Edo furniture was created during a flourishing time for the decorative arts owing to the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate rule in Japan. Spanning from 1603 to 1867, this era of peace and economic growth supported artistic advancements in lacquer, woodblock printing, porcelain and other artisanal trades. Because the country was largely isolated, there was little outside influence, leading to centuries of exceptional attention to the design of its furnishings and the quality of its traditional arts.
Unlike during the Meiji period that followed, with an increase in domestic and international markets, furniture during the Edo period was predominately commissioned by the ruling class, although people from across social groups benefited from the burgeoning metropolitan hubs for artisanal trades. For instance, Kyoto became a major center for lacquer art. Most furniture pieces were made from wood such as cedar or ash, including the era’s sashimono cabinets, which involved fine joinery and were rooted in the Heian period.
Sashimono cabinets, which were built by master craftsmen in a range of different wood types owing to the various trees that populate Japan, occasionally featured a stack of slender drawers as well as sliding doors. They were popular with everyone from samurai to kabuki actors. Tansu storage chests crafted from wood with metal fittings were also common in Edo-period homes. Some were designed to be easily portable while others were made to double as staircases.
Painted folding screens, called byōbu, were also fashionable, with Japanese artists inspired by nature, literature and scenes of history and daily life to create vivid works. In Buddhist temples and the palatial homes of the aristocratic class, fusuma, or large sliding panels, would sometimes be adorned with gold or silver leaf. These dividers allowed interiors to change throughout the day, closing in small spaces for personal use or reflecting candlelight to illuminate communal spaces after dark.
Find a collection of Edo tables, lighting, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Vintage Japanese Ando Jubei (1876-1956) Signed Cloisonné Vase With Roses
By Ando Jubei
Located in Centennial, CO
This large and rare antique vase was created by Japanese master artist Ando Jubei (1876-1956) during the Meiji period. The sterling silver body was c...
Silver, Enamel
Antique Edo Period Japanese Porcelain Plate Kakiemon Style, ca 1800
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this very nice edo period, early 19th c, example. The rim beautifully painted, quite unusual. Unmarked at base Arita ware, also known as Arita-yaki, has its origin...
Porcelain
Showa Period Takamaki-e Urushi Low Table with Life-Edge and Maker's Mark
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Showa Era Takamaki-e Urushi lacquer low table with life-edge border. Origin is likely Wajima or Yamanaka region. The tea table 43" long, 30" wide and 12.5" high. This one of a kind ...
Softwood, Teak
Japanese Fish Shape Meditation Drum (Gyoban), Edo Period
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese Monk Meditation Fish Gong, Edo Period (Zen fish shaped drum, Gyoban) In the Zen Buddhist temples of Japan, suspended in front of the entrance to the refectory, you will not...
Wood
Japanese Edo Period Imari Porcelain Bowl Japan Lotus Flowers, C 1680-1700
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nice Edo period bowl with lotus flowers and old cramm restorarion. very cool! Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Category: Imari Re...
Porcelain
Japanese Silk Suijaku Scroll Nyorai-Kojin with Mixed Buddhism and Shinto Deities
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese silk Suijaku hanging scroll beautifully presented in a custom wood shadow box frame from Edo period (circa 18-19th century). The scroll, surmounted on golden brocade was painted in fine details with gouache, ink and gold powder highlight, served as a Suijaku mandala for the worshippers. Honji Suijaku is a complicated religious concept uniquely developed in Japan. It mixed and hybrid the Buddism deities with native shinto spirits (known as Kami), which were seen as local manifestations (the suijaku, literally means a "trace") of Buddhist deities (the honji literally the original ground). The original idea may lie with the synergetic strategy to spread Buddism by making it more relatable to the local population who had already worshiped Shinto gods. The paradigm, adopted in the 10th century from an orignal Chinese concept, remained a defining feature of Japanese religious life up to the end of the Edo period (1868). Instead of being confined to deities, its application was often extended to historical figures as shown on this scroll. This long hanging scroll depicts an arrangement of 21 figures including Buddhism and Shinto deities as well as two historical figures on the bottom. Each figure was name-tagged in Kanji for easy identification by the worshippers. It was used in the temple or shrine so that when the worshipper prayed in front the mandala, they prayed simultaneously to all the deities. On the very top, sits Nyorai-Kojin, a hybrid deity of Nyorai Buddha and Kojin, the kaki for fire, stove and kitchen. From the top to bottom and left to right, here is the list of the deities: Kanon with Thousand Hands, Kanon with Willow Branch, Monju Bosatsu...
