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 Antique Sculptural Mechanical Fragment ① / wabi-sabi object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Antique Wooden Mechanical Component (Possibly Watermill / Agricultural Machinery Part) Japan, Late Meiji to Early Showa Period (circa 1900–1930) A cylindrical wooden structure reinf...
Metal
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1890
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1890s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and character. The cabinet...
Iron
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
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and character. The cabinet...
Iron
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and character. The cabinet...
Iron
Japanese Antique Sculptural Mechanical Fragment ② / wabi-sabi object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Antique Wooden Mechanical Component (Possibly Watermill / Agricultural Machinery Part) Japan, Late Meiji to Early Showa Period (circa 1900–1930) A cylindrical wooden structure reinf...
Metal
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Large - Bronze Glass
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
The triangular Flow Coffee Table Large with rounded edges, contours its form by curved three legs. With the interlocking linear laths, the sculptural skeleton joins into the legs to ...
Glass, Wood, Oak, Plywood
$11,885 / item
Rare Uchiwa II Table Lamp by Ingo Maurer, circa 1970s
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Pair of rare table lamps by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo, rice paper fan and black lacquered iron. Socket: 1 x E27 or E26 (US) for standard screw bul...
Iron
$1,901 / set
Set of Two Satsuma Vases, Japan, 1920
By Satsuma
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of two beautiful Satsuma designed in Japan vases from the beginning of the 20th century , 1920s. Meiji-period. Hand-painted ceramic vases depicting men surrounding a geisha, fram...
Ceramic
$122,061Sale Price / set|35% Off
"Hana I" and " Hana II" Uchiwa Pendant Lights by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Pair of rare "Hana I" and "Hana II" chandeliers from then Uchiwa series by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo and 6 rice paper fans. The chandeliers can ...
Cotton, Bamboo, Paper
$2,192 / item
KITA LIVING Flow Desk Charcoal Black
By Tuğberk Kurtaran, İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
Flow Desk is an organic shaped table with a two-piece skeleton and curved legs. The linear pieces of the skeleton join into the legs to create a well-proportioned base for the table ...
Wood, Oak, Plywood
$243 / item
KITA LIVING Hikari Oil Burner
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
Dedicated to moments of tranquillity and serenity, Hikari Oil Burner is a living object that embodies a form within the balance of the Japandi style and the 1980s deconstructivism movement. It defines a sculptural volume of conic pieces that complete each other distinctively. Crafted with softly brushed aluminium, Hikari Oil Burner is designed by Gökhan Eryaman and İsmail Dağlı...
Aluminum
$1,307 / item
KITA LIVING Frame Table Elliptical - Charcoal Black
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
Defined by the sculptural woodwork, Frame Table Elliptical is an expression of gentle geometry. With the idea of creating a versatile table, it has a utilitarian perspective by offe...
Birch, Oak, Plywood
$2,626 / item
KITA LIVING Wa Table
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman, Tuğberk Kurtaran
Located in Bomonti, TR
Contoured by a delicate structure, Wa Table takes its name from the Japanese word “harmony”. It characterizes its presence in the balance of soulful forms and refined details. Craf...
Oak
Rare "Ju-Yon" Uchiwa Pendant Light by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare Uchiwa pendant lamp mod. "Ju-Yon" by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo and 14 rice paper fans. Can be vertically extended and dismantled. Diameter: ...
Bamboo, Paper
Japanese Style Hand-folded White Paper Pendant Lighting "Siphonia"
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Elegant and at the same time soft and indirect light for a unique and personal home. This Japanese style white paper pendant lighting called Siphonia is hand-folded from almost 70 s...
Stainless Steel
Turned Wood Chinoiserie Floor Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Charming antique floor lamp, constructed of solid turned wood, with a hand painted Chinoiserie, Japonisme style, made in the US, circa 1900/30's. This example is in overall good, or...
Wood, Paint
Chess Game Set with Handmade Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Chessboard Black Lacquered
Located in Bochum, NRW
Chess Game Set with Handmade Board Made of Wood and Mother of Pearl Inlaid An early 1920s Chinese or Vietnamese Export black lacquered Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Chessboard. The Chessboard measures 38x38cm overall with 4 cm squares. Each square chessboard has an inlaid decor of birds and trees. Included are 32 bakelite chess...
