Meiji Furniture

Featuring Seven Japanese Macaques Form our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this Japanese Bronze Monkey Group by Shosai. The Japanese Bronze Group displaying a male father monkey and his infants playing around and being mischievous with Persimmon fruit. The monkeys modelled as Japanese macaque monkeys (snow monkey). The bronze okimono is beautifully patinated with a highly lifelike and naturalistic casting signed to the underside Shosai 正齊鋳. The Bronze group dates to the Meiji Period (1868-1912) circa 1885. Japanese macaque (snow monkey) is a terrestrial Old World monkey species that is native to Japan. They are known as snow monkeys because some live in areas where snow covers the ground for long periods each year hence their nickname. No other non-human primate lives further north or in a colder climate than the snow monkey. Individuals have brownish grey fur, pinkish-red faces, and short tails. Two subspecies are known and their conservation Status is of least concern. In Japan, the species is known as Nihonzaru ニホンザル, 日本 (Japan/Nihon) and saru 猿 (monkey) to distinguish it from other primates, but the Japanese macaque is the only species of monkey in Japan. The Japanese macaque features heavily in the religion, folklore, and art of Japan, as well as in proverbs and idiomatic expressions in the Japanese language. They are often seen in paintings, block prints and represented in all manner of carvings from Okimono to netsuke. Many of these art forms reside in the world’s most famous museums and collections, some of the most prominent pieces by artists such as Mori Sosen and Kawanabe Kyosai. In Shinto belief (Japan’s indigenous religion/nature religion) legendary mythical beasts known as raiju sometimes appeared as monkeys and kept Raijin (the god of lightning/storms) company. In another well known tale the three wise monkeys who warn people to “see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil” can be seen depicted in relief over the door of the famous Tosho-gu shrine in Nikko. Meiji Period was an era of Japanese history that spanned from 1868 to 1912. It was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people began to build a paradigm of a modern, industrialised nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western countries and aesthetics. As a result of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound and it affected the social structure, politics, economy, military, and foreign relations across the board. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji and was preceded by the Keio era and was succeeded by the Taisho era. Cultural Art during the Meiji Period was of particular interest to the government and they overhauled the art export market which in turn promoted Japanese arts via various world’s fairs, beginning in Vienna at the world fair in 1873. The government heavily funded the fairs and took an active role organising how Japan’s culture was presented to the world including creating a semi-public company named Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha (First Industrial Manufacturing Company). The Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha was used to promote and commercialise exports of Japanese art and established the Hakurankai Jimukyoku (Exhibition Bureau) to maintain quality standards. For the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, the Japanese government created a Centennial Office and sent a special envoy to secure space for the 30,000 items that would be displayed. The Imperial Household also took an active interest in arts and crafts, commissioning works by select artists to be given as gifts for foreign dignitaries further emphasising the high quality and importance of Japanese art. Just before the end of the 19th century in 1890, the Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist to the Imperial Household) system was created to recognise distinguished artists. These artists were selected for their exceptionally high quality wares and talent in their own industry. Over a period of 54 years Seventy artists were appointed, amongst these were ceramicist Makuzu Kozan and cloisonné enamel artist...

A Japanese Cloisonne enamel over gilt copper brush pot. Circa: late 19th century. The cylindrical form pot is adorned with polychrome floral, foliage and geometric motifs made in the...

This charming and rare hand-made, hand-painted Maneki Neko (beckoning cat) dates back to the Meiji period (1868–1912), showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. K...

This is a tasteful antique storage shelf made in the Meiji period. Made from cedar, the dark wood gives it a deep flavor. No nails are used for the joints, but the traditional "mor...

Just discovered from an old Kyoto area garden. Call or message us for details or to reserve. Please view our video. For the finest garden- an exceptional and spiritual representation of the Buddha expressed in this unique and substantial 10 feet five roof pagoda with four buddha images carved on base. Japan, a monumental antique stone pagoda...

A large pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Double Dragon Vases, 19th century. Japanese cloisonne enamel dragon vases are highly ...

A rare small Japanese, late Ming dynasty, silver wire white enamel vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of birds ...

A rare antique Japanese late Meiji Era tripod and covered enamel copper censer. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The sphere form censer koro is enameled with polychrom...

A large antique Japanese vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Two medallions with birds among flowers and human figures are presented on sides. Depictio...

A highly decorative antique Japanese Meiji Era enamel plate. The central part of the plate is enameled with a polychrome design with images of two fans adorned with traditional lands...

Sharing with you this lovely Japanese Imari bowl from the Meiji period. The intricate floral designs on the exterior, including the graceful chrysanthemums, symbolize longevity, resi...