Silk, Wood
Antique Edo 18/19th C Japanese Jubako Ikegawa Ware Tea Ceremony Box Japan
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description A lovely piece Condition Lid with 2 chips to inside rim. Size: 25x13.5CM heightxdiameter Period 19th century Meiji Periode (1867-1912)
Porcelain
Rare Antique Edo period Ca 1680 -1700 Japanese Porcelain Plate Arita Dish
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Sharing with you this very nice edo period, 1660-1680, example. With a central scene of flowers. The rim beautifully painted. Unmarked at base Arita ware, also known as...
Porcelain
Miniature Antique Edo Period Early 18th Century Japanese Porcelain Teapot
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Miniature Teapot. Sharing with you this lovely and small sized teapot from the early 18th century. The shape and design are lovely and unusual. The base is unglazed. See...
Porcelain
Japanese "Magpie and Peony" Two Panel Screen, Edo Period, 18th/19th century
Located in Austin, TX
A sublime Japanese two panel "Magpie and Peony" screen, ink and color on paper, Edo Period, late 18th or early 19th century, circa 1800, Japan. The two panel screen features a wond...
Copper
Antique 1670-1680 Japanese Nangawara Kakiemon Dish with Pine and rock Flowers
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Very happy with this new arrival. Lobed Arita kakiemon deep dish of unusual shape and design. Possibly a base of a tureen? Period; ca 1680 Condition ...
Porcelain
Suzuribako or writing box made of nashiji lacquer and adorned with a landscape
Located in PARIS, FR
Suzuribako, or writing box, of rectangular shape, decorated with an imposing architecture realized in hira maki-e lacquer, probably a palatial structure, situated beside a waterfall...
Gold Leaf
Lovely Late Edo Period Scroll Paintings Japan Artist Landscape Painted
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Artist: "Hineno Taiyama" End of the Edo period painter. Osaka production. Hine Taizan (Hine Taizan, 10 years of culture (1813)-March 13, 1868 (April 24, 1869) is a literary painter...
Silk
Antique Imari Porcelain Plate with Shishi and Botan Motifs, Late Edo–Meiji Perio
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This antique Imari porcelain plate dates to the late Edo–Meiji period (19th century) and is decorated with a lively scene of playful shishi (mythical lion-dogs) among blooming botan ...
Porcelain
Antique 18th Silver Handle Serving Plate Antique Kangxi Yongzheng Chinese Por.
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A Chinese porcelain dish from the first half of the 18th century with Dutch SIlver Handle. Made into a luxury serving platter for sweets with tea! Condition Hairlines, frits and ...
Porcelain
Lovely Antique Edo period Ca 1670 -1680 Japanese Porcelain Plate Arita Dish
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Sharing with you this very nice edo period, 1660-1680, example. With a central scene of figures. Beautifully painted. Unmarked at base Arita ware, also known as Arita-y...
Porcelain
Japanese bronze image of Tanjo no Shaka
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese bronze image of Tanjo no Shaka, the infant Buddha (Shakyamuni), a standing figure with the right hand pointing towards heaven and the left hand pointing toward earth, costum...
Bronze
Antique Edo/Meiji Period Japanese Porcelain 19th c Arita Plate Bird and flower
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Very happy with this new arrival. The flowers appear to be peonies and chrysanthemums, both common auspicious motifs in Japanese porcelain. The painting style — fluid bu...
Porcelain
Ando Hiroshige & Tokoyuni Kunisada Prince Genji in Exile at Suma Oban Triptych
By Utagawa Hiroshige (Ando Hiroshige)
Located in Studio City, CA
Stunning and rare, this beautiful and panoramic Japanese woodblock triptych print was produced in the 1850s in a now famed collaboration between renowned artists Utagawa (Ando) Hiroshige and Utagawa (Toyokuni III) Kunisada. Hiroshige was the leading landscape print artist and Kunisada the leading actor and figure print artists of their era. The print has all the correct artist's (Hiroshige's red rectangular seal), publisher and date seals and stamps. It was originally purchased from the Franell Gallery which was located in the Okura Hotel in Tokyo in the late 1960s and 1970s and owned by American artist and writer Frances Blakemore...
