Meiji Furniture

Large Japanese Meiji period cloisonné enamel vase with a stand Japanese, Late 19th Century Vase: Height 155cm, diameter 70cm Base: Height 45cm, width 51cm, depth 51cm Total: Height 2...

An antique Japanese Meiji period two-part tansu chest from the late 19th century with dark red lacquer, iron hardware, small safe and carrying handles. Created in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), this wooden chest called an Isho-Dansu chest is a fine example of Japan's traditional mobile cabinetry. Tansus were portable chests...

An antique Japanese Meiji era enamel over brass charger plate. The plate is superbly enameled with polychrome patterns, including three fans showing flowers and birds, the background...

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...

This elegant pipe of white brass and bamboo dates to early 20th century Japan and was used for smoking finely shredded tobacco (kizami-tabako). Known as a rao-kiseru, these short smo...

A 19th-century Japanese solid wood storage box in excellent condition, exemplifying fine craftsmanship and timeless design. Featuring two full-depth drawers and a large deep top comp...

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,...

A pair of antique Japanese Meiji period vases, each features a midnight blue ground and is decorated with silver wire and colored enamels t...

A large impressive antique Japanese Mizuya Tansu cabinet (kitchen chest) in 2 sections, made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Chestnut woods. All original...

An antique Japanese Meiji era enamel bowl. The bowl is covered with polychrome enamel foliage and floral patterns made in the Plique a Jour technique. Mounted on three legs. Circa: e...

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...

Taizan Yohei IX Style From our Japanese collection we are delighted to offer this pair of Japanese Satsuma Vases by Kinkozan. The Satsuma Vases of baluster shape made from earthenwa...

Cylindrical jars glazed with striated colors in the top background. With overall dense raised colorful decoration of a mythological scene with a variety of figures. A prominent figur...

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 ...

Superb pair of Japanese large Meiji period Fukagawa signed porcelain vases (circa 1900). Intricately hand-painted in cobalt blue underglaze with polychrome and gold overglaze on a st...

An impressive and large Japanese Imari bowl with a golden spotted hare or rabbit, early Meiji Period (1864 to 1912), mid 19th century, Japan The fantastic Imari bowl featuring a c...

Nice Japanese glove box in red and black lacquered wood dating from the end of the 19th century. It is decorated with delicate gold, black and white flowers and foliage on all its vi...

A wonderful serene Japanese Amida Nyorai Buddha statue/sculpture with gilt decoration - likely applied as temple or shrine blessing or offerings. The B...

An antique Japanese Meiji Era enamel over brass brush pot. The surface of the rounded bowl is enameled with a polychrome images of blossoming flowers on a white and blue ground surro...

A Japanese ukiyo-e triptych, this framed Kabuki theater woodblock print captures the energy and drama of Edo-period performance. The scene unfolds across three panels, each meticulou...

Sharing with you this lovely and well made Vase. The shape and color are truly beautiful. Country of origin: Japan Period: 19th century Condition Condition. 1 Large hairline. Size: ...

A large early Meiji period Japanese tansu/sideboard A really nice mid/late 19th C. Japanese sideboard/tansu. It was likely to be used as a coun...

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...

An exquisite Japanese miniature cloisonné chest by Inaba Nanaho of Nagoya, finely crafted in the early 20th century, bridging the Meiji and Taishō ...

Large Japonese Vase Satsuma Circa 1930. H / 13 inches.

19th century Shibayama four Panel screen Meiji Period Japan C.1880 Mother of pearl inlay in black lacquer depicting a bird in relief with cherry blossom. The lower section with gilt panels, and the reverse red lacquer with tree silhouettes.

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...

19th century Meiji Period diminutive bronze vase with lovely etched and applied decoration. A raised gilt bird is shown flying above etched bamboo on one side, gilt applied lilies wi...

Antique Japanese Four Panel Byobu Screen: Mandarin Ducks by Snowy Pond in Early Spring. Kano School painting of a weeping willow tree with branches over a stunning indigo blue pond. ...

Antique Japanese Nabeshima Carpet (Dantsu) Nabeshima dantsu (carpets) are some of the earliest examples of rug making in Japan. The original weavers learned their craft from Chinese...

A fine antique Japanese Meiji period Kutani porcelain vase. By Matsumoto Sahei/Shoundo. In an aka-e style decorated throughout in iron red with extensive gilt accents. There are cartouches to either side both with branches of red flower with a backdrop of clouds on a white ground. With 2 figural dragon finial handles. Marked to the base with '九谷松雲堂製' which translates as 'Made by Shoundo of Kutani' Matsumoto Sahei (1851-1918) was a master potter who enjoyed success & recognition during his era. In 1876, Sahei received the artist name Shoundo from the nanga painter Tokuda Kansho - he would use that title for nearly 20 years until passing it onto his son as his successor in 1893. Sahei also has the distinction of taking Tokuda Yasokichi I as an apprentice when the latter was 17-years-old. The Tokuda family is perhaps one of the most famous families of Japanese ceramics: Yasokichi I is credited with revitalizing the lost art of ko-Kutani and Yasokichi I, II, & III were all recognized as "Living National Treasures" during their lifetimes. Shoundo exhibited internationally numerous times at the tail end of the 19th Century. The Keisei Isogaya Museum of Art (which specializes in Meiji Kutani) has a vase of Sahei's that was exhibited in the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition of 1876. He is listed as exhibiting a wide variety of porcelain goods at the 1878, 1889, and 1900 Paris World Exhibitions. He is also listed as exhibiting 'incense burners & porcelain' at the World's Columbian Exhibition held in 1893 in Chicago. The pair of vases that Sahei exhibited in Paris in 1900 bear a strong resemblance to this pair. Simply a wonderfully rare Japanese porcelain...