An exquisite Japanese Meiji Period small lacquer incense box, kogo, in the form of a duck or goose, late 19th century, Japan. The delicate lacquer box, known as a kogo in Japanese, ...

This is a medium sized Tansu made in Japan. Made in the Meiji period (1860s-1900s), it is a gem of history and aesthetics. The material used is cedar wood. The drawer handles are ma...

A fabulous quality and impressive large Japanese hardwood Shodona from the Meiji period, the lovely carved pediment incorporating a large winged bird and having decorative C scrolls ...

This is an iron plate sliding door made in Japan. It is a rare door made in the Meiji period (1860s-1900s), and the craftsmanship of the time still lives on today. The structure is m...

Late 19th Century Large Two Swection Antique Japanese Kitchen Tansu A Kyoto Mizuya Tansu also known as a Gifu Mizuya Tansu from the Meiji Period (1868-19...

An antique Japanese Meiji era enamel brass bowl. The surface of the bowl is enameled with a polychrome images of butterflies and blossoming flowers on a cobalt blue ground surrounded...

Antique Japanese Woodblock - Utagawa Toyokuni l - 1816 (Honjo, Edo Period 1786-1865 Edo), Diptych, Actors Bandô Mitsugorô R) and Ichikawa Danjûrô (L) 日付: Japanese, Edo period Pro...

This is an old Japanese Bellows. In Japan, it is called "Fuigo". It was used in a private house in the Tohoku region of Japan. To make swords, etc., it is necessary to melt jade st...

This is an old Japanese black wooden box. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The material is cedar. This is black and beautiful. Afte...

A fine Japanese cloisonne hinged box with pheasant and autumn foliage, by Inaba Nanaho and the Inaba Cloisonne Company, Meiji period, circa 1900, ...

Okimono set of japanese hand-crafted and hand-carved figurines, in the shape of a pair of realistic red apples showing seeds and stem, made of ivory with a detached brown wooden base...

Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Trinket Box KOGO Attributed to Honda An antique Japanese copper trinket box with polychrome cloisonne enamel design. Early Meiji period...

This is an antique wooden flower stand from the Meiji period. At the time, it was used as a workbench by craftsmen. There are small marks on it, probably from using a hammer. A clo...

Huge Japanese red lacquerware gourd motif box, decorated in relief with Japanese gourds suspended from leafy branches and scrolling vines.

Made by the studio of the legendary Japanese imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916), this is a large porcelain vase glazed in a soft yellow color with a subtle gradient, on top of ...

This is an antique Japanese bamboo door. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made mainly of cedar and bamboo. It has a simple design that conveys the charm of the mater...

INLAID WITH A GOLD AND SILVER DEER From our Japanese collection we are pleased to offer this Japanese Damascene Box by Ashizuki. The Japanese Box of re...

A superb Meiji Era (1867-1912) intricately hand carved Japanese hardwood writing table with beautifully aged patina, warm wood coloring, richly figured grain patterns, and interestin...

Antique Japanese Meiji Classically Formed Bronze Vase, Signed, C1910 Measures- 10.75"H x 7.25"W x 7.25"D A classically formed bronze vase from the Japanese Meiji period, circa 1910...

This antique Japanese Imari porcelain plate charger dates to the Meiji period, circa 1880. It showcases a stunning blue and white chintz pattern with detailed floral and scrollwork m...

Attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki, 1845 to 1927, a pair of rare identical antique Japanese, late Meiji era, enamel vases. Each vase has an urn shaped body and a wide fluted neck. The b...

A Japanese covered Totai enamel on porcelain ginger jar. The ware is enameled with polychrome images of blossoming flowers, butterflies, and dragonflies made in the Cloisonne techniq...

This is an antique Japanese bamboo door. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made mainly of cedar and bamboo. It has a simple design that conveys the charm of the mater...

An impressive Imperial Meiji period Japanese throne chair which is finely and lavishly carved with dragons holding the eternal pearl in their mouths. ...

Introducing our exquisite low table, a stunning example of the beauty found in wabi-sabi and traditional craftsmanship. Originally used as a sewing workbench, this piece carries a ri...

This antique Japanese chest of drawers dates back to the Meiji period. This chest is made from sturdy cedar wood with a lacquer finish, and the iron handles add industrial elegance....

19th century Edo-Meiji period samurai Tantō knife/short blade sword and scabbard By: unknown Material: iron, metal, paint, steel, leather, wood, lacquer, metal Technique: forged, ha...