Paper
Small Japanese copper vase made in the late Edo period / 1750-1868 / Flower vase
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a copper vase made around the late Edo period. The body is cast. This is a vase for holding flowers to be offered in a tokonoma alcove or in front of a Buddha. The tip is sha...
Copper
39CM Antique Kraak Edo period 1680-1690 Japanese Porcelain Huge Charger Arita
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Sharing with you this very nice edo period, 1680-1700, example. With a garden floral scene with birds in the style of Chinese Wanli period pieces. Unmarked at base Arit...
Porcelain
Japanese Antique Buddha Statue Stand/1800-1900/Lacquered Gold Display Stand
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a wooden stand made from the Edo period to the Meiji period. Originally, it was a stand for installing a Buddha statue, but it seems that only this stand remained after the ...
Wood
Japanese Gilt Seated Kannon Figure, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Intricately carved and finished with gilt black lacquer, this seated figure depicts the bodhisattva Guanyin, known in Japanese Buddhism as Kannon. Described as the "Buddha of Infinite Compassion," Kannon is the embodiment of mercy and makes himself available to all who call upon him with all their mind. Kannon is depicted here seated in diamond position upon a double lotus plinth, set above a stepped base. He is dressed in gracefully draped robes and wears a tall crown bearing a minuscule figure of Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Light. He has a serene expression of calm and holds his right hand in the abhaya mudra, a gesture of comfort, blessing, and protection. Backed by a magnificent leaf-form nimbus, this Kannon figure...
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Japanese Porcelain Blue White Edo Period Arita Jug Ewer Figural, 17th C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Rare & Beautiful Arita Japanese Porcelain Jug . Scene with figures and birds in a landscape. This 17th Century Japanese Export Porcelain Jug or Ewer, Arita Kilns c.1670-1690 is pain...
Porcelain
31CM Antique Kraak Edo period 1680-1690 Japanese Porcelain Charger Arita
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Sharing with you this very nice edo period, 1680-1700, example. With a garden floral bird scene in the style of Chinese Wanli period pieces. Marked at the base with a fl...
Porcelain
Unusual 1660-1680 Japanese Porcelain Dish Bird Objects Kakiemon
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Sharing this lovely little dish from the second half of the 17th century. It is an Early Japanese Enamel Decorated Saucer c.1660-1680. It is sometimes described as early Kakiemon or early Kutani, Dr.Oliver Impey describes this type as “early enamels”. The enamels on this saucer are deeply coloured and thick, the colours are rather striking. Condition 2 small lines and a kintsugi filled chip. Size 100x20mm DiameterxHeight Period 17th century Edo Period...
Porcelain
$3,650 / set
Pair of Bronze Geese
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Important pair of Japanese bronze birds in the form of geese masterfully crafted. One with a closed beak the other open, both with quirky expressi...
Bronze
Edo Period Japanese Porcelain Plate Antique Ko-Kutani, Top Quality
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice Ko-Kutani plate, circa 1660-1680. See: Shibata collection Condition: Overall condition rim fritting and hairline. Size 205 x 132 mm ...
Porcelain
#5 Set Antique 18th-19th Century Japanese Arita Nabeshima Blue White Dishes
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated set of Japanese Nabeshima Porcelain dishes Condition: Dish 1 and 2 perfect. Dish 3 with 2 kintsugi filled chips dish ...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Kinkozan Awata Satsuma Charger Japan Figure Relief Early 20th C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Very lovely piece. With an overall landscape scene of mountains, flowers and birds in flight. Condition Upper rim is over fired and has some repainting. Size 150 x 150mm DXH Per...
Porcelain
Book (9) - Porcelain - Shibata Collection part 1 - 8 - Japan - Edo Period (1600-
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A rare set of Shibata colelction books. Containing over 2000 pieces of Japanese porcelain from 1630 untill 1900. Back and front pictures. This is an absolute must for all collectors...
Porcelain
Set of 3 Antique Kutani Edo Period Japanese Porcelain Dishes, Japan, 18/19th C.
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice set of 3 polychrome dish of moulded shape. Unusual shape and painting. Edo period. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Japanese Style: Kutani Region o...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Suibokuga Sage by Kano Tokinobu, 17th century.
