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.
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
$2,206 / item
KITA LIVING Flow Desk Charcoal Black
By İsmail Dağlı, Tuğberk Kurtaran, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
Flow Desk is an organic shaped table with a two-piece skeleton and curved legs. The linear pieces of the skeleton join into the legs to create a well-proportioned base for the table ...
Wood, Oak, Plywood
$1,315 / 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
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
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Large - Oak Wood
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...
Wood, 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
$1,411 / item
KITA LIVING Frame Table - Elliptical
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
Defined by the sculptural woodwork, Frame Table Elliptical is an expression of a gentle geometry. With the idea of creating a versatile table, it has a utilitarian perspective by of...
Oak
Large Max Kuehne Coffee table with Deer and Forest
By Max Kuehne
Located in New York, NY
Max Kuehne (American, 1880-1968), is known for his decorative arts, including paintings, furniture, screens, and frames. Kuehne's work often incorporates elaborate techniques like g...
Silver Leaf
$3,600Sale Price / set|40% Off
Bernhardt Table with 8 chairs, two extension and table cover
Located in Birmingham, AL
This is a Bernhardt "Shibui" Asian-style dining set, featuring a rosewood table with a hand-painted top and eight chairs, With two leaves and cover, 80 years old according to the ori...
Hardwood
Organic Japanese Wood Coffee Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Organic hand made Japanese wood coffee table, Japan, circa 1950s. Constructed of a wood slab top with a chip carved edge and an organic root...
Wood
$1,357 / item
KITA LIVING Frame Table - Square
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
Defined by the sculptural woodwork, Frame Table Square is an expression of a gentle geometry. With the idea of creating a versatile table, it has a utilitarian perspective by offeri...
Oak, Plywood
$13,156
Japanese dining table
Located in Paris, FR
Takanobu Kuramata (1973) Important dining table, 2022, with a rectangular top with rounded edges, carved from rubberwood and mounted on an ovoid Japanese beech trunk. Unique piece,...
Wood
Regency Style Black Gold Japonisme Lacquer Center Table After Gillows Lancaster.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Regency Style Black and Gold Japonisme Lacquer Center Table after Gillows of Lancaster. Extraordinary side or center table ebonized and parcel gilt in Regency style in the manner of the 18th century furniture maker Gillows of Lancaster. The surface is painted in japonisme gold against black, depicting birds and flowering branches. The top is of rectangular shape with re-entrant corners and a pierced brass key-fret gallery. It is mounted on a lyre form trestle support on splayed legs, terminating in scrolled feet on brass box revolving casters. With its ebonized and parcel gilt spindle end base, this table is a particularly sophisticated and refined example of the Gillows pattern. It corresponds to an 1818 model for a spindle end table...
Brass
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Medium - Oak Wood
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
Flow Coffee Table Medium with rounded edges, contours its asymmetrical elliptical form by curved two legs. The linear skeleton joins into the legs to...
Wood, Oak, Plywood
Rustic Japanese Kotatsu Low Table
Located in Oakland, CA
Low Kotatsu table circa 1930s, hand crafted without the use of nails or adhesive but relying on the joinery to give the table its structural integrity. Having a nice patina from over...
Wood
19th Century French Bamboo Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Japonisme Aesthetic Movement side table with bamboo frame and mother-of-pearl marquetry inlaid rosewood top and bottom shelf. Luminous iridescent inlay of flowe...
Bamboo, Lacquer, Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Aube Side Table in Cherry Wood - Handcrafted in Canada - Le Tenon & la Mortaise
Located in Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, CA
Handcrafted Solid Wood Side Table – Scandinavian Japandi Design Elevate your space with the Aube side table, a versatile and thoughtfully crafted piece that seamlessly blends modern...
Wood, Cherry
Large Bamboo Coffee Table by Axel Vervoordt, Belgium
Located in Echt, NL
Exceptional coffee table in very good condition. Designed and produced by de renowned Belgian decorator Axel Vervoordt in the 1980s. This particular table is constructed with a com...
Bamboo, Wood
Inui Saburo Coffee Table for Tendo Mokko, Circa 1960s
By Saburo Inui
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Stunning coffee table in bent zelkova wood, designed by Saburo Inui, manufactured by Tendo Mokko in Japan in the 1960s. This beautiful table is a very representative piece for Japane...
Bentwood
Mid 20th Century Low Asian Red Lacquer Coffee Table
Located in Elkton, MD
A low coffee table with a red lacquer finish featuring a repeating pattern beneath the surface. The smooth lacquered top displays an intricate, whorled design that covers the entire ...
Lacquer
Aube Side Table in Black Walnut - Handcrafted in Canada - Le Tenon & la Mortaise
Located in Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, CA
Handcrafted Solid Wood Side Table – Scandinavian Japandi Design Elevate your space with the Aube side table, a versatile and thoughtfully crafted piece that seamlessly blends modern...
Wood, Walnut
A Lacquered Coffee Table by Thanh Lê Workshop Vietnamese School 1960's
By Thanh-Ley
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A Lacquered Coffee Table by Thanh Lê Workshop Vietnamese School 1960's. Very elegant in shape, with legs modeled after the horns of a Vietnamese water buffalo. Made of black lacque...
Wood
Large Bamboo and Wenge Coffee Table by Axel Vervoordt, Belgium
Located in Echt, NL
Exceptional coffee table in very good condition. Designed and produced by de renowned Belgian decorator Axel Vervoordt in the 1980s. The table is constructed with a combination of ...
