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.
Small Japanese cabinet, ca. 1920
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Japanese cabinet from the early 20th century, crafted from wood with a warm dark brown finish. This compact piece of furniture combines practical stor...
Elm
Japanese Antique Cabinet with Brass Metal Inlay / Taisho Period・Tansu Sideboard
Located in 足利市, JP
An exceptional early 20th-century Taisho period Japanese display cabinet (Ishodansu / Cho_ba dansu / sidebord style), showcasing a sophisticated fusion of traditional master woodwork...
Brass
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Two Piece Tansu Chest (Goshu Mizuya)
Located in Centennial, CO
A gorgeous antique Japanese two piece kitchen tansu chest (Goshu Mizuya) from the late Meiji period. This stunning tansu from the Kansai region, is so unique in that it is made of el...
Iron
Antique Japanese Wooden Sideboard with Hand-Painted Floral Decorations
Located in Manzano, IT
This antique Japanese wooden sideboard dates from the early 20th century and is distinguished by its elegant hand-painted floral decorations. Crafted from solid wood, it combines pra...
Wood
Rare Japanese Export Marquetry Cabinet with Drawers on Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A piece of functional art made in Shizuoka for export to the western market, this Japanese chest with drawers on stand, circa 1900s features intricate marquetry work using a traditio...
Brass
English 1890s Japonism Bamboo Cabinet with Two Doors and Three Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English bamboo cabinet from the late 19th century, with Japonism décor, three drawers and cabriole legs. Created in England during the late 19th century, this bamboo cabinet captu...
Bamboo
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
19th Century Bamboo and Rosewood Lacquered Étagère with Floral Decor
Located in Queens, NY
Bamboo and rosewood (19th Century) lacquered panel etagere with 3 doors with floral and figural decoration.
Bamboo, Rosewood
Contemporary Scandinavian-style sideboard made of solid ash with drawers and doors
Located in Piedimonte Matese, IT
Contemporary sideboard made of solid ash, handcrafted in Italy, featuring sliding doors with satin-finished glass, six drawers, and dimmable LED lighting. Shoji is the result of the...
Fabric, Upholstery, Glass, Wood, Ash, LEDs
Japanese Style Cabinet-Secretary Attributed to G. Viardot, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
A Japanese style carved wood cabinet attributed to G. Viardot. A painted decor imitating Japanese lacquer, ornamented with flowers, birds and butterflies. Opening onto two drawers an...
Wood, Paint
Rare Inscribed Japanese Wood Chest Zenibako on Custom Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare original and impressively intact Japanese Zenibako (banker's money box) from late 19th century circa Meiji Period (1868-1912). The chest was made from cypress wood and fitted ...
Iron
IMPORTANT ANTiQUE GABRIELD VIARDOT 1830-1906 SIGNED JAPONISME DISPLAY CUPBOARD
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Very rare and important, Museum quality Gabriel Viardot 1830-1906 display cabinet signed to the side G Viardot Paris 1887, finished with Mother of Pearl inlay and Gold Gilt oriental ...
Hardwood, Mother-of-Pearl
Lacquer and Gilt Bronze Cabinet in the Japonisme Style by Rosel
By Rosel
Located in London, GB
Lacquer and gilt bronze cabinet in the Japonisme style by Rosel Belgian, late 19th century Measures: Height 185cm, width 94cm, depth 43cm The ...
Onyx, Ormolu
$2,000
H 35.71 in W 35.52 in D 15.16 in
Japanese Keyaki 3-Shaku Mizuya Cabinet with Sliding Doors, Taisho Period, c.1920
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This Japanese mizuya cabinet was crafted during the Taisho period, circa 1920. At approximately three shaku wide (about 90 cm / 35.4 inches), this dimension represents a traditional...
Brass
Japanese Antique Cabinet 1920s-1940s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique cabinet from Japan. It is a piece of furniture with a refined and quiet presence, creating a calm atmosphere simply by being placed in a space. Its unadorned, simp...
Cedar
On Hold|$3,600
H 35.63 in W 53.75 in D 17.72 in
Japanese Antique Large Tansu 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Cabinet Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a large antique Japanese Tansu distinguished by its broad, stable proportions and its remarkably quiet presence, achieved through an almost complete absence of ornamentation....
Cedar
$1,850
H 36.5 in W 20.5 in D 14.5 in
19th Century French Chinoiserie Bamboo Cabinet Vitrine Hand Painted Decoration
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinoiserie Lacquered Bamboo Cabinet, France, circa late 19th Century. Beautiful hand painted aesthetic movement decoration. It is a versatile size and can be used as a cabinet, vitr...
Metal
$3,500
H 23.04 in W 68.9 in D 18.12 in
Japanese Antique Black Low Tansu-1 / Cabinet Sideboard / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
A beautifully understated Japanese antique tansu cabinet dating from the Meiji period. The cabinet is characterized by its exceptionally long and low proportions and a restrained fa...
Cedar
$4,500
H 34.65 in W 72.84 in D 28.35 in
Japanese Antique Large Black Primitive Cabinet / Sideboard Tansu / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
Overview A masterful blend of historical resonance and rustic minimalism, this one-of-a-kind primitive cabinet is a testament to timeless Japanese craftsmanship. The centerpiece of t...
Cedar, Pine, Reclaimed Wood
$4,500
H 34.06 in W 65.75 in D 20.08 in
Japanese Antique Large Black Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This exceptional Japanese mizuya tansu dates to the Meiji period, circa 1860s to 1900s, and is crafted from solid cedar wood. It embodies the quiet refinement of traditional Japanese...