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique Japanese Suibokuga Sage Painting by Kano Tokinobu, 17th century. A sumi-e ink on paper painting illustrating an acolyte at a riverbank. The image of the standing Chinese figure with elongated earlobes (a symbol of enlightenment), hair tied back in a kerchief and long beard, holds a large fan in his left hand to his right shoulder. The long robes are windswept with water curls about the figures feet. The painting with 3 vermillion seals of the artist in the lower left corner. Japanese dry mount paper on a wood frame with thin brocade border silver leafed surround and lacquered wood outer frame. Condition: Paper restoration on center, a quarter of an inch of the left edge of the painting is added, other minor signs of age, wear, stains and repairs overall fine condition. Age: Painting Edo Period, circa 1670. Mounting circa 1985. Image: 51-1/2 in. x 20-1/2 in. (131cm x 52cm) Frame: 59-1/4 in. x 25-1/4 in. (150cm x 64cm) Weight: 6lbs. Provenance: with Honeychurch Antiques...
Paper
Antique Metal Japanese Tsuba Tosogu with Scholars Travelling in Landscape
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Tsuba. The piece is unmarked. Dating to the Edo period Provenance: Collected in the 1920’s. Thence by decent A Tsuba is a Japanese sword mountings are the various housi...
Bronze
34.5CM Antique Arita Edo Period 17C Japanese Porcelain Dish Ming Kraak Style
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice blue and white dish, in the style of similar Ming period Late 17th century pieces. Decorated in underglaze blue. On the plate are two birds on a rock on the ground lookin...
Porcelain
Flower Scene Edo Period Scroll Japan 19c Artist Kiyoshi Watanabe
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
As you can see, this is an old painting by Kiyoshi Watanabe, a colored iris and a red dragonfly. It has a simple yet calm texture, and the appearance of a red dragonfly standing li...
Silk
Unusual Antique 1690-1720 Japanese Imari Mustard Pots Arita Edo Japan
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Gratefull to share these two small mustard pots with you. Ca 1690-1720. Miniature mustard pot of baluster shape moulded as an opening lotus flower, on a ribbed conical stem. Curve...
Porcelain
17th Century Oak and Pine Urushi Nanban-style Japanese Export Chest
Located in Solebury, PA
A rare 17th-century oak and pine Urushi Nanban-style Japanese export chest, originally crafted for the Portuguese market, is a remarkable artifact. It features seventeen drawers and ...
Oak, Pine
Rare Antique Edo period Ca 1680 -1700 Japanese Porcelain Plate Arita Dish
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Sharing with you this very nice edo period, 1660-1680, example. With a central scene of flowers. The rim beautifully painted. Unmarked at base Arita ware, also known a...
Porcelain
Japanese Negoro-Style Lacquered Table, 17th–18th Century
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This Japanese Negoro-style lacquered table dates to the 17th–18th century and exemplifies the restrained beauty and layered surface aesthetic characteristic of Negoro lacquerware. Tr...
Wood, Lacquer
$1,475 / set
Pair Japanese Choshi Sake Ewers
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a wonderful pair of 19th century Octagonal Choshi or Sake Ewers that was created during the late Edo or Meiji Period. The Choshi are composed of an Octagonal finely cast iron kettle with and open end spout which differentiates them from the traditional Japanese tea kettle...
Brass, Iron
Early Japanese Gohonzon Buddhist Calligraphy Mandala Scroll Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese sumi ink calligraphy Buddhist mandala mounted as a paper hanging scroll known as Kakejiku or sometimes Moji mandala. Termed as gohonzon in Japanese, it is a venerated object within Nichiren Buddhism (Hokkeshu; lotus sect). The originally concept was developed by the 13th century Buddhist priest Nichiren to guide the energy of the devotional chanting to...
Paper
Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lanterns Attributed to Hayashi Kodenji
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lanterns Attributed to Hayashi Kodenji, Edo Period, 19th century Japanese cloisonne lanterns were made during the Meiji period, from the la...
Copper, Enamel
Antique Japanese Seto Abura-Zara (oil plate)
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese Abura-zara (oil plate), Seto ceramic plate used to catch oil drippings from lanterns, simple flat, round dish with slightly raised edge, one half...
