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Japonisme Furniture

JAPONISME STYLE

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.

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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Japonisme
Japanese Style Planter Attributed to l'Escalier de Cristal, France, circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Large planter decorated on the belly with a rotating decoration of polychrome flowers and geometric patterns in cloisonné enamel on a red background. It is inserted in an important p...
Category

1880s French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Bronze

Karl Lindström and Nils Emil Lundström for Rörstrand, Lidded Porcelain Jar
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Karl Lindström and Nils Emil Lundström for Rörstrand. Lidded porcelain jar decorated with grapevines in gold on the beautiful dark blue base. Japa...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Ox with Boy on Its Back
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very amusing 19th century (Meiji period 1868-1912) Japanese bronze statue of an ox with a young boy sitting on its back. Signed.
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Sculptured Wood Brazier with Copper Liner
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Japanese sculptured wood brazier with copper liner A Great piece, an original brazier to keep you warm in the late evening breeze or it would make a very attractive planter Thi...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Sculptured Wood Brazier with Copper Liner
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Japanese sculptured wood brazier with copper liner A great piece, an original brazier to keep you warm in the late evening breeze or it would make a very attractive planter Thi...
Category

19th Century Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Copper

Karl Lindström and Nils Emil Lundström for Rörstrand, Lidded Porcelain Jar
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Karl Lindström and Nils Emil Lundström for Rörstrand. Lidded porcelain jar decorated with grape vines in gold on a beautiful dark blue base. Japan...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Style Tray Attributed to L.-C. Sevin & F. Barbedienne, France, c. 1860
Located in PARIS, FR
Rich landscape in cloisonné enamel on blue and brown background imitating Aventurine stone, attributed to L.C. Sevin and F. Barbedienne. The decor represents a river surrounded by wi...
Category

1860s French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Carp Vases
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality pair of Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) green and red patinated bronze vases, each having pierced decoration, having wonderful raised carp swimming around the center...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large Masons Iron Stone Pagoda Lidded Vase, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive large 19th century Masons iron stone pagoda style lidded vase. Having the classic Imari colours if cobalt blue ground and orange hi...
Category

19th Century English Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Meiji Period Hirado Blue and White Vase
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A beautiful late 19th century Meiji period (1868-1912) Hirado blue and white vase. Having classical motif and foliate decoration to the carved neck, with a hand painted scene of a se...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Inro with 4 Boxes in Gold Lacquer with Mat Kinji Background
Located in Marseille, FR
19th century Japanese inro with 4 boxes in gold lacquer with kinji mat background decorated in taka makiyé of gold of different tones. Lacquered wood siz...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Fine Japanese Meiji Period Water Color on Silk of Monkeys
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderful fine quality Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) water color on silk of seven monkeys climbing and playing on a rock face with trailing foliage...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Silk

Large Japanese Meiji Period Bronze of a Young Child with a Play Hoop
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A large very good quality late 19th century (Meiji period 1868-1912) Japanese patinated bronze statue of a young child in traditional dress holding a play hoop. Measures: 60cm (24").
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Aesthetic Movement Vases Attributed to Susse Frères, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
A very fine pair of Japanese style vases attributed to Susse Frères and made in two patina bronze. Each vase in form of a patinated bronze ovoid body...
Category

1880s French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Japanese Meiji / Taisho Period '1900-1920' Cast Bronze Vases / Lamps
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A pair of Japanese cast bronze vases, each of slender tapered form resting on a stepped base and rising to a narrow neck with everted, key-f...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Japonisme Mother of Pearl Inlaid Hardwood Display Cabinet after Viardot
Located in London, GB
This wonderful display cabinet is designed in a ‘Japonisme’ (Japanese) style, which was popular in Europe in the mid-late 19th century. This craze was kick-started by Japan reopening to trade with the West, and exporting Japanese goods—including furniture and decorative art—to Europe. One craftsmen by the name of Gabriel Viardot (1830-1906) established a name for himself in France producing Chinese and Japanese style furniture...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Metal

