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.
Organic Large Floor Lamp "Uchiwa I" by Ingo Maurer, 1974
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Organic Large Floor Lamp "Uchiwa I" by Ingo Maurer, 1974 Large organic floor lamp "Uchiwa I" for floor standing or wall hanging. Designed by Ingo Maurer, Germany in 1973, and produc...
Bamboo, Paper
Japanese Antique “Tamari-Ishi” Stone Object / wabi-sabi object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
An old carved stone object sourced in Japan. Featuring a deeply recessed center and a softly rounded form, the piece exists somewhere between natural formation and human interventio...
Stone
Japanese Shop Keepers Stool Late 19th Century Wabi - Sabi
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage Japanese shop keepers stool late 19th to early 20th Century. The stool has developed a rich patina from over the years of use. This stool has a storage compartment for holdin...
Wood
Small Japanese chest of drawers, circa 1900
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This small Japanese chest of drawers exudes authenticity and character. The piece is crafted from solid wood and features fine iron fit...
Iron
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1890
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1890s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and character. The cabinet...
Iron
Camellia Fruit by Yumiko Kuwahata / Bonsai / wabi-sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a bonsai creation by Japanese artist Yumiko Kuwahata. It is made from washi paper, clay, and fabric. The ceramic vessels are personally selected by the artist, who visits ki...
Clay, Grasscloth, Paper
$121,372Sale Price / set|35% Off
"Hana I" and " Hana II" Uchiwa Pendant Lights by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s
By M Design, Ingo Maurer
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Pair of rare "Hana I" and "Hana II" chandeliers from then Uchiwa series by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo and 6 rice paper fans. The chandeliers can ...
Cotton, Bamboo, Paper
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Large - Bronze Glass
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
The triangular Flow Coffee Table Large with rounded edges, contours its form by curved three legs. With the interlocking linear laths, the sculptural skeleton joins into the legs to ...
Glass, Wood, Oak, Plywood
Pair of Lacquered Wood Chinoiserie Gilt Decorated Floor Lamps
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome pair of lacquered wood floor lamps featuring a dramatic dark scarlet Japanned finish decorated with gilt Chinoiserie style foliate motifs. The lamps have turned wood columns...
Lacquer, Paint
$11,818 / item
Rare Uchiwa II Table Lamp by Ingo Maurer, circa 1970s
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Pair of rare table lamps by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo, rice paper fan and black lacquered iron. Socket: 1 x E27 or E26 (US) for standard screw bul...
Iron
Nambu Ironware Three-Legged Water Basin ②
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Nambu Ironware Three-Legged Water Basin Morioka/Mizusawa, Iwate Prefecture Mid-Showa Period (circa 1960s-1970s) This piece features the characteristic heavy iron surface of Nambu ir...
Iron
Antique Imari Porcelain Hand Painted Small Plate Tray Bowl, Japan 19th c.
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming small porcelain tray, bowl, or plate features a minimal shallow form, decorated in Imari style in cobalt blue, red, gold, and black palette. The underglaze cobalt blue is us...
Gold
$1,890 / set
Set of Two Satsuma Vases, Japan, 1920
By Satsuma
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of two beautiful Satsuma designed in Japan vases from the beginning of the 20th century , 1920s. Meiji-period. Hand-painted ceramic vases depicting men surrounding a geisha, fram...
Ceramic
Japanese stewartia by Yumiko Kuwahata / Bonsai / wabi-sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a bonsai creation by Japanese artist Yumiko Kuwahata. It is made from washi paper, clay, and fabric. The ceramic vessels are personally selected by the artist, who visits ki...
Clay, Grasscloth, Paper
Striped fig by Yumiko Kuwahata / Bonsai / wabi-sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a bonsai creation by Japanese artist Yumiko Kuwahata. It is made from washi paper, clay, and fabric. The ceramic vessels are personally selected by the artist, who visits ki...
