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
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
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
$2,577Sale Price|24% Off
H 31.5 in W 82.68 in D 31.5 in
1970s Italian Bamboo and Rattan Sofa, Vivai del Sud Style, Riviera Modern
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
1970s Italian Bamboo and Rattan Sofa in the Style of Vivai del Sud, Riviera Modern An elegant and architecturally striking mid-century modern three-seater sofa, handcrafted in Italy...
Bamboo, Rattan
Rattan Rattan Lounge Chair by Isamu Kenmochi , Circa 1980s
By Yamakawa Rattan, Isamu Kenmochi
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
Audoux and Minet rope bench sofa vintage
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in CHAPONOST, FR
Vintage beechwood and rope-woven bench attributed to Audoux and Minet. The rope weaving on the backrest and seat is highly elegant and graphic, while the turned legs enhance the piec...
Rope, Wood, Beech
$7,715
H 32.29 in W 28.75 in D 59.85 in
Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet Rope Bench for Vibo Vesoul - France - 1950s
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FR
Exceptional bench designed by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet and manufactured by Vibo Vesoul, France, in the 1950s. A remarkable example of the designers’ celebrated work, combining f...
Rope
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
$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
$3,744
H 31.89 in W 51.19 in D 27.17 in
Midcentury Sofa in Bamboo, Rattan and Fabric by Vivai Del Sud, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing geometric sofa in bamboo, rattan and fabric by Vivai Del Sud. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Vivai del sud, Gabriella Crespi and Arpex were the three leading de...
Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
$3,630
H 22.84 in W 80.71 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Bamboo and Rattan Sofa or Day Bed. 1970s
By Bonacina
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian Bamboo and Rattan Sofa or Day Bed with its original bed net. The sofa has a stunning patina and it could be used as a single bed. It needs a mattress of c...
Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire Rattan Sofa
By McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
McGuire Rattan Sofa This sofa measures: 66.5 wide x 33 deep x 33.25 inches high, with a seat height of 22 and arm height of 29 inches We take ou...
Upholstery, Rattan
French 19th Century Sofa
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Charming French Louis XV Sofa is made of walnut with a creme velvet fabric.
Velvet, Walnut
Exceptional 19th Century Gustavian Sofa
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional, elegant and unusually long 19th century Gustavian sofa in it's original condition. Signed by Ephraim Sthal (1767-1820). Supplier to the Royal Court and one of the most s...
Wood
19th Century Venetian Baroque Sofa, Settee, Hand-Carved walnut
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FH59 Venetian 19th century Baroque settee, sofa with upholstery in good condition, hand-carved walnut frame . For new custom upholstery 120...
Walnut
19th Century Swedish Classical Sofa
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
An unusual period Gustavian sofa with classical plaster decoration. With rare lions paw feet and scraped to original paint. Newly upholstered in linen.
Linen, Wood
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