Japonisme Furniture
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.
2010s Asian Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Oak, Plywood
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Pine
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Polyester
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Metal
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Textile, Acrylic
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Metal
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
2010s Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
1940s English Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Gold
Late 20th Century Japonisme Furniture
Metal
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Brass, Metal
20th Century German Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo, Paper, Rope
1870s American Antique Japonisme Furniture
Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Dutch Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic, Paint
2010s Asian Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Plywood
2010s Italian Japonisme Furniture
Silver
17th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Brass
1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Copper, Iron
1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Fabric, Silk, Lucite
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Abalone, Lacquer
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Metal
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood
1970s Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Glass, Oak
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood
1980s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Maple
1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Granite
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Aluminum
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Gold
2010s Danish Japonisme Furniture
Stainless Steel
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Japonisme Furniture
Wool
20th Century German Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo, Paper, Rope
1930s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Rattan, Wood, Parchment Paper
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Bronze
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Bronze
Late 19th Century American Antique Japonisme Furniture
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Japonisme Furniture
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Earthenware
2010s Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Brass
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Oak
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Canvas, Oak, Plywood
2010s Asian Japonisme Furniture
Smoked Glass, Wood, Plywood
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Stoneware
1870s French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Metal, Bronze
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
1810s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Brass
2010s Dutch Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic, Paint
1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Silk
1940s Italian Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Cast Stone
1880s French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Wood
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Iron
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Iron
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Boxwood
1880s French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Enamel, Bronze
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood
19th Century English Antique Japonisme Furniture
Metal
1880s French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Art Glass
1870s French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Faience
2010s French Japonisme Furniture
Gold
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Iron
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic, Paint
Late 19th Century American Antique Japonisme Furniture
Sterling Silver
1880s French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Mirror, Wood
1880s French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Marble
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Wood
1860s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Brocade, Wood
1970s German Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo, Paper