Clay, Grasscloth, Paper
Japanese Antique Sculptural Mechanical Fragment ① / wabi-sabi object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Antique Wooden Mechanical Component (Possibly Watermill / Agricultural Machinery Part) Japan, Late Meiji to Early Showa Period (circa 1900–1930) A cylindrical wooden structure reinf...
Metal
Japanese Kabuto Samurai Helmet Display Sculpture in Bronze
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Japanese kabuto (samurai helmet) replica often displayed for Children's Day. These helmets are traditionally displayed on May 5th to wish for the strength ...
Bronze
$2,611 / item
KITA LIVING Wa Table
By Tuğberk Kurtaran, Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
Contoured by a delicate structure, Wa Table takes its name from the Japanese word “harmony”. It characterizes its presence in the balance of soulful forms and refined details. Craf...
Oak
Japanese Style Hand-folded White Paper Pendant Lighting "Siphonia"
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Elegant and at the same time soft and indirect light for a unique and personal home. This Japanese style white paper pendant lighting called Siphonia is hand-folded from almost 70 s...
Stainless Steel
E.Rousseau & E.Léveillé, Japonisme Vase “Épinoches” Collection G.Cappa c.1878
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Eugène Rousseau (1827-1890) & Ernest-Baptiste Leveillé (1841-1913) Japonisme tripod Vase “Épinoches” Unique Piece Collection Giuseppe Cappa France, circa 1878-1880 “Stickleback Fi...
Art Glass
Turned Wood Chinoiserie Floor Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Charming antique floor lamp, constructed of solid turned wood, with a hand painted Chinoiserie, Japonisme style, made in the US, circa 1900/30's. This example is in overall good, or...
Wood, Paint
Chess Game Set with Handmade Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Chessboard Black Lacquered
Located in Bochum, NRW
Chess Game Set with Handmade Board Made of Wood and Mother of Pearl Inlaid An early 1920s Chinese or Vietnamese Export black lacquered Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Chessboard. The Chessboard measures 38x38cm overall with 4 cm squares. Each square chessboard has an inlaid decor of birds and trees. Included are 32 bakelite chess...
Plastic, Bakelite, Wood
$1,300 / item
KITA LIVING Frame Table Elliptical - Charcoal Black
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
Defined by the sculptural woodwork, Frame Table Elliptical is an expression of gentle geometry. With the idea of creating a versatile table, it has a utilitarian perspective by offe...
Birch, Oak, Plywood
Coffee Table by "Inui Saburo" for Tendo Mokko, 1970's
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This exceptional coffee table, crafted from zelkova wood (keyaki), features an elegant curved design by Saburo Inui and was manufactured by Tendo Mokko in Japan during the 1970s. R...
Bentwood
Extra-Large Japanese Mingei Shigaraki Dobin Pottery Tea Pot
Located in Chiba, JP
Extra-large high-fired unglazed Shigaraki stoneware dobin tea-pot with such a wild vine handle, Showa period, 20th century, Japan, approx. H 44 x 35 x 19cm (17.32 x 13.77 x 7.48in)
Ceramic
Gabriel Viardot 19th Century Carved Wooden Dragon Crescent Mirror
Located in Hastings, GB
This rare and exceptionally detailed bevelled crescent moon mirror is an iconic example of the Japonisme movement, attributed to the renowned 19th...
Mirror, Sycamore
KITA LIVING Frame Lounge Chair - Oak Chocolate - Brown
Located in Bomonti, TR
Inspired by the sculptural forms, Frame Lounge Chair is a seating piece with a wider and lower design that presents a cocoon feeling to the person who sinks into it. With the idea of...
Canvas, Oak, Plywood
Japanese Stone Object medium / wabi-sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese stone object. This stone object has a beautiful black and beige gradation. An art object that gives you a sense of wabi-s...
Stone
Vintage kimono textile art "Moonlight sakura ~Transience~ IV" by ikasu Japan
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Certified Kimono Meister work / Certificate of Authenticity included One-of-a-kind Japanese textile art made from vintage kimono fabrics. Sustainable artwork for modern interiors, c...