Ceramic
Antique Meiji Period 19C Japanese Hirado Netsuke Sanbosa dancing monkey
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This is a most unusually made antique Hirado porcelain netsuke form model of a mischievous monkey dressed as a Sanbosa dancer. The figure is crisply modelled with cobalt blue and iro...
Porcelain
Japanese Contemporary Gilded Porcelain Kabuto Helmet
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Unique Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain "kabuto" or helmet, hand painted in gold, red and blue colors. Kabuto dates back to 6th century. I...
Gold
Large Antique Japanese Arita Kakiemon Style Plate Edo period, circa 1660-1680
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Edo period, kakiemon style landscape scene. Rare type of plate of large size. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Japanese Style: Arita Region of Origin: Japan Per...
Porcelain
Rare Antique Edo period 17/18th Century Japanese Porcelain Plate Stand Arita Dis
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description This is a beautiful piece of antique Japanese porcelain — it looks like Arita or Imari ware, decorated in classic blue and white cobalt underglaze. The central opening i...
Porcelain
Rare Antique Edo period 18th c Japanese Porcelain Plate Arita Dish Animals Horse
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Sharing with you this very nice edo period example. With a stunning decoration of flowers, cranes (in the centre behind the leave and de border), horses and figures. cent...
Porcelain
Lovely 20th Araki Jippo Scroll Paintings Japan Artist Bird and Tree Painted
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
"Araki jippo" Japan painter. Nagasaki prefecture production. First issue is Kinko. Name Teijiro. Tokyo to study under Kanpo Araki, later it will be the Yoshishi. You good at flow...
Silk
Sharing with you this very nicely decorated set of porridge dishes. Set of 4 ——
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this very nicely decorated set of porridge dishes. Set of 4 Condition 2 dishes with restoration and 2 perfect. Size: 15.5x3CM DiameterxHeight Period 18th century Q...
Porcelain
Japanese Polychrome Standing Shō Kannon Figure, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century standing figure depicts the sacred form of the bodhisattva Guanyin, known in Japanese Buddhism as Sho Kannon, or Guze Kannon. ...
Wood
Japanese Antique Wooden Sculpture Komainu(Guardian Lion-Dog)1780s~1850s Wabisabi
Located in 足利市, JP
This remarkably unique, hand-carved Japanese Shinto guardian lion (Komainu) dates from the late Edo period (circa 1780–1850) and originates from the mountainous region of Nagano Pref...
Wood
$9,000
Japanese Kuruma-dansu
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese Kuruma-dansu, a wheeled storage chest traditionally kept in the Kura (storeroom) for the specific purpose of containing valuables, thus the wheeled carriage for a quick exit...
Wood
Exceptional Antique 19th c Japanese or Chinese Porcelain Vase with figures
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely and beautifully made piece with different kind of motiffs, dragons, flaming pearl Condition some usual ware and traces of use. Could do with a cleaning. Size: 38x24.5CM Diame...
Porcelain
Antique Metal Japanese Tsuba Tosogu with Buddhist Literati in Landscape
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Tsuba. The piece is unmarked. Dating to the Edo period Provenance: Collected in the 1920’s. Thence by decent A Tsuba is a Japanese sword mountings are the various housi...
Bronze
Antique Japanese Woodblock - Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839-1892) - The Gho
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description The Ghost of Yaehatahime and Akamatsu Jūtamaru Takanori Alternate Title: Yaehatahime no bōrei Akamatsu Jūtamaru Takanori Series: Beauty and Valor in the Novel Suikoden Ts...
Paper
Antique Ko-Imari Edo Period Japanese Porcelain Dish, 17th C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice blue and white dish of moulded shape. Unusual painting. Early Edo period. Dating to 1680-1700 Reference: CJA Jorg - Fine and Curious Additional information: Material...
Porcelain
Antique Arita Edo Period 17th C Japanese Porcelain Dish Ming Kraak Style Flowers
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice blue and white dish, in the style of similar Ming period early 17th century pieces. Beautiful decoration. Edo period. Condition Perfect condition. Size: 36CM Diameter ...
Porcelain
Mid Century Studio Pottery Tea Server, Stoneware & Rattan, Edo Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine studio pottery Tea Server with fine form and craftsmanship. The pot with decorative free form foliate decoration in brown and blue on a pleasing spotted oyster background and ...
Stoneware, Rattan