From 1868 to 1912, Emperor Mutsuhito oversaw an era of transformation in Japan. Formerly a country of feudalism and isolation, Japan entered an age of modernization influenced by newly established trade and exchange with the West. The Meiji period, or period of “enlightened rule,” also saw the global impact of the East Asian country’s culture. Japanese Meiji furniture was exhibited at expositions from Paris to San Francisco and created for export.
Prior to the Meiji era, furniture was mostly made by commission for the ruling class; now there were new domestic and international markets. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.
Meiji furniture made for Japanese homes and buildings constructed in Western styles resulted in taller tables, chairs, cabinets with large drawers and other features. The government invested in areas such as transportation and communication, and because people could freely choose occupations after the restrictions of feudalism, industries of various types were energized by expressive new ideas during those years. Art schools were formed and, for the first time, design was an area of study in the country, leading to the evolution of professional design as a career by the 1890s.
The work of Japanese designers was transmitted widely through lavishly illustrated pattern books that included designs for screens and lacquerware for the home. While screens today may be of use as decorative accents or partitions to ensure privacy in one’s space, Japanese screens were adorned with paintings and were featured in performing arts such as concerts, tea ceremonies and more. The color illustrations that characterize Meiji woodblock prints, a genre of Japanese art that grew out of 17th-century developments in printing and book publishing, depicted the sweeping changes that the era brought to East Asia.
Although it was a time of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions. From colorful porcelain table lamps with silk shades and hardwood tables decorated with dark lacquer to cabinets featuring iron hardware and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, Meiji furniture showcased Japan’s artistic heritage to the world.
Find a collection of antique Japanese Meiji period case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Japanese wooden antique stool / 1868-1920 / Meiji period / brazier
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a wooden hibachi (traditional Japanese brazier) believed to have been made between the Meiji period and the early Showa period. Originally used as a hibachi, we are now prese...
Wood
Primitive Wood Chair from Japan 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi Wooden Chair Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old primitive chair discovered in Japan. Details of this chair are unknown. It is also possible that it was not produced in Japan, but was brought over from East Asia or S...
Wood
$4,200Sale Price|40% Off
Monumental Antique Imperial Meiji Japanese Ebonized High Relief Carved Dragon
Located in Dayton, OH
Impressive Imperial Japanese Meiji period Elm Dragon storage bench. Features high relief carved accents and under seat storage. From top to bottom this piece is adorned with three to...
Hardwood
Meiji Period Century Japanese Carved Wood Armchairs, circa 1900
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A spectacular pair of Meiji Period Japanese carved wood armchairs, each depicting wonderful priest like men as back rests, raised on carved cabriole legs with mythical dragons.
Softwood
Japanese Late Meiji Period Red and Green Lacquered Stool with Semicircular Seat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese late Meiji period red lacquered stool from the early 20th century, with hand painted green accents, semi circular top, four splaying legs and side stretchers. Created in J...
Wood
Antique Japanese Meiji Pearl Shell Inlaid Carved Hongmu Dragon Chair
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning authentic antique Meiji Era (1867-1912) Japanese pearl and shell inlaid profusely hand carved hardwood chair with beautifully aged patina, warm rich coloring, dark grain d...
Rosewood
Japanese Carved and Lacquered Shibayama Cabinet, Meiji Period
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elaborate and finely detailed carved wood, and gold lacquered Shibayama cabinet (Chigaidansu). Having beautifully applied semi-precious stone and ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
$2,200
H 31.11 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Hand Carved Primitive Stump Chair in Pine, Swedish Modern, Wabi Sabi, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A charming primitive stump chair made in solid pine. Hand carved by an unknown Swedish cabinetmaker in 1960s. A lovely wabi sabi piece for the modern interior. This appealing chair ...
Pine
$800
H 22.64 in W 13.78 in D 23.63 in
Japanese Antique "Staircase Chest" 'Late Edo Period-Meiji Period' /Cabinet
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
We have an aesthetic sense peculiar to Japanese people. And we introduce the unique items that only we can do, the route of purchasing in Japan, the experience value so far, and the way that no one can imitate. Japanese antique black chest "staircase chest...
Cedar
$2,700
H 21.5 in W 17.5 in D 8.5 in
Japanese Marquetry Hanging or Table Cabinet, Meiji Period, c. 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A large and remarkable Japanese lacquer and marquetry decorated table or hanging cabinet, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The cabinet of square form surmounted by an arched top with upturned scroll ends. Eight drawers of various shapes and sizes adorn the exterior of the cabinet. Doors on either side open to reveal interiors fitted with cubby holes over a single drawer. The front of the cabinet is decorated with scattered geometric marquetry patterns of various design utilizing contrasting woods, including hardwood and burl, all in the yosegi zaiku technique. The sides and top of the cabinet of black lacquer with maki-e lacquer painted designs of flowers and grasses. The back of plain black lacquer with two hoops for hanging. The interior of the cabinet doors and the interior drawers decorated in the wakasa lacquer technique, with gold rhomboid accents against a polished black lacquer ground. Overall a striking accent piece and nice example of Japanese yosegi...
Metal, Brass, Copper
$3,974
H 56.3 in W 19.89 in D 25.6 in
Pair of Ornate Carved Antique Italian Throne Chairs with Griffins / Dragons
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning pair of original, hand carved in solid walnut, Italian high back throne chairs . Th...
