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.
Japanese Shop Keepers Stool Late 19th Century Wabi - Sabi
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage Japanese shop keepers stool late 19th to early 20th Century. The stool has developed a rich patina from over the years of use. This stool has a storage compartment for holdin...
Wood
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
KITA LIVING Wa Stool - Oak Mist
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
Wa Stool Contoured by a lyrical structure, Wa Stool takes its name from the Japanese word “harmony”. It characterizes its presence in the balance of soulful forms and delicate detail...
Oak
Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Stacking Vintage Stool
By Isamu Kenmochi, Akita Mokko
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
KITA LIVING Wa Stool - Japanese Red
By Tuğberk Kurtaran, İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
Wa Stool Japanese Red Contoured by a lyrical structure, Wa Stool takes its name from the Japanese word “harmony”. It characterizes its presence in the ba...
Oak
Ratan Stool by Isamu Kenmochi , 2022, Y･M･K-NAGAOKA
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
This is the smallest of Isamu Kenmochi's Ratan stools. It is just the right size for small children. The cushion is fixed so it will not fall off. This is...
Rattan
KITA LIVING Wa Stool - Charcoal Black
By Tuğberk Kurtaran, Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
Contoured by a lyrical structure, Wa Stool takes its name from the Japanese word “harmony”. It characterizes its presence in the balance of soulful forms and delicate details. The ...
Oak
Japanese antique pine stool 1800, handcrafted unique
By Axel Einar Hjorth, José Zanine Caldas
Located in Forest, BE
Unique Japanese pine stool. Lots of patina, it's a true beauty of minimal craftsmanship. Lightweight and easy to move. A true eye catcher in any interior. __________________________...
Pine
$942 / item
KITA LIVING Hana Stool Oak Mist - Chrome
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
Hana Stool takes shape from the three-petal form of the hana flower, reflecting a soft and balanced design language. Its rounded edges and organic geometry introduce a quiet rhythm a...
Stainless Steel
Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen ebony stool
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Utopia Stool made of Copper base and Ebony wood. Artist Statement Growing up, I was often taken to art museums. I did not dislike putting myself in an unusual space and stand...
Copper
$375Sale Price|21% Off
Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquer Low Japanese Stool with Gold Leaf Accents
Located in San Diego, CA
1950s solid black lacquer wood and gold leaf accents low stool/table, stamped made in Japan solid construction with a polished finish that shows natural wear age soft scratches, a co...
Wood, Lacquer
KITA LIVING Hana Stool Charcoal Black - Chrome
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
Hana Stool takes shape from the three-petal form of the hana flower, reflecting a soft and balanced design language. Its rounded edges and organic geometry introduce a quiet rhythm a...
Stainless Steel
$942 / item
KITA LIVING Hana Stool Charcoal Black
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
Hana Stool takes shape from the three-petal form of the hana flower, reflecting a soft and balanced design language. Its rounded edges and organic geometry introduce a quiet rhythm a...
Stainless Steel
KITA LIVING Hana Stool Oak Chocolate - Chrome
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
Hana Stool takes shape from the three-petal form of the hana flower, reflecting a soft and balanced design language. Its rounded edges and organic geometry introduce a quiet rhythm a...
Stainless Steel
$942 / item
KITA LIVING Hana Stool Oak Mist - Black
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
Hana Stool takes shape from the three-petal form of the hana flower, reflecting a soft and balanced design language. Its rounded edges and organic geometry introduce a quiet rhythm a...
Stainless Steel
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood...
Wood, Oak
Rustic Oak Milking Stool
Located in London, London
Oak milking stool This charming rustic stool is crafted from solid oak wood, showcasing a simple yet robust design. T stool features a round, flat seat with visible wood grain patte...
Oak
Jacobean Oak Joint Stool
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular original seat over a conforming frieze with chip carved detail, raised on turned legs joined by a box stretcher.
Oak
Bertu Stool, Tulum Black Wood Stool, Red Cedar
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Stool, Tulum Black Wood Stool, Red Cedar Why buy Bertu Home stumps? Kiln Dried Our stumps and stools all go through a drying process in our k...
