
Classic, Fully Upholstered Pearson Sofa Frame with R.P Miller Textile Fabric NYC
By RP Miller Textiles 1
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
Classic Pearson sofa frame upholstered with R.P. Miller Textile NYC fabric handwoven Belgium linen. This textile collection is based on 18th and 19th c...
Linen