Plastic, Bakelite, Wood
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Large - Oak Wood
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
The triangular Flow Coffee Table Large with rounded edges, contours its form by curved three legs. With the interlocking linear laths, the sculptural...
Wood, Oak, Plywood
French Aesthetic Movement Japonisme Burnt Bamboo & Black Lacquer Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Aesthetic Movement Japonisme Burnt Bamboo & Black Lacquer Side Table An exceptional French Aesthetic Movement bamboo side table or occasional table, executed in the Japonisme...
Brass
French Japonisme Bamboo Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 20th century French Japonisme Aesthetic Movement side table. Sturdy bamboo frame with Japanese lacquered tray top and lower shelf. Circa 1900-1920 Dimensions: 14.5" x 14.5" ...
Bamboo, Lacquer
Extremely Rare Red "Shichi" Uchiwa Pendant Light by Ingo Maurer, 1970s
By M Design, Ingo Maurer
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
An ultra rare Uchiwa "Shichi" pendant lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo and rice paper in original red color! Socket: 1 x E27 or E26 or standard s...
Bamboo, Paper
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1890
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers with sliding doors from the 1890s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and cha...
Iron
Mid-Century Sommerso Cobalt Blue with Black Spiral Vase
By Soichiro Sasakura
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning, rare heavy handblown vase with cobalt blue and black spiral in clear glass by Soichiro Sasakura of Sasaki glass. Very contemporary aesthetic that would be perfect in reside...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso
Japanese Stone Object medium / wabi-sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese stone object. This stone object has a beautiful black and beige gradation. An art object that gives you a sense of wabi-s...
Stone
Japanese Edo Period Two-Panel Byōbu Screen w/ Red Sun & Stylized Waves, Ca. 1750
Located in New York, NY
Edo Period Two-Panel Byōbu Screen with Red Sun and Stylized Waves Japan Circa 1750 DIMENSIONS: Height: 59.5 in (151 cm) Width: 55 in (139.7 cm) PROVENANCE From The Estate of Richar...
Paper
Extra-Large Japanese Mingei Shigaraki Dobin Pottery Tea Pot
Located in Chiba, JP
Extra-large high-fired unglazed Shigaraki stoneware dobin tea-pot with such a wild vine handle, Showa period, 20th century, Japan, approx. H 44 x 35 x 19cm (17.32 x 13.77 x 7.48in)
Ceramic
Rare "Hana II" Uchiwa Pendant Light by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare Uchiwa pendant lamp mod. "Hana II" by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo and 6 rice paper fans. Can be vertically extended an...
Bamboo, Paper
Exceptional Dominic & Haff Japonisme Sterling Cabinet Vase Dragonfly & Cobwebs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Exceptional Dominic & Haff Japonisme Sterling Cabinet Vase—Dragonfly & Cobwebs This exquisite Dominic & Haff sterling silver cabinet vase is a rare and finely detailed example of Ja...
Sterling Silver
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
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and character. The cabinet...
Iron
KITA LIVING Frame Lounge Chair - Oak Chocolate - Brown
Located in Bomonti, TR
Inspired by the sculptural forms, Frame Lounge Chair is a seating piece with a wider and lower design that presents a cocoon feeling to the person who sinks into it. With the idea of...
Canvas, Oak, Plywood
$13,073
Japanese dining table
Located in Paris, FR
Takanobu Kuramata (1973) Important dining table, 2022, with a rectangular top with rounded edges, carved from rubberwood and mounted on an ovoid Japanese beech trunk. Unique piece,...
Wood
Japanese Wood Soroban Abacus, 1940s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A hand-made wooden Soroban or Abacus, Japan, circa 1945-1952. A student abacus, made of wood, with wooden beads on metal spokes. Hand painted Japanese numbers. An abacus is a calc...
Wood
Coffee Table by "Inui Saburo" for Tendo Mokko, 1970's
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This exceptional coffee table, crafted from zelkova wood (keyaki), features an elegant curved design by Saburo Inui and was manufactured by Tendo Mokko in Japan during the 1970s. R...
