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.
1900s-20s Meij-Taisho Japanese Wabi-Sabi Cabinet Yakusugi cedar, bamboo & copper
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
This cabinet is crafted from high-quality Japanese Sugi cedar and dates to the Meiji–Taishō period (circa 1900s–1920s). It is made entirely from dense, high-grade Sugi wood, which h...
Copper
Japanese Antique Large Slim Black Tansu / Sideboard / 1868-1912s / Wabi-sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
A testament to Japanese craftsmanship, this exquisite Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) embodies the serene beauty of the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic. Its deep, rich, darkened patina—cultivated ...
Cedar, Pine
Japanese Antique Tansu Drawer Chest Edo Meiji Small Drawers Wabi Sabi Cabinet
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a Japanese antique drawer chest, believed to date from the late Edo period to early Meiji period circa 1800s to 1900s. Constructed from solid wood and finished in a deep tim...
Iron
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
Japanese Antique Large Black Tansu / Cabinet Sideboard / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
A Versatile Ceder Wood Cabinet Featuring a Rare Architectural Grid Back, Perfect as a Room Divider. This exceptional Mizuya Dansu (traditional Japanese kitchen...
Cedar
Japanese Antique Large Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Cabinet Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a large antique Tansu made in Japan. It was crafted during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s) and is made of cedar wood. The soft grain characteristic of cedar and the wood surfa...
Cedar
Japanese Antique Tansu 1860s-1920s / Cabinet Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Antique Japanese tansu cabinet crafted in Japan during the Meiji period (late 19th to early 20th century). The sliding doors are made o...
Wood
Japanese Antique Large Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi
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 represents a refined example of traditional Japanese ...
Cedar
Japanese Large Black Tansu Circa 1860's / Cabinet Wabi-Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This large Japanese tansu was crafted in the early 1900s and reflects a restrained yet powerful approach to utilitarian furniture. Made from solid cedar wood, the piece combines stru...
Cedar
1870s-1900s Japanese antique Mizuya tansu chest, sideboard wabi sabi primitive
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from a long-established hardware shop in Ibaraki pref., Japan. Single tier Mizuya tansu is made from premium quality, reddish Sugi Cedar, the product of circa 1870s to 190...
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Antique Wheeled Storage Chest / Sideboard Tansu / 1868-1912s Wabi-sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This storage furniture, known as a "kurumanagamochi" (cartridge), has been used in Japan since ancient times. Made primarily from pine and cedar, it was commonly used in the Tohoku r...
Iron
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
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
1870s-1900s Japanese antique Mizuya tansu chest sideboard Wabi sabi primitive
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from Tohoku area, Japan. This single tier Mizuya tansu is made from premium quality, reddish Sugi Cedar. The product of circa 1870s to 1900s (Meiji to early Taisho period)...
Wood, Cedar
1870s-1900s Japanese antique large Mizuya tansu chest. wabi sabi primitive
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from Kanto or Tohoku area, Japan. This large Mizuya tansu is made from premium quality, reddish Sugi Cedar, the product of circa 1870s to 1900s (Meiji to early Taisho peri...
Wood, Cedar
Large Japanese Meiji Period 19th Century Futon Tansu Cabinet with Iron Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A large Japanese Meiji period two-piece futon tansu cabinet from the late 19th century, with original iron hardware. Created in Japan during the second hal...
Iron
Meiji-era Mizuya Dansu, Circa 1900 – Japanese Kitchen Cabinet
Located in Yonkers, NY
A refined piece of Meiji-era craftsmanship, this antique Mizuya-dansu (kitchen chest) dates to circa 1900 and reflects the understated elegance of traditional Japanese interiors. Cra...
Iron
1870s-1900s Japanese antique Mizuya tansu chest sideboard wabi sabi primitive
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from Tohoku area, Japan. This single tier Mizuya tansu is made from premium quality, reddish Sugi Cedar, the product of circa 1870s to 1900s (Meiji to early Taisho period)...
