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.
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Textile, Acrylic
19th Century American Antique Japonisme Furniture
Sterling Silver
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic
Late 19th Century American Antique Japonisme Furniture
Sterling Silver
17th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Paint, Paper
20th Century German Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo, Rope, Paper
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Iron
Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Gold
1920s Chinese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
1860s English Antique Japonisme Furniture
Paper
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Bronze
16th Century Italian Antique Japonisme Furniture
Bronze, Metal
1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Wood
20th Century German Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo, Rope, Paper
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Iron
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Copper
Early 20th Century American Japonisme Furniture
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Iron
1940s Italian Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Cast Stone
2010s Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Copper
1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Fabric, Silk, Lucite
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wool
Early 1800s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Wood
1980s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Acrylic
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Bentwood
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Bronze
1920s British Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Paper
19th Century Italian Antique Japonisme Furniture
Shell, Wood
2010s Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Paper
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Stone, Metal
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Enamel
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Brocade, Silk, Acrylic
1920s British Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Paper
2010s Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Silver
1940s English Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Gold, Enamel
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Paper
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Stoneware
17th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Copper, Iron
1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Textile, Lucite
Early 20th Century English Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic
19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic
1980s Portuguese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Canvas, Oak, Plywood
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Bronze
1870s French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic
1880s French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Wood
Early 1900s German Antique Japonisme Furniture
Stoneware
2010s Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Danish Japonisme Furniture
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Wood