Bentwood
Japanese engraving, Japan, 19th century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Japanese woodblock print (ukiyo-e), Japan, 19th century, depicting an elegant female figure in an intimate moment. This delicate work illustrates a courtesan or geisha, recognizable by her sophisticated hairstyle adorned with pins, in a scene imbued with refinement and poetry. Created using the traditional woodblock printing technique, it is distinguished by the fineness of the lines, the softness of the colors, and the balance of the composition. Presented in an antique red and gold frame, this antique print bears the marks of time, attesting to its authenticity and history. Style : Ukiyo-e Traditional Japanese Art 19th Century Asian Aesthetic Main Characteristics : Original Japanese Print Japan, 19th Century Woodblock printing technique Depicts a female figure (geisha/courtesan) Soft, patinated colors Antique frame Signs of wear consistent with age Keywords : antique Japanese print, original ukiyo-e, 19th-century Japanese art, Japanese woodblock print, geisha print, vintage Asian decor, antique Japanese art, antique Japanese painting
Glass, Wood, Paint
Antique Early 1900s Meiji Period Japanese Tansu Chest
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning antique Meiji period early 1900s Japanese Tansu chest with original hardware and working keys. Lacquered dark stained pine comprises the outside casework while oxblood lac...
Iron
Antique Imari Porcelain Hand Painted Small Plate Tray Bowl, Japan 19th c.
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming small porcelain tray, bowl, or plate features a minimal shallow form, decorated in Imari style in cobalt blue, red, gold, and black palette. The underglaze cobalt blue is us...
Gold
$1,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Japanese Geisha Princess Doll in Original Glass & Wood Case
Located in Plainview, NY
Japanese Geisha Princess Doll in Original Glass & Wood Case : This exquisite antique Japanese Geisha doll is a beautifully preserved example of traditional craftsmanship, elegantly presented in its original glass display case. The doll is depicted in a graceful reclining pose on a woven tatami mat, dressed in an opulent ivory kimono...
Porcelain, Fabric, Glass, Wood
Pair of Antique Tiffany Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Compotes
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sterling silver compotes in historic Japonesque Chrysanthemum pattern. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Each: Lobed and shallow bowl with turned-down scalloped rim applied ...
Sterling Silver
Fine Japanese Lacquer Takamakura Geisha Pillow, First Half of the 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A fine Japanese lacquer Takamakura Geisha pillow, first half of the 20th century. Depicting Shi-Shi Lion between peony and rock in gold, silver, red and ...
Abalone, Lacquer
Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Hall clock Zen
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Amahare Hall clock created with antique Japanese clock and steel. This piece is a modern transformation of an antique clock.Black painted steel frame with small yellow glass ta...
Steel
19th Century Japanese Bronze Vase
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Japanese bronze vase of classic form with a lovely rich patina. The vase has been drilled for wiring as a lamp. It will make ...
Bronze
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Japanese Pagoda Garden Statue, 1940, Tall Cement Design
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Tall cement 3 piece Japanese pagoda sculpture. An antique decorative garden artwork used to evoke a sense of tranquility and add a touch of A...
Cement
Théodore Deck (1823-1891), A 19th French Japonisme Cache-Pot, circa 1875
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Théodore Deck (1823-1891) A 19th French Japonisme Cache-Pot, circa 1875 A Polychrome Enameled Faience Round-Shaped Cachepot and Jardinière Hand-painted design in the Japonisme Aesthe...
Faience
Gabriel Viardot (attributed To) - Orientalist Showcase / cabinet
Located in BARSAC, FR
Magnificent carved wood display case with rich Asian-inspired with different levels of shelves and niches, as well as a door decorated and a door with plant decoration in mother-of-p...
Wood
1980s Japanese Large Retro Golden Maneki Neko Beckoning Cat Coin Bank
Located in Chiba, JP
Large type retro ceramic ‘Maneki-neko’ coin bank, 1980s, Japan, approx. H 40 x W 24 x D 20 cm (15.74 x 9.44 x 7.87in). in rare very fine storage condition with just some expected sli...