Cedar
$4,850 / set
H 29.25 in W 33 in D 35 in
Isamu Kenmochi Sculptural Rattan Lounge Chairs Mid Century Modern Japan
By Isamu Kenmochi, Yamakawa Rattan
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
$800
H 13.98 in W 19.1 in D 19.3 in
Old Japanese wooden display stand and stool / 20th century/Wabi-sabi object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This wooden display stand/stool was made in Japan around the 20th century. It's believed to be made from solid, solid zelkova (keyaki) wood, exuding a strong grain and sturdy texture...
Other
$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
$1,000
H 9.06 in Dm 14.97 in
Japanese Antique Wooden Block Stool 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi Wood Chair Primitive
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This Japanese wooden block stool was crafted during the Meiji to Taisho period (1860s–1920s). Carved from a massive single piece of solid wood, it possesses both the raw strength of ...
Wood
Roberts Counter Stool Maple Red
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Steel
$6,600
H 28.35 in W 33.47 in D 31.89 in
Rattan Lounge Chair by Isamu Kenmochi for Yamakawa Rattan, 1960s, Japan
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
A beautifully crafted rattan lounge chair by Isamu Kenmochi, one of Japan’s foremost modernist designers. This piece reflects Kenmochi’s celebrated approach of merging traditional Ja...
Rattan
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
$820
H 13 in W 20.08 in D 11.42 in
Antique African Wabi Sabi Stool / Chair, Decorative Object, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
Such a charming decorative stool / chair for the modern interior. This is a multi functional item that can be used as a stool, pedestal or table. Hand crafted in Africa in the early ...
Wood, Oak
Pair of Stacking Chairs by Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko
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
Meiji Period Japanese Shop Keepers Stool Early 20th Century
Located in Oakland, CA
Early 20th Century Japanese shop keepers stool, this one is a bit unusual in that it has the open architecture as opposed to the enclosed form. Having a great patina from age and use.
Wood
Early 20th Century Japanese Shop Stool Meiji Period
Located in Oakland, CA
Early 20th Century Meiji period Japanese shop keepers stool, crafted with a cut out for storage. A very nice architectural form that blends in with any interior. The wood has a soft ...
Wood
A Fumidai stool - Japan - 1920
By Sori Yanagi
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Ce tabouret en bois de paulownia (kiri) incarne l'esthétique sobre et épurée du mouvement Mingei tel que défini par Sōetsu Yanagi dans son ouvrage "L’Idée du Mingei" (1933). Il reflè...
Wood
Sold
H 17.33 in W 17.72 in D 19.3 in
Japanese Driftwood Stool /Exhibition Table / Flower Stand /Wabisabi Stool
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It will be a stool with a loneliness made of driftwood. It is practical and has a beautiful appearance as an object. Size: W 45 D 49 H 44 (cm) Weight about 2kg.
Wood
Japanese Wooden Block Stool / Side Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It will be a new material stool. It is a stool that gives you a feeling of Japanese beauty and wabi-sabi with a finish similar to lacquer. It is a size and weight that can be used...
Wood
Pair of Vintage Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two stools covered with handstitched orange leather. Ebony accents on the wood frame.
Leather, Ebony
Four Stacking Stools by Isamu Kenmochi for Tendo Mokko
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Iconic stacking stools originally designed by Isamu Kenmochi in 1958. These stools were manufactured by Tendo in Japan in the 1970s. These beautiful, minimalistic stools are made of...
Beech
Three Stacking Stools by Isamu Kenmochi for Tendo Mokko
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Iconic stacking stools originally designed by Isamu Kenmochi in 1958. These stools were manufactured by Tendo in Japan in the 1970s. These beautiful, minimalistic stools are made of ...
Beech
Pair of Sori Yanagi "Butterfly Stools for Tendo Mokko
By Sori Yanagi
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Rare butterfly stool designed by Sori Yanagi, manufactured by Tendo in Japan. One of the two has a number written in the matching part. 1970s.