A pair of large antique Japanese, late Meiji era, enamel copper vases. The urn shaped vases are adorned with polychrome images of birds in blossoming flowers against a bright turquoi...

Very nice set of Bronze Dragon vases. Meiji period . Japan Beautiful warm color and patine . so decorative .

The Inro is comprised of three stacked compartments and features a deer motif with mother of pearl accents, an ojime and a wooden frog netsuke. Inros were used to store items like m...

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 ...

For your consideration, a most distinctive pair of similarly styled Japanese archaic style urns from the late 19th century, repurposed as highly decorative table lamps. Japan, Meij...

This exquisite 19th-century Imari porcelain dish features a shallow octagonal form, richly decorated with hand-painted peonies, insects, and floral panels. A beautiful example of the...

An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne enamel vase. Baluster shaped vase richly adorned with multicolor floral motifs within swirl and scale like patterns. Decorated with a few m...

Large Two Section Japanese Kitchen Tansu, Late 19th Century. Interior bottom section has been modified to accommodate a TV. Part of the back bot...

Meiji Period Silver Oxidized Screen Period: Meiji Size: 174 x 174 cm (68.5 x 68.5 inches) SKU: PTA107 Step back in time with this Meiji period screen, where the allure of silver ox...

Sharing with you is this nice satsuma miniature vase decorated with wisteria. Marked: Hotoda Condition Overall Condition Perfect. Size 91mm high Period Meiji Periode (...

A stunning authentic antique Meiji Era (1867-1912) Japanese pearl and shell inlaid profusely hand carved hardwood chair with beautifully aged patina, warm rich coloring, dark grain d...

It is a work drawn by Doun as you can see. It is a simple yet calm white plum blossom map, which is very tasty. ¦Paper books and handwriting. ¦ State ...

A Bronze Garden Statue Of A Crane, Japanese Realistically modelled with natural verdigris. Provenance: John Dunn Antiques. Dimensions: Height:...

A pair of large antique Japanese Meiji Era enamel over brass vases attributed to Hayashi Kodenji, Japanese, 1831 to 1915. Circa: 1900s. Unsigned. The baluster form vase is enameled with polychrome images of gold sparrows in blossoming flowers made in the Cloisonne technique. Hayashi Kodenji was a pivotal figure in the history of Cloisonne enamel manufacturer. He was instrumental in the formation and leadership of the Shippo cho enamellers guild, and it is probable that he worked for the Nagoya-based Shippo Kaisha. He exhibited and won prizes at many international exhibitions: Nuremberg 1885 Silver, Paris 1889...

A fine two part Japanese tansu chest in cypress and kiriwood, the upper part with oxblood stained top, two fitted large drawers, and a single fitted small drawer, over a single fitte...

An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome ginbari cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, Squat round shape, long neck and decorative side handles. Green body with red and y...

A Special Antique Interior Lighting Choice- One Of Kind And Over 100 Years Old Japan, a well loved antique heavy bronze shrine lantern with attractive Hoju jewel finial, heart shape...

An antique Japanese, Meiji era, enamel vase. The urn shaped vase is enameled with a polychrome design representing a dragon made in the Cloisonne technique. The neck is adorned with ...

Antique Meiji period Japanese Kutani Vase 19th century Red and White. Quality painting work. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Japanese Style: Kutani Region of ...

Playfully carved out of boxwood, this Meiji period hyottoko noh mask netsuke features a figure of a crouching man on the reverse. In Iwate Prefecture, there is a myth about the origi...

Description Nice and Beautifully painted of nice quality. Featuring floral motifs in green and yellow Marked at base, 'Made in Japan' And also a carved mark from Fukagawa Seiji. Co...

Fascinating Japanese 19th century meiji period two panel folding byobu screen. The screen features flowering autumn plants and grasses: chrysanthemum, brush clover, Chinese bellflowe...

Impressive Imperial Japanese Meiji period Elm Dragon storage bench. Features high relief carved accents and under seat storage. From top to bottom this piece is adorned with three to...

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 very strong woodblock print - Fantastic depiction of the naval Battle of Haiyang Island during the Sino-Japanese War. An explosion rocks a Chinese ship at right, severing the mast...

High Quality Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Vase Blossoming Wisteria and Iris's An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, ena...

Very old Japanese small drawer. This furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood. The round handles are made of iron. These drawers are tasteful, rust...

A highly decorative antique Japanese Meiji period bowl decorated with cloisonne enamel patterns. The interior of the bowl is adorned with several panels with traditional benevolent s...

Charming beckoning cat with left paw raised is a gilded and hand painted porcelain piece from the Kutani region of Japan. The beckoning cat comes in two varieties. The more common right-handed beckoning cat (with right paw raised) is said to bring money and wealth to its owner, and are to this day frequently seen in shops and restaurants in Japan. The less common left-handed cat is said to be inviting friends and acquaintances to hearth and home. While the origins of the Japanese beckoning cat (known as maneki neko (in Japanese) are unclear, contemporary woodblock...