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Meiji Furniture

MEIJI STYLE

From 1868 to 1912, Emperor Mutsuhito oversaw an era of transformation in Japan. Formerly a country of feudalism and isolation, Japan entered an age of modernization influenced by newly established trade and exchange with the West. The Meiji period, or period of “enlightened rule,” also saw the global impact of the East Asian country’s culture. Japanese Meiji furniture was exhibited at expositions from Paris to San Francisco and created for export.

Prior to the Meiji era, furniture was mostly made by commission for the ruling class; now there were new domestic and international markets. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.

Meiji furniture made for Japanese homes and buildings constructed in Western styles resulted in taller tables, chairs, cabinets with large drawers and other features. The government invested in areas such as transportation and communication, and because people could freely choose occupations after the restrictions of feudalism, industries of various types were energized by expressive new ideas during those years. Art schools were formed and, for the first time, design was an area of study in the country, leading to the evolution of professional design as a career by the 1890s.

The work of Japanese designers was transmitted widely through lavishly illustrated pattern books that included designs for screens and lacquerware for the home. While screens today may be of use as decorative accents or partitions to ensure privacy in one’s space, Japanese screens were adorned with paintings and were featured in performing arts such as concerts, tea ceremonies and more. The color illustrations that characterize Meiji woodblock prints, a genre of Japanese art that grew out of 17th-century developments in printing and book publishing, depicted the sweeping changes that the era brought to East Asia.

Although it was a time of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions. From colorful porcelain table lamps with silk shades and hardwood tables decorated with dark lacquer to cabinets featuring iron hardware and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, Meiji furniture showcased Japan’s artistic heritage to the world.

Find a collection of antique Japanese Meiji period case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Meiji
Period: 20th Century
Japanese Satsuma Vase
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous hand-painted Japanese Satsuma vase, Meigi, circa 20th century, Japan. Beautiful hand-painted detail of colorful flowers and spider mum flowers around finished with gold de...
Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vase by Okamoto Ryozan for Yasuda Company
Located in Newark, England
MUSEUM QUALITY SATSUMA VASE BY OKAMOTO RYOZAN From our Japanese Satsuma collection, we are absolutely delighted to bring to market this exceptional Japanese Satsuma Vase by Okamoto...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Meiji Period Silver and Mixed Metals Cigar Decorative Box by Hidekuni
Located in Newark, England
From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to introduce this Japanese Silver and Mixed Metals Box by Hidekuni. The Japanese Box of large rectangular form lined in a dark asian ro...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Gold, Silver

Japanese Antique BK Middle Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese black drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is probably from the Tohoku region of Japan. The material is mainly cedar w...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Large Japanese Dragon Design Cloisonne Enamel Plate
Located in New York, NY
A large Japanese enamel plate charger. The plate is enameled with a polychrome design representing a pair of dragons surrounded by fire and cloud...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Antique Low Table, Maiji Era'1890-1912', Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique low table was crafted in the Maiji Era (1890-1912). Made of chestnut wood, the table features a calm, rich brown color that gives it a timeless appeal. Its low height ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Chestnut

Exquisite Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Dragon Motif Vase, Meiji / Taisho Period
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Enamel Vase, likely from the Meiji period (1868–1912) or possibly the early Taisho period (1912–1926). The vase features a dynamic depiction of a Japanese...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Copper

Japanese Doll Set With Screen And Other Pieces
Located in New York, NY
A set of mid 20th century Japanese Sato Hakata Urasaki genuine clay dolls, hand woven textile, screen and othe pieces. The dolls are adorned with hand crafted and hand painted tradit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Textile, Clay

Japanese Antique Tansu 1860s-1920s / Chest of Drawer Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old chest of drawers made in Japan. This piece of furniture dates back to the Meiji period (1860s-1920s). The main material is cedar, with chestnut wood used only for...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Chestnut, Cedar

Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese black drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is probably from the Tohoku region of Japan. The material is mainly cedar w...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese black drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is probably from the Tohoku region of Japan. The material is mainly cedar w...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese small drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). This is a "Shonai chest" chest made in the Tohoku region of Japan. It is chara...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Satsuma Vases, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous pair of Japanese earthenware Satsuma vases, hand-painted, Meiji period, circa early-20th century, Japan. Vases' beautiful decoration is high-quality, hand-painted, and ext...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Japan Tall Antique Kasuga Stone Lantern
Located in South Burlington, VT
An antique beauty with all original pieces. Japan, a tall and stone lantern with engraved designs, carefully crafted in six pieces for ease of portability. Dimensions: 65 inches ta...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Stone

Japanese Two Section Mizuya (Kitchen) Tansu, Meiji Period
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Two Section Mizuya (Kichen) tansu, Meiji period. Handmade with Japanese hinoki (cypress), sugi (cedar) and zelkova (keyaki) wood with handforged metal handles. Top section has four ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood. The handles are made of iron. The design is ultimately simple...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique BK Large Cabinet 1860s-1900s / Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account consists of 5 companies. I specialize in selecting and carefully selecting Japanese antiques. With 20 years of experience, I will re-propose Japanese antiques from a new...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Red Samurai Armour Beginning of Meiji period 1900s
Located in Paris, FR
This is an armour of samurai. It was made around 1900s in Meiji era. This armour was not used in actual war so it was made as decoration, because of that, it is in good condition as its age. There are some scratches and missing parts, if you need some more information, please let us know, we will respond you as soon as possible and send more photos. This armour can be folded in a box. The box is getting damaged so it is not in good condition. We might send this armour in other box. Dimensions: 50 x 50 x H170 cm Scholars agree that Japanese armour first appeared in the 4th century, with the discovery of the cuirass and basic helmets in graves. During the Heian period, the unique Japanese samurai...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Metal, Iron

Large Japonese Vase Satsuma Circa 1930
Located in Austin, TX
Large Japonese Vase Satsuma Circa 1930. H / 13 inches.
Category

1930s Japanese Vintage Meiji Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Antique BK Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Cabinet Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old black chest of drawers made in Japan. This furniture was made in the Meiji era. (1860s-1900s). The material is made of cedar wood. The design is simple and rustic...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood and pine. The handles are made of iron. This is almost in its o...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar, Pine

Signed Ando Jubei Green Wireless Cloisonné Vase Large 10"
Located in Somis, CA
A large masterpiece of Ando Jubei wireless cloisonné vase at an exceptional 10" height. In his signature green enamel, portraying an intricate arabesque design of a blooming clematis...
Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Pair of Korean Bandaji Side Tables / Nightstands Ca. 1920s
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of Korean Bandaji (blanket) chests on stands with intricate brass-work and hardware, and original interior printed rice paper lining. Were used as night stands by prior owner. ...
Category

1920s Korean Vintage Meiji Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Hawk Floral Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vase with an eagle. Circa early 20th century, 1900s. The vase is decorated with an autumn landscape with white chrysanthemums and an image ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood. The handles are made of iron. The design is ultimately simple...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Tea Set
Located in Newark, England
Extensively Decorated with Traditional Japanese Images The Tea Set comprises of fifteen pieces including six cup and saucers, a lidded teapot, a lidded sugar pot and a milk jug. The...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Metal, Enamel, Metallic Thread

Japanese Antique Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Cabinet Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old middle size Tansu made in Japan. The furniture was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is made of cedar wood. The drawer handles are made of iron, which giv...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese Bronze Meiji Period Bronze Sculpture of a Usagi (Rabbit)
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Japanese Bronze Meiji Period Bronze Sculpture of a Usagi (Rabbit) Japan, Circa 1900 Immerse yourself to the elegance of Meiji-era Japan with this stunning bronze sculpture depictin...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Old Stand 1860s-1920s/Antique Chair Stool Wabisabi Stepping Stone
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is an old Japanese stand. Furniture from the Meiji era. (1860s-1920s) The material is cedar. Originally used as a stepping stone, Please use it as a display stand. The beautiful...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer. This furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood. The drawer is tasteful, rustic, simple and beautiful. There is no wa...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japan Tall Antique Classic Kasuga Stone Lantern
Located in South Burlington, VT
An antique beauty with all original pieces. Japan, a tall and stone lantern with engraved designs, carefully crafted in six pieces for ease of portability. Dimensions: 68 inches ta...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Stone

