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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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Style: Japonisme
Period: Early 1900s
20th Century Japanese Silver Cocktail Shaker & Beakers by Samurai Shokai c.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century Japanese solid silver cocktail shaker and six beakers. Each tapered body features intricate dragon motifs adorning a spot hammered background. Hallmarked J...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Silver

Fabulous Antique Tiffany Chrysanthemum 5-Piece Coffee & Tea Set
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous Chrysanthemum sterling silver coffee and tea set. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. This set comprises 5 pieces: coffeepot, teapot, creamer, sugar, and waste bowl. In the ...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Meiji Era Japanese Kansai Style Cypress and Cedar Merchant's Tansu Chest
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning Japanese antique Meiji Era Kansai style cyprus and cedar merchant's tansu chest with multiple doors and drawers. The buttery soft original waxed finish is a rich golden br...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Iron

Set of 3 Japonisme style / Aesthetic Movement chairs, France, circa 1900
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Set of 3 chairs in Asian style. Japonism / Aesthetic Movement, France, circa 1900 Structure in good condition, traces of use. Damaged canings. Dimensions: height 92 cm width 48 cm...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

1900s Antique Japanese Elm Wood Cabinet with Iron Hardware & Patina Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the rich history and craftsmanship of our antique Japanese cabinet, a remarkable piece from the 1900s. Handcrafted from durable elm wood, this cabinet stands in e...
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Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Brass

Group of 6 Franco/Dutch 19th/20th Century Japonisme Style Komodo Dragon Chenets
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Group of Six Franco/Dutch 19th/20th Century Japonisme Style Gilt and Ebonized Bronze and Gilt-Bronze Figural Chenets (Andirons), Gilt-Bronze Figural Fire-Tools and Metal Fire-Screen. The tall orientalist flavor chenets, each surmounted with a figure of a Komodo dragon, the fire-tools comprising of tongs, a poker and a shovel, the large spark screen with decorative elements. The chenets stamped 'Belgium'. Circa: 1900. Japonisme[a] is a French term that refers to the popularity and influence of Japanese art and design among a number of Western European artists in the nineteenth century following the forced reopening of foreign trade with Japan in 1858. Japonisme was first described by French art critic and collector Philippe Burty in 1872. While the effects of the trend were likely most pronounced in the visual arts, they extended to architecture, landscaping and gardening, and clothing. Even the performing arts were affected; Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado is perhaps the best example. From the 1860s, ukiyo-e, Japanese woodblock prints, became a source of inspiration for many Western artists.These prints were created for the commercial market in Japan. Although a percentage of prints were brought to the West through Dutch trade merchants, it was not until the 1860s that ukiyo-e prints gained popularity in Europe. Western artists were intrigued by the original use of color and composition. Ukiyo-e prints featured dramatic foreshortening and asymmetrical compositions. Japanese decorative arts...
Category

Early 1900s Belgian Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bronze

LARGE ANTIQUE JAPANESE FLOOR STANDING PRINTING SCROLL LAMP SOLID MARBLE BASe
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this super rare and highly decorative, Japanese floor standing lamp which is an antique printing scroll fixed to a solid two piece marble base This is a very impressive lamp, I personally purchased this from Nice France of my antiques tour...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Marble

Japonisme bamboo side table
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Bamboo side table in Japanese style with 2 trays. The trays, in 2 sizes, are decorated in Japanese lacquer, with flowers and births.
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Lacquer