Iron
$6,300
H 67.49 in W 34.85 in D 20.28 in
Japanese Antique Black Two-Part Tansu 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique Japanese two-section black Tansu, distinguished by its elegant vertical proportions and deep, understated black surface. Its restrained form gives the piece a quie...
Cedar
$3,500
H 23.04 in W 68.9 in D 18.12 in
Japanese Antique Black Low Tansu-3 / Cabinet Sideboard / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
A remarkable Japanese antique low tansu cabinet, dating from the Meiji period. The cabinet is distinguished by its exceptionally long and low proportions, giving it a strong archite...
Cedar
$3,000
H 30.63 in W 66.78 in D 24.57 in
Japanese Antique Mizuya Tansu Sideboard, Meiji Era, Wabi-Sabi 1868-1912
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique large Mizuya Tansu was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868–1912). Its simple sliding panel doors and dark, timeworn finish reflect the quiet beauty of wabi-sabi. The surface...
Cedar, Lacquer
$3,600
H 28.75 in W 45.48 in D 21.46 in
Japanese Antique Tansu Meiji Period 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Cabinet Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique Japanese Tansu, crafted during the Meiji period (circa 1868–1912) from Japanese cedar (sugi). Distinguished by its broad, weighty proportions and richly aged dark ...
Iron
$4,000
H 50.01 in W 61.42 in D 29.93 in
Japanese Antique Large Black Tansu 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old large Tansu made in Japan. This furniture was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The material used is cedar wood. The iron metal fittings in the center add an...
Iron
Sold
H 68.25 in W 48.5 in D 18.5 in
Antique 1920s Japanese Three Piece Elm and Kiri Wood Isho Tansu Chest
Located in Centennial, CO
A beautiful and highly functional antique Japanese Isho Tansu chest that was traditionally used for storing clothing, particularly Kimonos. Constructed in the Taisho Era (1912-1926) ...
Copper
Japanese Cabinet, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This Japanese cabinet with drawers and sliding doors is an attractive eye-catcher for any interior. Crafted from solid wood, it boasts a beautiful, we...
Elm
Sold
H 89.18 in W 53.75 in D 15.75 in
Antique Japanese Meiji Floral Carved Shodana Lacquered Panel Display Cabinet
Located in King's Lynn, GB
A Large Softwood Ebonised Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Shodana (Display Cabinet) of exhibition quality. Whether to display your items or as bookcase this piece will definitely s...
Ivory, Softwood
Vintage Japanese Tansu Cabinet with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Located in Freehold, NJ
This vintage Japanese tansu cabinet features wood construction (possibly balsa), black painted finish with silver and mother of Pearl inlay, modular 3 box design each with hinged doo...
Mother-of-Pearl
Sold
H 60.24 in W 17.33 in D 11.42 in
Asian Cabinet in carved wood with Bats, Vietnam or South China, Circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb Asian Cabinet in carved Chinese mahogany (toona sinensis). Carved with plant and animal motifs: 1 bat carved at the bottom of the piece of furniture. Very beautiful furnishi...
Bronze
Sold
H 72.84 in W 29.53 in D 14.97 in
Important Asian Cabinet in carved wood, Vietnam or China, Circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Important Asian Cabinet in carved wood, Vietnam or China, Circa 1880 Superb Asian Cabinet in carved Chinese mahogany (toona sinensis) and inlaid wood. Carved with plant and animal ...
Wood
Sold
H 71.25 in W 48.5 in D 19 in
Vintage Large Japanese 14 Drawer Tansu Chest With European Influence
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning vintage Japanese large elm (keyaki) tansu chest with original cast brass hardware. The hardware and linen chest pine sliding drawers show a European influence indicating t...
Brass
Sold
H 28 in W 24.5 in D 14.5 in
Antique Late 1800s (Meiji Era) Japanese Kansai Style Cedar Merchant Chest Tansu
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning antique late 1800s Japanese Kansai style cedar merchant chest / tansu with multiple compartments, doors, and drawers. Chests like these held documents, abacus and money, a...
Iron
Sold
H 36 in W 33 in D 14.5 in
Antique Meiji Era Japanese Kansai Style Cypress and Cedar Merchant's Tansu Chest
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning Japanese antique Meiji Era Kansai style cyprus and cedar merchant's tansu chest with multiple doors and drawers. The buttery soft original waxed finish is a rich golden br...
Iron
Japanese Collectors Cabinet On Stand Lacquered Japanned
Located in Potters Bar, GB
An exceptional example of a high quality Japanese collectors cabinet on stand The whole article is lacquered to a very high standard the fr...
Lacquer
Sold
H 84 in W 22.5 in D 25 in
2 Japanese Red Oak Dragon Carved Hexagonal Pagoda Vitrine Curio Display Cabinets
Located in Dayton, OH
An impressive pair of oriental chinoiserie hexagonal vitrine cabinets made in Okinawa Japan, circa 1970s. Made from red oak with three adjustable glass shelves, a pagoda form dragon ...
Glass, Oak
Contemporary Japanese Style Getabako Shoe Cabinet from Thailand
Located in Pasadena, TX
Contemporary Japanese style Getabako shoe cabinet from Thailand Roomy cabinet with metal-studded sliding doors and a pair of drawers below....
Teak