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.
French Aesthetic Movement Japonisme Burnt Bamboo & Black Lacquer Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Aesthetic Movement Japonisme Burnt Bamboo & Black Lacquer Side Table An exceptional French Aesthetic Movement bamboo side table or occasional table, executed in the Japon...
Brass
$1,183Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Oval Side Table, Japanese, Ebonised Elm, Lamp, Wine, Victorian, Meiji
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique oval side table. A Japanese, ebonised elm lamp or wine stand, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Compact and full of charm, this petite table present...
Elm
Table Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen Japanese Mingei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Table designed by Ryosuke Harashima. This work is made of antique Japanese basket, coper and glass. Artist create new style table by combinin...
Copper
Charred Cedar Side Table or Stool, Contemporary Yakisugi Technique
Located in Brescia, Brescia
This minimalist side table or stool is carved from solid cedar and finished using the ancient Yakisugi technique, a traditional Japanese method of wood preservation dating back over ...
Wood, Cedar
Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen bamboo basket table
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Bamboo Basket Table "Like an Elephant" Side table created with antique bamboo basket and glass. Bamboo basket is Japanese folk tool which ...
Copper
19th Century French Japonisme Bamboo Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Japonisme Aesthetic Movement side table. Sturdy bamboo frame with open work bamboo stretcher and slightly curved root end feet. Top is made from a Japanese marq...
Bamboo, Rosewood, Lacquer
$1,256
Heals Antique Side Table
Located in Glasgow, GB
A beautiful side table in Walnut by the English Cabinet Makers ' Heals' of London. Heals was formed in 1810 an produced and continues to produce furniture of the highest standard. Th...
Walnut
19th Century French Ebonised Table in the Japonisme Style attributed to Viardot
Located in London, GB
An Exquisite Ebonised Table In the Japonisme Manner Attributed to G. Viardot Designed in the exotic style associated with the French 'japonisme' movement and the English Aesthetic m...
Wood, Boxwood
$1,051 / item
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Mini - Bronze Glass
Located in Bomonti, TR
The round Flow Coffee Table Mini with rounded edges, contours its form by curved two legs closer to each other. The linear skeleton joins into the legs to create a well-proportioned ...
Wood, Plywood
Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen bamboo basket table2
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Bamboo Basket Table "Scoop, day after day" Side table created with antique bamboo basket and glass. Bamboo basket is Japanese folk tool which age is around 80-100 years old. T...
Copper
$1,051 / item
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Mini - Smoked Glass
Located in Bomonti, TR
The round Flow Coffee Table Mini with rounded edges, contours its form by curved two legs closer to each other. The linear skeleton joins into the legs to create a well-proportioned base for the table top. Crafted from oak wood, the low piece awakens a sense of tactile by making the unique textures of the material visible. Instead of covering the details, it reflects the transparent relationship of the parts to its silhouette. Flow Coffee Table is a refined interpretation of Chabudai, the traditional Japanese low table...
Smoked Glass, Wood, Plywood
Mirror Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen Japanese Mingei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Two fo you Mirror designed by Ryosuke Harashima. This work is made of Ranma, antique Japanese transom, coper and mirror. Artist create new s...
Copper
$411Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1970's Design Faux Bamboo Folding Tripod Side Table
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Japonisme Design Faux Bamboo Foldout Tripod Side Table with Glass Top, made in France in the 1970's. Faux Bamboo folding wooden base with cut glass top. You can fold the trip...
Glass, Wood
Side Table, Japanese-style Worker In The Style Of Viardot
Located in Charmes, FR
Work table in carved and molded wood, opening with a flap engraved and decorated with a character and branches in bone. Generally in good condition, minimal losses in the marquetry o...
Wood
$1,279Sale Price|20% Off
Bailly Théroux Late 19th Century Japanese Inspired Lacquered Side Table
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Nice late 19th century Japanese inspired lacquered side table. The top is finely lacquered and in relief, it is made of Japanese inspired landscape, with birds, flowers and foliage, ...
Wood
Stool/Side Table in Carbon Dyed Cedar by Hinterland Design
Located in Vancouver, BC
Cast-off cedar logs are given second life as a crystalline form. Named Little Gem, the natural beauty of reclaimed wood is harnessed in this side table and sculpture piece where nature informs design. Each Little Gem is hand-shaped and faceted based on the different characteristics of the log used, and variations in wood grain. Top surface and finish further ensure that no two are alike. Left to weather outdoors, this piece will acquire a natural silver finish. Stool is sold as an individual piece. Shown in main image is carbon dyed Western red cedar...
Cedar
Andrianna Shamaris Charred Lychee Wood Drum Side Table or Stool
Located in New York, NY
Hand carved drum shape reclaimed lychee wood side table or stool. Burnt, sanded and sealed exposing the beautiful grain of the wood. 13" top x center 18" d...
Wood
Antique Side Table or Stool
Located in New York, NY
Lovely patina and character on this beautiful antique side table or stool. Circa 1950. We have a small collection. The images and price reflect one. This antique side table or stool...
Wood, Teak
Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Scalloped Lamp Side Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
A beautiful antique Victorian burr walnut lamp table of outstanding colour and figure. The top is veneered in exceptionally well figured burr walnut displaying rich swirling grain pa...
Walnut
Low Antique Stool or Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Rustic two inch thick top stool or side table. Circa 1950. This side table or stool was hand made in the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese philosophy that beauty can be found in imper...