Large Antique Japanese Shibayama Inlaid Elephant Trainers Hardwood Coffee Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Antique Japanese Shibayyama inlaid coffee table depicting Elephant trainers in a compound This table is sublime, absolutely exquisite from every angle, circa 1900-1920, hand made in Japan, the Elephants and trainers have an Indian look...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Large Important Japanese Meiji Satsuma Covered Urn with Foo Dog
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Large Important Japanese Meiji Satsuma Covered Urn with Foo Dog. Large impressive Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) Satsuma porcelain covered urn...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair French 19th Century Japonisme Style Gilt-Bronze & Marble Chenets, Bouhon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of French 19th century Japonisme Louis XV style Gilt-Bronze and Marble Figural Chenets (Andirons) by BOUHON FRES, each depicting a flaming dragon atop an "L" shaped base surmounted with an allegorical gilt-bronze and marble urns with floral garlands and paw-feet, the base with a draped ormolu design and raised on tapered feet. Stamped: "B&H". Circa: Paris, 1890-1900. The bronziers Bouhon et Cie. Bouhon Frers. specialized in bronze-decorated fire-places and fire-fittings. These large and fine chenets are supreme examples of their output. The firm participated in the 1878 and 1900 Paris Expositions Universelles. Japonisme[a] is a French term that refers to the popularity and influence of Japanese art and design among a number of Western European artists in the nineteenth century following the forced reopening of foreign trade with Japan in 1858. Japonisme was first described by French art critic and collector Philippe Burty in 1872.[3] While the effects of the trend were likely most pronounced in the visual arts, they extended to architecture, landscaping and gardening, and clothing.[4] Even the performing arts were affected; Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado is perhaps the best example. From the 1860s, ukiyo-e, Japanese woodblock prints, became a source of inspiration for many Western artists.These prints were created for the commercial market in Japan. Although a percentage of prints were brought to the West through Dutch trade merchants, it was not until the 1860s that ukiyo-e prints gained popularity in Europe. Western artists were intrigued by the original use of color and composition. Ukiyo-e prints featured dramatic foreshortening and asymmetrical compositions. Japanese decorative arts, including ceramics, enamels, metalwork, and lacquerware, were as influential in the West as the graphic arts. During the Meiji era (1868–1912), Japanese pottery was exported around the world. From a long history of making weapons for samurai, Japanese metalworkers had achieved an expressive range of colours by combining and finishing metal alloys. Japanese cloissoné...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Japanese Ikebana Basket, Late 19th Century
By Ikebana
Located in Glasgow, GB
This is a very fine Ikebana basket from the late 19th century / early 20th century . The Japanese art of flower arranging is a highly ritualised process and this basket would have be...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Pair of Japanese Satsuma Table Lamps
Located in Houston, TX
This beautiful pair of lamps has relief decoration with enameled, painted, and gilt design. The lamps have been wired with European sockets; however, we can change the sockets to a h...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Japanese Fireman Hood with Stencil Inscription Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A well-preserved Japanese fireman's hood (known as hikeshi zukin in Japanese) circa 1900s, late Meiji period. Woven with thick cotton with sashiko (co...
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Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Cotton

Japanese Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful ceramic vessel in the form of Bo, the so-called monk's alms bowl from the studio of Japanese Potter Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one of the most established and collected ceramist from Meiji Period. Born as Miyagawa Toranosuke, Kozan established his pottery studio in Yokohama circa 1870s and later became one of the appointed artists to the Japanese Imperial household. His work was exhibited in many international fairs that the Meiji government participated at the turn of the century and won many grand prizes. Of a relatively large size, this piece was made as a decorative center piece for display. It was brilliantly decorated with underglaze paint of a green-on-green bamboo motif, using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting). As a result, the bamboos appear took on a three-dimensional quality as if appearing in a mist. Known as one of the most creative ceramists, circa 1887, Kozan started experimenting with new chemical colors from the West in the format of his porcelain glaze. New colors allowed him to create underglaze design that appeared bright, smooth and glossy. To create design that is realistic and dimensional, more common in the western paintings, he was inspired by the native Japanese ink painting technique developed around 1900 by Yokoyama Taikan...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Ink and Wash Scroll Painting by Watanabe Seitei
Located in Atlanta, GA
Watanabe Seitei, also known as Watanabe Shotei (1851–1918), was born in late Edo period. He was one of the earliest Japanese artists who visited and be...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Brocade, Silk, Paper

Rare Triptych Scroll Paintings by Watanabe Seitei Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of three paintings of ink and watercolor on silk mounted within brocade borders as scrolls by Watanabe Seitei (1851-1918). This is a very rare an...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Brocade, Silk, Wood