Rare Japanese Meiji Period Moriage Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Newark, England
Very Rare Moriage Netting From our Japanese collection, we are thrilled to introduce this fine Japanese Moriage Cloisonne Enamel Vase. The Cloisonne Enamel Vase of baluster form wi...
Category

1910s Japanese Vintage Meiji Furniture

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Satsuma Earthenware Vase Taizan for Hattori
Located in Newark, England
Meiji Period (1868-1912) From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vases. The Satsuma Vase of hexagonal form with a slight waisted neck and tight rounded rim is extensively decorated with multiple figures to two large scenes. The first scene features a beach with waves to the background and a plethora of figures including multiple geisha holding traditional Japanese wagasa’s. The second scene follows on from the first with a large building in the foreground holding figures on a large platform under a pagoda roof with a pagoda building in the background and further figures in the foreground. The scenes are framed by a full detailed border with gilt shapes, flowers amongst pink shaded backgrounds and butterflies around the neck. The Satsuma Vase is unusually signed Fine Art, Satsuma Ware, Dai Nippon (Great Japan), Hattori Made, Gosuido Works, Taizan Painted. 美術, サツマヤキ(薩摩焼), 大日本, 服部造, 五スイ堂工, 對山画 and dates to the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and the turn of the 20th century circa 1905. Satsuma ware is a type of earthenware pottery originating from the Satsuma province in Southern Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island. Wagasa are traditional Japanese umbrellas made of washi paper attached to a bamboo frame and treated to ensure it is waterproof. 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...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Japanese Antique Tansu 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Cabinet Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Tansu made in Japan. This furniture was made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s) and is a gem of Japanese craftsmanship. The body is made of cedar wood...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Chestnut, Cedar

Japanese Antique Rustic Table 1860s-1900s / Dining Table Wabi Sabi Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese Rustic table. It has a simple style with a wooden board on top of the "Usu". The "Usu" was used for crushing nuts and kneading rice for mochi. Generally,...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Small Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Nightstand Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old small drawer storage made in Japan. It was made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s) and is made of cedar wood. The handles are made of iron, giving it a...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Meiji Style Antique Teakwood Dragon 20th Century
Located in Lomita, CA
The year of the dragon shines an additional spotlight on this beautiful antique teakwood sculpture. The detail and the patina are amazing. The hand carved dragon takes on a lifelike ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood, Teak

Japanese Antique Large Paper Boro / Wall Decoration /Wabi-sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is a large old Japanese paper, and it is speculated that it may have been used for sericulture. The appearance of being randomly pasted to increase the thickness of the paper h...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Paper

Japanese Antique Satsuma Pottery Buddhist Monks Vase with Shimazu Crest Mark
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful Japanese Satsuma pottery studio vase featuring multiple kesa-clad enlightened Buddhist monks on each side of the vase. The piece is finely detailed with rich raised gilt highlights throughout and beautifully decorated in gold and various hand painted other colors. From the Meiji period (1868-1912). This piece has the all-important Shimazu Family crest mark (red circle with a cross inside) on the base authenticating the work as an old and original Satsumaware work. The mark shows the pottery was made under the rule of the Shimazu clan. From a Los Angeles Collection...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Japanese Antique Drawer Storage 1860s-1920s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old drawer storage made in Japan. It is a historic piece of furniture made during the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s). The material is cedar wood. The handles are m...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Koho Shoda Signed Japanese Meiji Woodblock Print A Watermill Affixed to a Shed
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully and serenely composed image by renowned Japanese artist/printmaker Shoda Koho (1871-1946). This work titled "A Watermill Affixed to a Shed" is from his Nishinomiya Yos...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Paper

Japanese Antique Simplicity Box 1860s-1920s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old box made in Japan. The furniture was made in the Meiji period (1860s-1920s). The material is Cedar wood, which is very expensive t...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Seated Praying Buddha Handsome Antique Stone
Located in South Burlington, VT
An older and substantial late 19th to early 20th century stone Buddha/Jizo Guardian sculpture in a mudra of prayer Good garden candidate In Japan, Kṣitigarbha, known as Jizō, or re...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Stone, Granite