Wood, Cedar
19th Century Large Japanese Shodona
Located in Martlesham, GB
A fabulous quality and impressive large Japanese hardwood Shodona from the Meiji period, the lovely carved pediment incorporating a large winged bird and having decorative C scrolls ...
Hardwood
Japanese Meiji Period Keyaki Wood Tansu Clothing Chest in the Sendai Style
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period keyaki wood Sendai tansu clothing chest from the late 19th century, with hand-cut iron hardware and safe box. Created in the Sendai Prefecture during the last quarter of the 19th century, this keyaki (elm) wood tansu is a fine example of Japan's traditional mobile cabinetry. Featuring a lacquered finish with reddish brown tones, the chest showcases a rectangular top, sitting above a perfectly organized façade. A long upper...
Iron
Japanese Antique Cabinets, Tansu, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese-style cabinet made in the Meiji period. The texture of the black lacquer, smoked with soot from the hearth, has a unique depth and charm that is unlike a...
Wood
Early Meiji Period Japanese Elm Shadona Cabinet
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1870s/1880s; Japan Late 19th century decorative keyaki (Japanese elm) cabinet. This ornate, pagoda-inspired piece dates to the early/middle Meiji period in Japan and is construc...
Elm
19th Century Japanese gilt lacquered cabinet
Located in Martlesham, GB
A highly decorative 19th Century Japanese gilt lacquered cabinet from the Meiji period (1868-1912) the double hinged doors decorated with two eag...
Hardwood
Japanese Antique Cabinets, Tansu, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is a Japanese antique cabinet made in the Meiji period. This is a masterpiece that highlights traditional techniques and craftsmanship, ...
Wood
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
Superb Monumental Meiji Period Hard Wood Display Cabinet, by Noguchi of Yokaha
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A superb monumental Meiji period hard wood display cabinet, by Noguchi of Yokahama, of rectangular form with three shelves which curl back under themselves like ripples to create an ...
Hardwood
Antique Japanese Kyushu Tansu, Meiji Period (1868–1912)
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
An exceptional two-section chest from the Kyushu region, crafted from solid kiri (paulownia) wood with a warm, time-worn patina that highlights its fine grain. Retaining its original...
Iron
Antique Japanese Hand Carved Elmwood Cabinet, Sideboard, Meiji, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental antique hand carved elmwood cabinet. Sideboard, 20th century. This listing it´s only for the low cabinet, without the up vitrine.
Fruitwood
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Red Lacquer Cabinet with Sliding Doors
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period red cabinet from the late 19th century, with sliding doors and drawers. This exquisite Japanese Meiji period cabinet...
Wood
Meiji Period Japanese Cabinet with Textile-Backed Doors, c. 1880–1910
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A beautifully preserved late 19th-century Japanese Meiji-period cabinet, thoughtfully refinished to highlight the natural warmth and grain of the wood while maintaining its original ...
Metal
19th Century black lacquered and painted table cabinet
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th Century freestanding Japanese black lacquered and painted table top cabinet from the Meiji period (1868-1912) The cabinet throughout depicting Japanese countryside scenes, vario...
Wood
Japanese Lacquered Meiji Period Cabinet
Located in Montreal, QC
Japanese lacquered Meiji Period cabinet.
Wood
$5,500Sale Price|37% Off
Early 20th Century Japanese Bamboo Cabinet With Sliding Doors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The sis the bottom piece of an early 20th c. bamboo and hinoki wood Japanese shop cabinet. Sliding doors. All original including interior shelf. Would be i...
Bamboo
19th Century Japanese Meiji Era Tansu Merchant Chest
Located in Fort Collins, CO
Constructed from Cypress and Elm, this merchant’s chest features blackened iron hardware with two thick handles on the top of the piece for ease of transport. It features 8 drawers, ...
Iron
Japanese Antique Large Tansu / Cabinet Sideboard / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
Overview This exceptional 19th-century Japanese Mizuya Tansu (traditional kitchen cabinet) is a striking example of Meiji-era craftsmanship, blending functional storage with a bold, ...
Hardwood, Cedar