Japanese Glazed Ceramic and Silver Koro Incense Burner Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tri-pod ceramic incense burner (koro) by Japanese Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa late Meiji to the start of Taisho period (1890-1910s). A fine example of the artist's work belonging to the late part of his underglaze paint phase (started around 1887 until his death), the surface of the koro was painted in beautiful shades of blue to depict a continuous landscape not unlike a traditional ink and watercolor hand scroll. The rise and fall mountains recede and fade into the horizon and are dotted with groves of pines. The sky is painted with a beautiful subtle shade of pink, suggesting a time of sunrise or sunset. The koro is fitted with an ensuite reticulated sterling silver hoya (incense cover), pierced with swirling cloud and marked with "pure silver' in Kanji. The base is signed in underglaze blue "Makuzu Kozan Sei" within a double ring. The piece is beautifully potted in form and the decoration was done with expertise using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting), in order to achieve the striking landscape known as "Mountain and Water" with sense of dimensions and gradient, the poetic effects normally conveyed only by sumi ink staining on paper. The piece comes with an unsigned tomobako (wood storage box) of a recent age. Also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), Makuzu Kozan was one of the most established and collected ceramist from Meiji Period. Born as Miyagawa Toranosuke, Kozan established his pottery studio in Yokohama around 1870s and later became one of the appointed artists to the Japanese Imperial household. His work was exhibited in many international fairs that the Meiji government participated at the turn of the century and won many grand prizes. Being one of the most creative ceramists, Kozan started experimenting with new chemical colors from the West in the format of his porcelain glaze around 1880s. New colors allowed him to create underglaze designs that appeared bright, smooth and glossy. He even invented his own receipt of cobalt blue to achieve a much brighter yet softer shade, as evident on this vase. To create landscape that is realistic and dimensional, more common in the western paintings, he was inspired by the native Japanese ink painting technique developed around 1900 by Yokoyama...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Silver

Japanese Porcelain Glazed Vase with Dragon Design Mazuku Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A porcelain vase with dragon design by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), circa 1900s. The vase is made in what is considered early phase of his underglaze period during late Meiji era. In a classic baluster form, the surface of the vase was decorated with a slithering dragon in underglaze iron red circulating the exterior among pink clouds. The animated rendering of the dragon is fine and detailed, with five claws, scales, long tails and highlighted eyes. The pink cloud is misty and called Morotai or the hazy style, created with a unique technique developed in Kozan's studio called fuki-e by blowing the pigment powders onto the surface. Kozan Studio experimented with newly available colors from the west starting in the 1880s, which resulted in the expansion of the palette and style that bridged the east and west aesthetic tradition. Marked in underglaze blue on the base. Known also as Miyagawa Kozan...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vase with Delicate Hand Painted Floral Spray on Neutral Ground-Japan, early 20th
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Japanese porcelain vase delicately hand painted on an craquelure oatmeal colored ground. The brightly colored design is of prunus blossoms, chrysanthemums and several roosters all ou...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Enamel

"the Japanese and the Oriental" Plaques, Attri. to L. Hottot, France, circa 1900
Located in PARIS, FR
Important pair of metal with double patina plaques representing an Oriental woman and a Japanese woman, both dressed in traditional outfits, during the tea ceremony. Each is presente...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Metal

Japanese Antique Textile Panel of American Historical Great White Fleet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Nicknamed Great White Fleet, the sailing of the United States Navy battleships around the globe from December 16, 1907 to February 22, 1909 by order of Uni...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Brocade, Silk, Wood

Three "Kakiemon" Meissen Plates Decorated with Japanese Motifs, circa 1900
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Three "Kakiemon" Meissen plates decorated with Japanese motifs, circa 1900. Measures: 20 cm. In very good condition. Stamped. 1st factory quality.
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Rare Japanese Ceramic Glazed Bowl Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer is a rare ceramic bowl with overglazed design by the famed Japanese ceramic artist Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), circa 1906-1916. The bowl is rather unusual from the potter's repertoire with its unique glaze colors and decoration, and it likely belonged to a small series that Kozan made in and after 1906. A bowl of similar glaze and nearly identical dragon motif was recorded as a diplomatic present to the British royalty Arthur Connaught (1883-1932) when he represented King Gorge V in Japan in 1906. Other pieces, such as this bowl, were likely made with similar materials and designs afterwards. Essentially round in form, the bowl has a generous volume with six harmonious lobes. The bottom of the interior showcases a coiled dragon in red, green and gold slithering on a cobalt blue background. The roundel shares an echoing lobed perimeter, which is further outlined by red and turquois bands and rising sun design. The exterior of the bowl features six stylized Japanese camellias...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