Italy Set Two Embroidered Silk Pillows Japanese Style
Located in Brescia, IT
This set is composed by two pillows, totally hand made in pure Italian silk. The fabric has beautiful drawings in jade green with peach branches in Japonaise style. The two pillo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Silk, Polyester

Pair of Faience Oil Lamps, Attributed to Vieillard & Cie
By Jules Viellard
Located in London, GB
These wonderful oil lamps have been attributed to the prestigious ceramic company, Viellard & Cie. The firm was established in 1845 in Bordeaux, France. It was directed by Jules Viel...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Metal

Red Lacquer Chinoiserie Side Table
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Red Lacquer Chinoiserie Side Table This is a very auspicious piece, the top of the table has a scene showing 2 Cranes (birds of life) and th...
Category

Late 20th Century Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Theodor Larsen for Royal Copenhagen, a Pair of Porcelain Vases, Japanism
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Theodor Larsen for Royal Copenhagen. A pair of porcelain vases decorated in gold and black. Japanism. Signed TH.L. Measures: 20 cm x 10cm In very good condition. 2nd factory quality.
Category

Late 19th Century Danish Antique Japonisme Furniture

Charming Japanese Style Tray Attributed to l'Escalier de Cristal, France, c.1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Japanese style diamond-shaped tray attributed to l'Escalier de Cristal, representing lake landscapes in cartouches, and adorned in its center with a lunch scene with a Japanese couple in traditional dress, all highlighted by a gilded decor of flowering branches on a pink porcelain background. The whole is framed by a gilded openwork bronze mount ending on the sides by two handles. “L’Escalier de Cristal”, an old and famous Parisian firm, specialized in glass products and ceramics but also suggested furniture and bronze sculptures. It was led from 1885 to 1923 by Emile Pannier’s sons, who gave the name of Pannier Frères to the society, located at the corner of Scribe street and Auber street, next to the new built Paris Opera house. Their Japanese style creations were among many others much appreciated by the critics and the public. They were awarded many medals at various exhibitions, such as the Gold medal at the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition. Lots of artists participated in that world success, such as Emile Gallé, who gave to Pannier Frères the exclusive rights of some of his models, or François-Eugène Rousseau, who designed many vases and gave the model of his successful Japanese style dining-set as well. This set was made by the Creil et Montereau Manufacture. In the Japanese style furniture...
Category

1880s French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Rare Aesthetic Movement Wall-Light Attributed to G. Viardot, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
A large Japanese style four lights sconce attributed to G. Viardot, in shape of a dragon made in carved tinted wood, holding in its mouth a Japanese blossoming cherry tree branch, fr...
Category

1880s French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Antique Japonisme Vases
Located in London, GB
With an Arabesque rim and decorated with lizards, dragonflies and vines. These unusual vases reflect the European fascination Japan at the turn of the century and delightfully inco...
Category

Early 20th Century French Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century Japanese Armchair
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very dramatic 19th century Japanese carved armchair. Depicting mythical dragons to the arms and back, amongst clouds. Raised on carved cabriole legs.
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Japanese Style Gilt Brass Clock Set with Silvered Brass and Porcelain Mounts
Located in London, GB
This Japanese style clock set was crafted in France in circa 1880. The set consists of a central clock, which is accompanied by two vases. The central clock features a gilt brass rectangular body with a pitched top, like a pavilion roof. The roof is mounted with wavy, silvered brass forms, and topped by a silvered brass ball finial, with a pointed end, which is bracketed by wavy forms. Mounted onto the four corners of the clock’s front facade are silvered dragons and cloud-like motifs. The central panel is recessed, and contains the gilt brass circular clock dial, inscribed with Roman Numerals. The centre of the clock dial is decorated with embossed flowers and a circular, red form, with a painting of a bird at its centre. The dial is signed with the retailer’s name, ‘ALEX'R M HAYS, NEW YORK’. The space below the dial is ornamented with relief flowers, a black porcelain triangle, which is overlaid with floral designs, and a dark blue porcelain fan, decorated with buildings. They are accompanied by the porcelain figure of a Japanese woman, wearing a kimono and seated at a koto. Similar recessed panels, featuring porcelain birds and coloured geometric forms, decorate the sides of the clock body. These are mounted with wavy, silvered brass shapes, which serve as handles. The clock body is set on a rectangular, silvered brass base, which is raised up on four bracket feet, and features a cloud-like silvered brass apron. The vases that accompany the clock have tall, soft-edged rectangular bodies, and are decorated in a similar style to the central clock. They likewise feature silvered brass finials, handles and bases, and gilt brass bodies, which are decorated with embossed flowers, geometric painted porcelain shapes, and Japanese figures. Unlike the clock, however, the vases feature full-length portraits of standing Japanese figures. One vase depicts a woman, who wears a kimono and raised wooden shoes (geta), and who holds a parasol and fan. On the other vase, the image shows a man dressed in a haroi jacket, with a kosode and trousers underneath, and sandals on his feet. He holds a knife and circular, metal shield, and carries a katana sword...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Brass