A pair of antique Japanese Meiji era cloisonne enamel lidded vases. The vases have a similar shape: a rounded body with a slightly tapered base and a domed lid. Each lid has a bronze...

A fine Japanese miniature kodansu constructed from Kaki wood (Persimmon) circa 19th century, late Meiji period. With its expressive exotic wood grains and exposed tenon construction,...

Introducing our exquisite low table, a masterpiece crafted from the finest materials. The tabletop is a single slab of cherry wood, while the legs are made from high-quality oak, bot...

An antique Japanese enamel over copper charger plate, Meiji era, 1880s. The plate is adorned with a polychrome image of three male figures with a large leaf on a turquoise ground mad...

A heavy and powerfully cast Japanese bronze model of a shishi or foo lion by Hideyama / Shuzan, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The dramatic lion, known as a shishi in Japan, is ca...

A pair of antique Japanese cloisonne vases from the Meiji period featuring an elegant form with high shoulders and a saturated brown color enamel. Decorated with mosaic patterns with...

Gorgeous Japanese early 20th century Meiji period six-panel byobu screen featuring a brushwood gate and fence with flowering chrysanthemums. The large screen is crafted with ink and ...

Contemporary Japanese decorative porcelain vase, hand painted on a stunningly shaped porcelain body in green with mesmerizing grape and vine motif in vibrant red, blue and green, asi...

A pair of antique Japanese brush pots, Meiji era, 1868 to 1912. The exterior of both matched pieces is enameled with polychrome enamel bloss...

A highly decorative 19th Century Japanese gilt lacquered cabinet from the Meiji period (1868-1912) the double hinged doors decorated with two eag...

If it is good enough for the Japanese emperor :) The painting's inscription says that it was painted in the artist's 82nd year, which would be 1913. In the early Meiji Period following the Buncho ideal of hasshu kengaku ('learning eight schools'), Kanpo expanded his talents to incorporate Western painting techniques and began studying oil painting with Kawakami Togai (1827-1881) and Kunisawa Shinkuro (1847-1877). He achieved notable recognition as an oil painter and apparently was awarded the honor of painting a portrait of the Empress Dowager. Later Kanpo returned to Nihonga and continued to receive numerous honors for his work. He received a silver medal (2nd place) at the Tokyo Prefecture Crafts Competition in 1887; 2nd place with a painting of peacocks...

A pair of Japanese cloisonne enamel early Meiji translucent enamel vases . Each vase has an urn shaped body, a wide neck, and a fluted base. The vases are adorned with polychrome ena...

Antique Meiji period Japanese satsuma style moriage vase featuring a multicolored floral enamel design in bold relief framing two scen...

A pair of identical antique Japanese copper vases with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Elongated baluster shape with pronounced neck. Floral ornament against...

An antique Japanese Meiji period Ginbari enamel vase. The ground of the vase is enameled in blue and cobalt blue shades. The vase is enameled with a polychrome image of a dragon over...

This is a small drawer storage made in Japan. The furniture was made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s) and is made of cedar wood. Iron is used for the handles, and t...

An antique Japanese late Meiji era covered Totai enamel on ceramic ginger jar. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The ware is enameled with a polychrome fan shaped medallions with blossoming flowers, bamboo trees, grapes, surrounded by a geometrical pattern made in the Cloisonne technique. The cover of the ware is decorated with polychrome fan shaped medallions with blossoming flowers. The neck and the lid are adorned with polychrome geometrical, and swirl motifs made in the same technique. Signed with red ink hieroglyphs, on the bottom. Totai Shippo...

A blanc de chine porcelain figure of the Buddha, Japanese, Kutani, circa 1900.

SPECTACTULAR CONVERSATION PIECE, RARE JAPANESE FINE ANTIQUE STAIRCASE CHEST. MEIJI PERIOD 1870’s – 1890’s. ENORMOUS STORAGE! An antique 9-step “kaidan” cabinet with 11 drawers and two large storage compartments. Has original handwrought hardware. Cabinet is in three sections. Fine Japanese craftmanship with original dove tail construction and hand forged drawer pulls. One of the most striking examples of a Japanese Kaidan Dansu...

Fabulous Japanese vase. The blue enamels are unusual and so nice. Marked at the body; The first two characters indicate a name: Xiang Feng (?) Followed by the character xie, mean...

A Japanese export silk embroidery of a Shinto shrine in original parcel gilt ebonized lacquer frame, circa 1890. 29 ¼ by 24 ¾ inches

Pair 19th Century Cloissone vases is an extraordinary example of the breed, displaying its well-preserved, rich coloration and exhibiting a large format design theme celebrating the ...