French Japonesque Art Nouveau Lusterware Vase Clement Massier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A ceramic vase with iridescent glaze in the shape of an elephant foot cache pot by the legendary French ceramist Pierre Clement Massier (1845-1917). Massier is widely considered as t...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Silver

Antique Japanese Painted Vase Table Lamp. Cream Ceramic with Painted Figures.
Located in Houston, TX
Antique Japanese export vase lamp (circa 1900), newly wired for use within the USA. Sold without a shade (listed height measured to the top of the socket). This interesting lamp has...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Porcelain Vase Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking blue and white vase from the studio of Japanese Potter Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one of the most established and collected ceramist from Meiji Period. Born as Miyagawa Toranosuke, Kozan established his pottery studio in Yokohama circa 1870s and later became one of the appointed artists to the Japanese Imperial household. His work was exhibited in many international fairs that the Meiji government participated at the turn of the century and won many grand prizes. Of a relatively large size, this vase is decorated with underglaze cobalt blue using the novel technique developed by Kozan called Fuki-e (the blow painting). As a result, the bamboos appear took on a three-dimensional quality as if appearing in a mist. Known as one of the most creative ceramists, circa 1887, Kozan started experimenting with new chemical colors from the West in the format of his porcelain glaze. New colors allowed him to create underglaze design that appeared bright, smooth and glossy. He even invented his own receipt of cobalt blue to achieve a much brighter yet softer shade, as evident on this vase. To create landscape that is realistic and dimensional, more common in the western paintings, he was inspired by the native Japanese ink painting technique developed around 1900 by Yokoyama Taikan...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Ceramic Bowl Makuzu Kozan Utusushi Kenzan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare ceramic bowl with over glaze painted decoration by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan ((1842–1916). Unlike the better known works Kozan made for the expositions in the west and export to the foreign market, this piece exemplifies his work for the domestic market and the tea ceremony. The bowl was made in the so called "Utusushi" Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743), an celebrated Edo painter and ceramicist. Utusushi is loosely translated as "in the spirit of". It is not at all a simple imitation of a master, but a Japanese concept of embracing the spiritual essence of a master while the creator is free to mix in his or her own unique artistic interpretation and flavor. The bowl was made to hold fruits during the tea ceremony. It has a very distinguished form with a circular lower body morphing into a square upper portion that further opening with flared rim. The surface has a grey glaze onto which Asagao flowers (Japanese morning glory) on the vines were painted in a free and poetic style. White was used for the petals, green for the leaves with touches of gold highlight. Asagao, the symbol of the summer was rendered in the spirit of Ogata Kenzan, and interestingly the shape of the blossom echoes the unique form the bowl. It was likely reserved for the tea ceremony during the summer months. Under the base, Kozan was signed in black on an white porcelain plaque inlay. For two similar examples of Kozan's work Utusushi Kenzan, see Page 168-169 of the book: Sekai ni Aisa Reta ya Kimono Miyagawa Kozan Makuzu...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Porcelain Dragon Glazed Vase Mazuku Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A porcelain vase with dragon motif by Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), circa 1900s. The vase is made in what is considered early phase of his underglaze period during late Meiji era. In a classic elongated baluster form, the surface of the vase was decorated in an unusual pink mist on a white and aubergine background (called Morotai, the Hazy style), on which a flying dragon is showcased on the center. The dragon was outlined in iron red and filled with the aubergine color and was artistically emphasized on its bulging eyes, claws, scales and a long tail. It was the sole focus of the design circumventing the entire body of the vase. The imagery calls in mind the dragon decoration found in Korean...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Sumida Gawa Pottery Garniture, Japan, circa 1890-1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Sumida Gawa pottery garniture. Japan, circa 1890-1900.
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Rare Porcelain Bowl with Plique-a-Jour Design by Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
An extremely fine and delicate porcelain bowl from the studio of Japanese Potter Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one of the most established and collected cer...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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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