Japanese Style Gilt Bronze and Enamel Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This beautiful clock set is designed in a fanciful Japanese style, known in France in the 19th Century as ‘Japonisme’. The style became highly fashionable in Europe after 1853, when ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

19th Century Japanese Armchair
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very dramatic late 19th century Japanese carved softwood armchair. Having mythical dragons entwined to the backrest and arms, raised on carved cab...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Pair of Oriental Chairs, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very stylish pair of late 19th century Japanese side chairs, each with wonderful carved leaves and orchids to the backs and legs.
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Gabriel Viardot , Solid Palisander Chair with Bronzes Design, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gabriel Viardot (attributed to), solid palisander chair with bronzes design, 19th century Ancient restorations.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Palisander

Pair of Brown and Blue Porcelain Lamps, Japanese Style, Late 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of baluster shape brown and blue porcelain lamps. Decoration of Japanese style figures in a cartouche framed with vegetals and flowers with deep blue and gold highlights. Mounte...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large Pair of 19th Century Oriental Armchairs
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive large pair of Japanese carved softwood armchairs, each depicting carved exotic flowers and foliage.
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Pair of Japanese late 19th Century Jardinières
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of late 19th Century Japanese jardinieres. Each having exotic brightly colored birds and flowers.
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

1970s Table Lamp on Japanese Lacquer Foot in the Style of Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Baambrugge, NL
1970s table lamp on Japanese lacquer foot in the style of Jean Claude Mahey. The lampshade has beautiful fringing. The fabric is in a good condition, although some slight discolorat...
Category

1970s French Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Lacquer

Oriental Carved Sofa, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A beautiful 19th century Japanese sofa, having carved classical oriental foliate, floral decoration, with mythical dragons to the arms and raised on scrolling cabriole legs.
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Softwood

Pair of Carved Japanese Carved 3D Dumb Waiters or Card Butler Greeters
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Pair of carved Japanese carved 3D dumb waiters or card butler greeters. A very unusual pair of 1920s dumb waiters, a Geisha and a Samurai, these 2 card butlers are hand carved, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japonisme Furniture

Huge Imari Vase with Email Painted with Birds and Kiku Flowers
Located in Weiningen, CH
Huge Imari vase with email painted with birds and kiku flowers.
Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Plaster Sculpture of a Samurai Warrior
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Plaster Sculpture of a Samurai Warrior The Samurai were a caste of warrior in Japan for over 7 Centuries, this plaster figure celebrates the Samurai i...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Japonisme Furniture

Japanese Indigo Antique Boro Futon Cover or Wall Panel
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Rare perfect antique collection Japanese Indigo Boro Futon cover : also to use. The rare antique boros are now valued as pieces of art, therefore they are...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Cotton

French Japonisme style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock
Located in London, GB
French Japonisme style gilt bronze and enamel mantel clock French, 19th Century Height 30cm, width 18cm, depth 14.5cm This fine mantel clock is of rectangular form, with a gilt bron...
Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Ormolu, Enamel