Walnut
Chinese Hongmu Corner Chair, 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Chinese Hongmu corner chair, 19th century. The horseshoe-form back with molded crest above a pair of open carved splats with fruiting and fl...
Wood
Thonet, Armchairs, Wood, Fabric, Austria, 1900s
By Thonet
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and brown fabric armchairs produced by Thonet, Vienna, Austria, c. 1900s. With paper labels. Upholstery distressed; reupholstery recommended. Wear to wood frame cons...
Fabric, Wood
Japanese Wooden block chair /wabi-sabi chair / private chair /
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This chair is made from a traditional mortar, a tool once used in ancient Japan to prepare rice cakes. Its form has been transformed beyond the original shape of a mortar, resulting...
Wood
$1,260Sale Price|30% Off
H 45 in W 11 in D 26.5 in
Late Meiji Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest Display Cabinet Cupboard 45"
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique Meiji era Cha Tansu Tea Cabinet. Features a burled frame. Features a central display portion with etched glass covering shelves and upper and lower cupboard with sliding...
Hardwood, Burl
$1,279
H 17.72 in W 16.93 in D 10.24 in
A Meiji/Taisho Period Street Vendor Stool, Cedar Timbers. Japan, early 1900s
Located in Hitchin, England
A most probably Meiji/Taisho period street vendor stool, constructed of cedar timbers. Originating from Japan and dating from the early 1900s with handp...
Wood
$14,900
H 32.5 in W 77.5 in D 25.25 in
Antique French Recamier Sofa Bench, Ebonized Mahogany, Circa 1820
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, antique French sofa bench-recamier made of hand crafted ebonized Mahogany, in good condition. The canapé is particularized by two side backrests, standing on four arched wooden...
Mahogany, Fabric, Ebony, Upholstery, Cotton
Antique Japanese Modernist Shopkeepers Stool 1900's
Located in Oakland, CA
Beautiful antique Japanese shopkeepers stool with wonderful modern look, Meiji period. Great as an accent piece, can be used for storage of small objects. Has a wonderful old patina.
Wood
Sold
H 20.48 in W 23.63 in D 11.03 in
Japanese Antique Side Chair or Side Table 1860s-1900s / Stool Wabisabi Mingei
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old side chair made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is made of cedar wood. The trapezoidal shape is characteristic of this piece, and its ...
Cedar
Antique Modernist Japanese Shopkeepers Stool
Located in Oakland, CA
Beautiful antique Japanese shopkeepers stool with wonderful modern look, Meiji period. Great as an accent piece, can be used for storage of small objects. Has a wonderful old patina.
Wood
Early 20th Century Japanese Stool / Side Table
Located in Oakland, CA
Early 20th Century Japanese stool that can also be utilized as a side table. All solid wood construction, I believe it to be Japanese oak put together with nails. It is a very robust...
Wood, Oak
Japanese Meiji Chairs C1900
Located in Hudson, NY
This is a pair of Meiji period chairs from Japan.
Wood
Sold
H 18.51 in W 18.9 in D 20.08 in
Japanese Antique Tree Root Stool 1860s-1920s / Side Chair Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account is operated by four different companies. As for me, I specialize in Japanese antiques and carefully selected items. With my 20 years of experience, I am re-proposing Jap...
Wood
Sold
H 16.93 in W 17.45 in D 10.24 in
Japanese antique wooden stool/1868-1920/farmer's tools/"Kurakake"
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese wooden stand. It was originally used as a stand for holding a horse saddle. The name of the tool is "Kurakake". The saddle was likely used on horses kept for ...
Cedar
Sold
H 14.77 in W 23.04 in D 10.63 in
Japanese Antique Wooden Stool / Chair Stepping Stone / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese wooden stepping stone. It is made of cedar wood. For a long period of time, traces that have been restored many times remain, creating a deep and quaint atm...
Wood, Cedar
Sold
H 11.03 in W 13.19 in D 10.83 in
Japanese Antique Side Chair 1860s-1920s / Stool Side Table Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese side chair. Made in the Meiji period (1860s-1920s). Material is cedar wood. Simple and rustic design that could only be made in Japan. The grain of the cedar wood ...
Cedar
Japanese Meiji Carved Teak Dragon Carved Bench Settee
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Stunning Japanese Meiji Carved Teak Dragon Carved Bench Settee Dimensions : 52" Wide X 40" Tall X 24" Deep This bench was made in Japan and is ...
Teak
Sold
H 17.72 in W 15.95 in D 12.21 in
Japanese antique wooden stool / Late 19th to 20th century / Wabi-sabi chair
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old wooden stool made in Japan between the Meiji and early Showa periods. It is thought to have been used in factories and schools. The material is cedar. It has a simple,...
Cedar
Sold
H 10.91 in W 13.78 in D 11.82 in
Antique Japanese wooden octagonal stool/20th century/Display stand
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese octagonal workbench used by craftsmen. I don't know what kind of craftsman used it, but it is an item with a design that is occasionally seen in Japan. It is...
Wood
Sold
H 16.15 in W 18.9 in D 17.13 in
Japanese antique wooden wabi stool / Meiji-Taisho-Showa period / 1868-1920
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a wooden mortar made in Japan from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. It is thought to be a design that was made in northern Kanto to Tohoku. The wood is made of zel...
Wood