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.
F. GERDERÈS – Japanese-style billiard table in gilded and carved wood
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This rare Japanese-style pool table in gilt bronze and carved wood bears the plaque of the Parisian manufacturer F. Gerderès. Famous for the quality and inventiveness of their pool t...
Bronze
Louis XV Style Duvinage Brass-Inlaid Marquetry Games Table
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Attributed to Ferdinand Duvinage, the shaped square hinged handkerchief top rotating open to reveal a felt top, the frieze with two drawers, the who...
Bronze, Brass
Antique Snooker Table or Billiard Pool Table Mahogany in Stock
Located in Radstock, GB
Antique Snooker table or Antique billiard table by Thurston London England. A very good quality 'Country House" mahogany Snooker table or bill...
Mahogany
$7,157
H 34.26 in W 53.15 in D 94.49 in
Dutch Billiard Table with Heating and Accessories, 20th Century
Located in Udenhout, NL
H.D. van der Meijden professionally heated billiard table with accessories. Classic, antique cafe billiards. Made from solid hardwood legs and frame. ...
Wood
$83,440
H 35.83 in W 79.14 in D 149.61 in
Carved Walnut Full Size Billiard Table and Accessories by Cox & Yeman
By Cox & Yeman
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An exceptional carved walnut full size billiard table and accessories by Cox & Yeman. London, circa 1880. One end bearing an ivorine la...
Walnut
Fine Baker Burl Ash and Ebonized Wood Regency Style Center Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From Baker Furniture’s, "Furniture Treasures of England and Ireland" line. A nicely crafted Regency style table with book matched top figured burl...
Wood
$3,059
H 29 in W 36 in D 18 in
Liberty & Co. an Anglo-Moorish Arts & Crafts Walnut Fold over Card & Games Table
Located in London, GB
By Liberty & Co, a fold-over games and card table in walnut aligned to the Arts and Crafts movement (1880–1910), c.1890s. The top opens to a green baize playing surface. Below, a Moo...
Walnut
Louis XV Style Games Table
Located in Beaune, FR
Elegant games table in solid cherry and veneer with Louis XV style marquetry games. This table has 2 double-sided game boards: Queen game and Chess game. Around 1850. Dimensions ...
Cherry
$2,129
H 29.53 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
19th Century French Walnut Hand Carved Square Card Table in Louis XV Style
Located in Sofia, BG
Square foldable card table made of hand carved solid walnut with typical decoration for Louis XV period. Very good condition with dark red le...
Walnut
Fine Regency Calamander and Rosewood Games Table
Located in Essex, MA
Very elegant proportions and fine woods make this table exceptional. New leather playing surface.
Macassar, Rosewood
Contemporary Carved Wood Chess Table and Chessmen
Located in Astoria, NY
Contemproary Carved Wood Chess Table and Chessmen, the chess board top above two drawers. 25.75" H x 18" W x 18" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Wood
French Walnut Louis XV Style Game Table with Red Leather Top
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut Louis XV style game table from France with a red tooled leather top and four drawers and four pull out drink holders.
Leather, Walnut
$3,500 / item
H 11 in W 11 in D 11 in
4 Longoni Professional Pool/ Billiard Cue Sticks and Cue Holder by Impatia
By IMPATIA
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
About Impatia: At Impatia each creation is a tale of excellence, driven by the core value of empathy. The human-to-human approach creates a journey of exploration, which is highlighted by technical development, high-quality materials and incomparable aesthetic refinement. The development of each product is full of interpretation from the first glance, becoming a representation of a lifestyle and an instantly recognizable identity, that pushes to reinvent the classics. The design, construction, and workmanship of this work of genius are all Italian, showcasing the highest expression of technological sophistication and craftsmanship that has always distinguished Italy from the rest of the world. Price does not include VAT, shipping, and assembly (if applicable). Product Information: 28 x 28 x 28 (H) cm 11” x 11” x 11 (H), 36 Kg / 79 lbs Packaging Weight: 40 Kg / 88 lbs Set includes 4 Longoni Professional cue sticks and a Tocco Cue Holder...
Marble
Early 20th Century Carved French Games Table with Leather Top
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 20th century carved French games table with leather top, circa 1920 Beautiful games table with a leather top, four corner pull-outs and a single drawer on each side. Dimensio...
Leather, Wood
Japonisme Type Games/ Dining Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An X form constructed base with angular stretchers between the legs and a beautifully painted motif of birds and flowers. The top with canted corners and overall lacquered decoration...
Rattan