Perignem , Japanese-inspired ceramic vase, not signed, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Perignem, Japanese-inspired ceramic vase, not signed, circa 1950
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Painted Wood Five-Panel Folding Screen in the Japonisme Style
Located in London, GB
The front side of this French Japonisme folding screen has a fine oil depiction on wood of kabuki (typical Japanese opera) performers, one on each of the five panels; the reverse of ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

JAPANESE Wood Block Print by Paul Jacoulet, La Pipe a eau, 1952
Located in London, by appointment only
Limited Edition 85 & 121 / 350 Woodblock Print 'Korea Series' Signed in Pencil middle right Handmade paper with JP watermark. ​18 1/2 x 14in
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Paper

Exquisite Pair of Chairs Attributed to Gabriel Viardot, France, circa 1890
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rare and wonderful pair of "Pagoda" side chairs by Gabriel Viardot. Mahogany, with ivory and bronze detailing. The back medallions feature a dragon. Newly reupholstered with ve...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Satsuma earthenware vase with geishas, circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of slightly bulged Satsuma earthenware lamps with a gilt bronze mount. Beige background decoration with geishas surrounded with dahlias in outside scenes and flanked by a palm l...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Faience

Carved & Tufted Orientalist Armchair Attrib. to G. Viardot - France, 19th C
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Impressive Asian-style armchair carved with fretwork detailing, mother-of-pearl inlays and large carved lion's paw feet. Beautifully upholstered in 100% silk brocade with deep button tufting. The fabric is Tassinari & Chatel's Cernuschi collection. Attributed to Gabriel Viardot or Perret & Vibert (La Maison des Bambous).
Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture

A lacquer inro with applications of metal flowers
Located in Milano, IT
Inro in lacquer with applications of gilded and burnished metal flowers, depicting the blossoming of the cherry tree, on a nashiji background. The decorative branches on the inro we...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Koi Fish Bronze 1950s Set of 2
Located in Munich, DE
Lovely huge Japanese Solid Bronze Koi Fish Sculpture Vintage Art Work in a Rich Patina with Fabulous Detail. Legendary and Symbolic Beauty. The set has a beautiful patinated verdigri...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

A Japanese samurai menpo mask
Located in Milano, IT
Samurai menpo mask with the 'fierce' ressei expression, with the iron and red lacquer surface which gives the face deep and marked wrinkles. The generously...
Category

Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Rectangular Canvas with Storks Embroidery and Oriental Landscape, 1800s
Located in MIlano, IT
Antique rectangular canvas with storks embroidery and oriental landscape, 1800s Rectangular frame with wooden and plaster frame. Embroidered and depicting storks in a landscape with...
Category

1890s Asian Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Canvas

Emile-Auguste Reiber and Christofle & Cie A Chinese Archaic Style Bronze Vase
By Christofle, Emile Reiber
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Emile-Auguste Reiber (1826-1893) and Christofle & Cie A Chinese Archaic style bronze Baluster vase with black, silvered and gilded amazing patinas The body is decorated with cloud...
Category

1870s French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Magnificent, Monumental Japanese Bronze Lotus Leaf Planter, 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This is a rare and unique piece of Japanese verdigris bronze art. Meiji period (1868-1912) The sheer size, condition and unusual design in the form of a huge Lotus leaf, creating th...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1921 Wind Wall "Roe Deers in a Bamboo Forest" Wood, Paper, Silk
Located in Berlin, DE
Made in wood, silk, paper, 1921. Six-panel wind wall ( Rokkyoku byobu ) in Nihonga style. Used to separate interiors and enclose private spaces, among other uses. Signed: "Nanpo sho'...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Silk, Paper, Wood

Sculptural Table Lamp by Isamu Noguchi, UF1-0, Akari Series
Located in Schagen, NL
This wonderful handcrafted sculptural lamp was designed by the famous Isamu Noguchi in the 1950s. This Tri-colored (black, white, red) lamp was manufactured by Ozeki and Co Ltd. ...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Metal

Japonisme furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme furniture made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Tiffany & Co., Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı, and Makuzu Kozan. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $29 and tops out at $185,360 while the average work can sell for $2,527.

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