Japanese Antique Drawer Natural Color 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood. The handles are made of iron. The reinforcing brackets are mad...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Chests Of Drawers, Meiji Era'1868-1912', Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This is a Japanese chest of drawers crafted during the Meiji era (1868-1912). Featuring a slim design, it offers practical storage with six drawers. The wood shows areas where the f...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Large Black Tansu 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old large Tansu made in Japan. This furniture was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The material used is cedar wood. The iron metal fittings in the center add an...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese antique bamboo woven basket/wall hanging vase/1868-1920/Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a woven bamboo basket made in Japan from the Meiji to Taisho periods (1868-1920). I don't know if the baskets actually used by farmers were repurposed as flower vases, or if ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Antique Wood Cabinets, Wabi Sabi, Japandi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Drawer with Bookcase 1860s-1920s / Nightstand Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a drawer storage with an attached book stand made in Japan. It was produced between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s). This antique furniture reflects the Japanese l...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Signed Ando Jubei Green Baluster Cloisonné Vase
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful pristine condition Ando Jubei wireless cloisonné vase in baluster form. In his signature green enamel, portraying an intricate arabesque design of a blooming clematis vin...
Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Metal

8 Antique Japanese Imari Meiji Scalloped Porcelain Salad Dinner Plates 9"
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of 8 early 20th century Japanese imari porcelain salad / dinner plates with scalloped edges, hand painted with fan-like panels of landscapes and flowers, surrounded with designs ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Antique Huge Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Cabinet Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a huge old Japanese-made drawer storage. The furniture was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is made of cedar wood with rustic and practical iron hardware on the...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Large Black Tansu 1860s-1900s / Cabinet Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a large black Tansu made in Japan. It was made in the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is made of cedar wood with iron handles. Generally, horizontal Tansu is seen in many case...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Kichizaemon Raku Seinyu XIII "13th" Signed Antique Japanese Raku Chawan Tea Bowl
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderfully glazed, impeccably made Chawan tea bowl by famed Japanese master potter the 13th Kichizaemon Raku, Seinyu (1887-1944) who was the eldest son of Konyu - the 12th Kichizaemon of the Raku family line of potters - known as the most noted and celebrated tradition of pottery within the world of Japanese tea. Kichizaemon Raku was the 13th master to carry on the family's esteemed name and tradition. The bowl features shifting textures and deep, rich colours which radiate in the light. The term "Raku" was derived from the site where clay was dug in Kyoto in the late 16th century. The Kanji character for Raku translates to "enjoyment" or "fun/delightful" For 15 generations it has been the title and seal used by a lineage of potters whose work formed the central tradition in Japan. This lineage believes that 'Raku' refers to the potters who use the technique, not the technique itself. In the 16th century, the first of these potters, Chojiro is said to have come under the patronage of the Japanese tea master, Sen-No-Rikyu. According to legend, in 1598 a few years after Chojiro's death, ruler, Hideyoshi Toyotomi bestowed upon his adopted son, Jokei, a golden seal with the written symbol "Raku." Both the name and the ceramic style have been passed down through the family to the present ever since. The name and the style of ware have become influential in both Japanese culture and literature. Raku ware marked an important point in the historical development of Japanese ceramics, as it was the first ware to use a seal mark and the first to focus on close collaboration between potter and patron. Other famous Japanese clay artists...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Japanese Meiji Solid Silver Repousse Dragon Photo Picture Frame 1900
Located in Portland, OR
Antique Japanese Meiji period solid silver dragon photo/picture frame, circa 1900 This early-20th Century Japanese Meiji period solid silver water dragon photo frame is of exceptiona...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This low table was loved by craftsmen as a "workbench" during the Meiji period. The wood grain, which has deepened with age, is reminiscent of the warm lifestyle of that time. A cu...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Wabi Sabi Small Drawer 1860s-1900s
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Antique Japanese Folding Chamber Screen / Paravent 20th century Japan Cranes
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A super nice Meiji period 19th c Japanese Chamber Screen. Also usuable as wall mounted screen. Stunning piece!
Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Meiji furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji 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 asian art and furniture, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji 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 Satsuma, Kinkozan, Ando Jubei, 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 $65 and tops out at $190,804 while the average work can sell for $2,112.

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