Gold Leaf
Framed Hand Painted Japanese Scroll of Returning Cavalryman
Located in Greenwich, CT
Hand-painted Japanese silk scroll entitled 'Early Spring' depicting a cavalryman in intricately detailed armor returning home on his horse with his private infantry support by his si...
Silk
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Large - Oak Wood
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
The triangular Flow Coffee Table Large with rounded edges, contours its form by curved three legs. With the interlocking linear laths, the sculptural...
Wood, Oak, Plywood
Mid-Century Sommerso Cobalt Blue with Black Spiral Vase
By Soichiro Sasakura
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning, rare heavy handblown vase with cobalt blue and black spiral in clear glass by Soichiro Sasakura of Sasaki glass. Very contemporary aesthetic that would be perfect in reside...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso
Japanese sumac by Yumiko Kuwahata / Bonsai / wabi-sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a bonsai creation by Japanese artist Yumiko Kuwahata. It is made from washi paper, clay, and fabric. The ceramic vessels are personally selected by the artist, who visits ki...
Clay, Grasscloth, Paper
Mid-20th Century Japanese Hand Cast Bronze Rabbit Sculpture
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Japanese old vintage hand cast bronze animal rabbit hare figure. Bronze Okimono figural long eared rabbit hare from Japan. Fine quality hand cast hare from Japan Mount Fuji. This is ...
Bronze
Rare "Ju-Yon" Uchiwa Pendant Light by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s
By M Design, Ingo Maurer
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare Uchiwa pendant lamp mod. "Ju-Yon" by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo and 14 rice paper fans. Can be vertically extended and dismantled. Diameter: ...
Bamboo, Paper
Vintage Japanned Pen Box, Japanese, Lacquer, Calligrapher's Quill Case, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Japanned pen box. A Japanese, lacquered Papier-mâché calligrapher's quill case, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930. Charming desktop pen case, ideal for col...
Lacquer
Japanese black lacquer box, Japan, early 20th century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant antique Japanese box in black lacquered wood, decorated with a delicate gold motif depicting a bird perched on a flowering branch, acco...
Wood, Lacquer
Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Stacking Vintage Stool
By Isamu Kenmochi, Akita Mokko
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Designed by Isamu Kenmochi and produced by Akita Mokko, this stool is considered one of the icons of Japanese modern design. Kenmochi is known for his works that blend traditional J...
Wood
19th Century Japanese Bronze Vase
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Japanese bronze vase of classic form with a lovely rich patina. The vase has been drilled for wiring as a lamp. It will make ...
Bronze
Antique Worcester Porcelain Bowl Imari Style Dr Wall First Period England C-1755
By 1st Period Worcester Dr. Wall, Royal Worcester
Located in Katonah, NY
This mid-18th century First Period Worcester Porcelain bowl was made in England circa 1755. It is hand-painted in the beautiful Worcester Imari style ”Fan Pattern.” The pattern is al...
Porcelain
1980s Japanese Large Retro Golden Maneki Neko Beckoning Cat Coin Bank
Located in Chiba, JP
Large type retro ceramic ‘Maneki-neko’ coin bank, 1980s, Japan, approx. H 40 x W 24 x D 20 cm (15.74 x 9.44 x 7.87in). in rare very fine storage condition with just some expected sli...
Ceramic
Pair of 19th Century Japanese Arita Imari Porcelain Vase Lamps
Located in London, GB
A pair of antique Japanese Arita Imari porcelain vase lamps. Meiji period (1868-1913) Japanese porcelain vases decorated in bright enamels in Imari colours. The body is decorated wi...
Porcelain
Mid Century Brass Koi Fish Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Brass Sculpture of a Koi Fish. Overall good condition, Few spots of patina visible from age and use. Late 20th Century.