Wood, Teak
$1,150 / item
H 17.33 in W 9.85 in D 31.5 in
21st Century Concrete Contemporary Side Table, Light Grey Silver Cement
By Gaia Rebecchini, Laura Mochi Onori, Lorenzo Rebecchini
Located in Rome, Lazio
The Tadao line, created in homage to the famous architect with whom we share a minimalist approach and the creative use of the material, is the perfect synthesis of our philosophy: o...
Concrete
Contemporary Jep Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Customizable side table. Made in Los Angeles.
Steel
$1,150 / item
H 17.33 in W 9.85 in D 31.5 in
21st Century Concrete Contemporary Side Table, Dark Grey Glossy Cement
By Gaia Rebecchini, Laura Mochi Onori, Lorenzo Rebecchini
Located in Rome, Lazio
The Tadao line, created in homage to the famous architect with whom we share a minimalist approach and the creative use of the material, is the perfect synthesis of our philosophy: o...
Concrete
19th Century French Bamboo Side Table with Octagonal Top
Located in High Point, NC
19th century tortoise bamboo side table from France with an octagonal shaped top. This table is darling! The top has bamboo molded edges, surrounding a seagrass top, and supported ...
Bamboo, Rush
Stool/Side Table in Whitewashed Cedar by Hinterland Design
Located in Vancouver, BC
Cast-off cedar logs are given second life as a crystalline form. Named Little Gem, the natural beauty of reclaimed wood is harnessed in this side table and sculpture piece where nature informs design. Each Little Gem is hand-shaped and faceted based on the different characteristics of the log used, and variations in wood grain. Top surface and finish further ensure that no two are alike. Left to weather outdoors, this piece will acquire a natural silver finish. Stool is sold as an individual piece. There are many options for customization with the Little Gems. Shown in main image is whitewashed Western yellow cedar...
Cedar
19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century English Aesthetic Movement side table made of oak with decorative stick and ball design. Square wood body with curved and rounded bentwood trim and brass accents. Stur...
Brass
$3,199
H 14.18 in W 39.38 in D 21.26 in
Vintage Bamboo, Brass and Smoked Glass Coffee Table, Italy, 1970s
By Franca Helg
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning and unique mid-century coffee table in bamboo and brass with glass shelves. This elegant piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing vintage condition and with...
Brass
French Japonisme Bamboo Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 20th century French Japonisme Aesthetic Movement side table. Sturdy bamboo frame with Japanese lacquered tray top and lower shelf. Circa 1900-1920 Dimensions: 14.5" x 14.5" ...
Bamboo, Lacquer
Sold
H 19.3 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Art Deco Carved Oak Bamboo Style Cut Glass Side Table, Japanese style, set of 2
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Art Deco Carved Oak Bamboo Style Cut Glass Side Table, Set Of 2 Set of 2 very fine carved oak sidetables in japanese bamboo style. The Netherlands, 1930s Beautiful cut glass tops, n...
Cut Glass, Oak
French Japanisme Bamboo & Lacquer 3 Tier Side Table, 1880.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just arrived for your pleasure, this exceptional and in very good original condition, French 19Th. C. Japonisme Bamboo & Lacquer 3 Tier Side Table...
Bamboo, Lacquer
Sold
H 28.5 in W 23.25 in D 14.5 in
Late 19th century Japanese black lacquer and gilt occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 19th century Japanese black lacquer and gilt occasional table circa 1890. Good quality sewing table. Gilt and painted traditional scene to the top. Single drawer to the front. ...
Bamboo, Wood
Mid Century James Mont style Side Tables 1950's
By James Mont
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful pair of Mid Century Japanese Vase tables with a James Mont flair. Great deep detailing in base and nicely balance atop soft rounded wood base. Thick 3/4” glass tops. Curbs...
Brass
Japonisme Lacquer Round Occasional Table Parcel Gilt Decoration
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Elegant lacquered occasional table with a Japanned finish featuring parcel gilt decorations in the Japonisme taste. The round table is supported by gracefully curved European style l...
Wood
Sold
H 28.5 in W 23.5 in D 15 in
French Aesthetic /Japonisme Red Lacquer Bamboo Side Table, Circa 1880s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Aesthetic /Japonisme Red Lacquer Bamboo Side Table, Circa 1880s A splendid French Aesthetic /Japonisme Red Lacquer Bamboo Side Table, made in the 1880s. Embodying the essence of the French Aesthetic movement influenced by Japonisme, this table stands elegantly at 28.5 inches in height. Its top features a captivating red lacquered surface, measuring 20 inches by 12 inches, framed with bamboo and brass, adorned with exquisitely detailed landscape cartouches. Resting upon a stunning burnt bamboo trellis...
Brass
Modern Japonisme Black Lacquered Side Table
Located in Astoria, NY
Modern black lacquered wood side or accent table in the Japonisme taste, with one drawer above four cabriole legs, faceted disco ball crystal pull. 30" H x 15.75" W x 12.5" D. Deale...
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Table Carved for Liberty of London
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Japanese table Carved for Liberty of London The octagonal top is beautifully carved with flowers it is set on swept out cabriole style legs which are a...
Fruitwood
Pair of Bamboo Tile Top Tables or Stands
By Ficks Reed
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic pair of mid century tables or stands designed by John Wisner for Ficks Reed in a Japanese form with tiles on top over bamboo bases with reed wrapped joints.
Bamboo
Japanese design Table /Exhibition Table / Flower Stand /Wabisabi Table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a table with beautiful legs.
Wood
Japanese Wooden Block Stool / Side Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It will be a new material stool. It is a stool that gives you a feeling of Japanese beauty and wabi-sabi with a finish similar to lacquer. It is a size and weight that can be used...
Wood