Ceramic
Nambu Ironware Three-Legged Water Basin ②
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Nambu Ironware Three-Legged Water Basin Morioka/Mizusawa, Iwate Prefecture Mid-Showa Period (circa 1960s-1970s) This piece features the characteristic heavy iron surface of Nambu ir...
Iron
Pair of Japanese panels XIX e century Utagawa Toyokuni
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Japanese pieces XIX century Utagawa Toyokuni Two bijin-ga prints Kakémono sized Nishiki-e ink and colors on paper Circa 1840 Framed .
Paper
Japanese Iron Pagoda Garden Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Japanese cast iron pagoda lantern with lattice fret work hinged door. Bird and bamboo iron cut outs surround pagoda. Beautiful slo...
Iron
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and character. The cabinet...
Iron
Japanese wooden box, 19th century, Japan
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A 19th-century Japanese wooden box with an elegant geometric shape, crafted using traditional Japanese decorative arts techniques. The black lacquered surface is adorned with delicate painted and inlaid motifs, blending stylized floral elements, graphic symbols, and decorative characters. The composition is structured by a play of diagonal lines and ornamental bands, lending the piece a remarkable visual restraint while revealing refined and meticulous craftsmanship. The contrasts between the deep black, the golden tones, and the light accents attest to masterful craftsmanship. The antique patina, with subtle signs of age, enhances the authenticity and charm of this piece. Serving as both a storage object and a decorative element, this box embodies the aesthetics of 19th-century Japan, where functionality and symbolism harmoniously converge. It will find its place naturally in a wabi-sabi, minimalist, or eclectic interior, or within a collection of antique Asian objects. Main features: Antique wooden box Japan, 19th century Black lacquered wood Painted and inlaid decoration Stylized symbolic and floral motifs Original patina Storage and collectible item Keywords: antique Japanese box...
Wood, Lacquer
$2,800 / set
Cast Stone Garden Pagodas A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Beautiful large pair of Japanese cast concrete Pagoda Garden Statues. These statues are made of durable, weather resistant concrete and have a muted stone-gray appearance with subtle...
Concrete
Vintage Japanese Landscape Pictorial Kilim Rug, Japonisme Meets Biophilia
By Katsushika Hokusai
Located in Dallas, TX
77937 Vintage Japanese Pictorial Kilim Rug Inspired by Katsushika Hokusai, 04'03 x 05'10. Japonisme meets Biophilia in this handwoven wool vintage Jap...
Wool
3 Vintage Botanical Pictures, Japanese, Woodblock Print, After Hasegawa, Art
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a trio of vintage botanical pictures. A Japanese, framed woodblock print in the manner of Keika Hasegawa, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Hasegawa published woo...
Glass, Paper
Rare Large Uchiwa "Yotsuba I" Wall Chandelier by Ingo Maurer for Design M
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Warsaw, PL
An extremely rare, large and iconic “Yotsuba I” lamp by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1973. This sculptural piece is crafted from hand-woven bamboo rice paper fans arranged in an overlapping...
Iron
Baccarat Japonisme Crystal Vase with Sculpted Handles, circa 1878-1890
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Baccarat Japonisme Crystal Vase with Sculpted Handles, circa 1878-1890 Clear crystal vase of globular form resting on a circular foot, with a short, slightly flared neck. The decorat...
Crystal
Vintage Japanese Byobu Four Panel Red Floral Gold Screen
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A vintage Japanese folding four panel screen showcases a serene hand-painted landscape set against a warm, gilded ground. Spanning multiple panels, the composition features gracefull...
Silk, Paint, Paper
Stunning Antique Bronze & Brass Chandelier w. Unique Lotus Flower Shades ca 1910
Located in Lisse, NL
Six-light chandelier with stylish lotus flower shades. If you are looking for a one of a kind and truly amazing hand-crafted antique pendant to light up both your days and evenings ...
Brass, Bronze, Wire
Émile Gallé (1846-1904) Enameled Grand Genre Glass Vase circa 1895
By Émile Gallé
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Émile Gallé (1846-1904) Grand Genre Glass Vase circa 1895 An early Art Nouveau hand etched granita glass vase, circa 1895, decorated with enameled flowers and leaves. Attached handl...
Art Glass