Brass
Fine Japanese Lacquer Takamakura Geisha Pillow, First Half of the 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A fine Japanese lacquer Takamakura Geisha pillow, first half of the 20th century. Depicting Shi-Shi Lion between peony and rock in gold, silver, red and ...
Abalone, Lacquer
$2,800 / set
Cast Stone Garden Pagodas A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Beautiful large pair of Japanese cast concrete Pagoda Garden Statues. These statues are made of durable, weather resistant concrete and have a muted stone-gray appearance with subtle...
Concrete
$1,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Japanese Geisha Princess Doll in Original Glass & Wood Case
Located in Plainview, NY
Japanese Geisha Princess Doll in Original Glass & Wood Case : This exquisite antique Japanese Geisha doll is a beautifully preserved example of traditional craftsmanship, elegantly presented in its original glass display case. The doll is depicted in a graceful reclining pose on a woven tatami mat, dressed in an opulent ivory kimono...
Porcelain, Fabric, Glass, Wood
Colorful Black Cloisonné Dragon Ware Jar with Lid - Late Qing Dynasty
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A petite dragon motif cloisonné jar in black with a matching lid. The small chinoiserie jar is made from brass or copper, and encrusted with a cloisonné dragon design. Cloisonné piec...
Metal, Enamel
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Japanese Pagoda Garden Statue, 1940, Tall Cement Design
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Tall cement 3 piece Japanese pagoda sculpture. An antique decorative garden artwork used to evoke a sense of tranquility and add a touch of A...
Cement
Pair of Japanese panels XIX e century Utagawa Toyokuni
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Japanese pieces XIX century Utagawa Toyokuni Two bijin-ga prints Kakémono sized Nishiki-e ink and colors on paper Circa 1840 Framed .
Paper
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and character. The cabinet...
Iron
Pair of Antique Tiffany Chrysanthemum Sterling Silver Compotes
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sterling silver compotes in historic Japonesque Chrysanthemum pattern. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Each: Lobed and shallow bowl with turned-down scalloped rim applied ...
Sterling Silver
Rare "Hana II" Uchiwa Pendant Light by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s
By M Design, Ingo Maurer
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Rare Uchiwa pendant lamp mod. "Hana II" by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo and 6 rice paper fans. Can be vertically extended an...
Bamboo, Paper
Vintage Japanese Porcelain Tray Arita Sometsuke Blue White Birds Decor
By Arita
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage rectangular porcelain tray features a traditional Arita style blue and white decor with motif of small bird sitting on flowering tree branches in Sometsuke decoration techniq...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery
Extremely Rare Red "Shichi" Uchiwa Pendant Light by Ingo Maurer, 1970s
By Ingo Maurer, M Design
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
An ultra rare Uchiwa "Shichi" pendant lamp by Ingo Maurer for Design M, 1970s, Germany. Executed in bamboo and rice paper in original red color! Socket: 1 x E27 or E26 or standard s...
Bamboo, Paper
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and character. The cabinet...
Iron
French 19th Century Faux Bamboo Writing Table with Painted Leather Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French faux bamboo writing table from the 19th century features a beautifully decorative form with a warm honey-toned frame, black painted panels, and a red painted leather writ...
Metal
Bronze Sculpture of a Koi Fish Sculpture Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Bronze Koi Fish. The beautiful fish can be used as a decorative piece, a vase, and if you're really ambitious, could make a lovely fountain. A compliment to any space - living ro...
Bronze
Japanese Antique Sculptural Mechanical Fragment ② / wabi-sabi object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Antique Wooden Mechanical Component (Possibly Watermill / Agricultural Machinery Part) Japan, Late Meiji to Early Showa Period (circa 1900–1930) A cylindrical wooden structure reinf...
Metal
1940s Japanese Iron Pagoda Candle Lantern, Hand-Crafted Japonisme
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Japanese iron pagoda garden candle lantern. Hand cast iron Japanese candle lantern with hearts on top. Can rest on table or hanged by loop Meas...
Iron
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1890
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers with sliding doors from the 1890s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and cha...
Iron