Bamboo, Wood, Wenge
$3,348Sale Price|20% Off
Swivel Bookcase Table with Marble Top by Gabriel Viardot, Japonism, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Rare pedestal table / bookcase in Japanese / Chinese / Asian style, richly carved. With red marble top, swivel shelves and tripod base carved with dragon / demon heads and clawed le...
Marble
Liberty & Co. Hand-Carved Japonisme Taboret Petite Plant Stand Table
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This is a Liberty & Co. Hand-Carved Japonisme Taboret, JAPAN, c.1905. This type of furniture was part of a collection commissioned by Liberty & Co. during the early 1900s, when ther...
Hardwood
$2,643 / item
KITA LIVING Wa Table
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman, Tuğberk Kurtaran
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
Japonism Console Table, School of Gabriel Viardot (1803-1904), Paris, c.1885
By Perret et Vibert, Gabriel Viardot
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare Japonism Faux Bamboo Napoléon III Console Table, circa 1885 An important carved, black lacquered and giltwood console table raised on four finely tur-ned faux bamboo columns jo...
Wood
$2,870Sale Price|20% Off
Swivel Bookcase Table by Gabriel Viardot, France, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Rare pedestal table / revolving bookcase in Japanese / Chinese / Asian style, richly carved. With red marble top with white veins, openwork swivel shelves and tripod base carved with dragon / demon heads and clawed legs...
Marble
Aube Side Table in Red Oak - Handcrafted in Canada - Le Tenon & la Mortaise
Located in Saint-André-de-Kamouraska, CA
Handcrafted Solid Wood Side Table – Scandinavian Japandi Design Elevate your space with the Aube side table, a versatile and thoughtfully crafted piece that seamlessly blends modern...
Wood, Oak
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
Wood, Glass and Rubber 1970s Coffee Table
By Bernini
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This coffee table was designed and produced in Italy in the 1970s. It is made of beech with a thick glass top. Design based on Japanese furniture co...
Cut Glass, Beech
Janetti Father & Sons Japanese Pedestal in Engraved and Painted Bamboo, ca 1880
By Janetti
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Japanese pedestal, this delightful object was made in Japan in the late 19th-century and imported into Italy by a famous merchant, Emportio Janetti Padre e Figli. They were the first in trading Japanese art in Florence in the second half of the 19th century. This spectacular piece of rare beauty was fully hand-crafted with perfect proportions. The complex structure is made in engraved and lacquered crossed bamboo with fantastic floreal details. The two round trays are in black lacquered wood with hand-painted decorations. The fine details and the beauty make this pedestal a masterpiece. An unique decorative pedestal of outstanding quality that can be mixed in a neoclassical or mid-century project or in a Japanese style project. Dimensions (cm): Diameter - 37 Height - 112 In the 1870s collecting Japanese art products started to be popular among a wider range of collectors, not only among circles of intellectuals, artists, and designers. This cultural phenomenon also reached Italy, and when a group of Japanese diplomats (Iwakura Mission) arrived in Florence in May 1873, it reported a very positive impression of a shop that sold Japanese...
Brass, Bronze
Arcadia Dining Table Minimalist Oval Table Solid Walnut by Studio Yann Gandon
Located in København S, DK
The Arcadia Table balances strength and elegance in a refined, minimalist and modern form. Handcrafted in Denmark from solid walnut, its oval tabletop fe...
Steel
Elegant and Striking Japanned Tray or Cocktail Table French, Mid-20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Elegant and striking Japanned tray or cocktail table, French, mid-20th century, of Louis XV style in brilliant vermilion with gold. The top is hand paint decorated in Japanese manner...
Wood
Pair of Black Lacquer Ebonized and Inlaid Wood Organic End Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of black lacquer ebonized and inlaid wood organic end tables. Also great as nightstands.
Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood
$1,339Sale 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
Japonisme bamboo side table
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Bamboo side table in Japanese style with 2 trays. The trays, in 2 sizes, are decorated in Japanese lacquer, with flowers and births.
Bamboo, Lacquer
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
$4,606 / item
Tori Black Console
By Kenzo Takada
Located in Cadorago, CO
Defined by its sleek silhouette, this console table is an exceptional expression of minimalist elegance. Entirely crafted from wood fibre, it is hand-lacquered with a satin and semi-...
Wood
$2,392Sale Price|20% Off
Pedestal Table in Carved Wood and Lacquered Panels, Japonisme France, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb pedestal table / gueridon / side table in carved wood whose feet end in hooves. Presence of 2 lacquered Asian-inspired trays with animal and plant scenes: birds, insects, flowers... In excellent condition, restored. Art Nouveau Japonism, France, around 1880-1890. Attributed to the Maison des Bambous / Alfred Perret and Ernest Vibert. Founded in 1879 in Paris, the Maison des Bambous specializes in the production of bamboo furniture, luxury basketry, the importation of authentically Japanese...
Wood
Carved and Patinated Wood Table, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Carved and patinated wood table, France, late 19th century. Attributed to Gabriel Viardot.
Wood
Red Lacquer Chinoiserie Side Table, Japonisme Style, Late 20th Century
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Red Lacquer Chinoiserie Side Table This is a very auspicious piece, the top of the table has a scene showing 2 Cranes (birds of life) and th...
Lacquer
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
Japanese Rosewood Hand Carved Pedestal
Located in Tarzana, CA
Japanese rosewood hand carved pedestal. Japan, circa 1920 Measures: Height 24", width 19".
Rosewood
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
$1,536 / item
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Medium - Smoked Glass
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
Flow Coffee Table Medium with rounded edges, contours its asymmetrical elliptical form by curved two legs. The linear skeleton joins into the legs to...
Smoked Glass, Wood, Oak, 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
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
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
$1,100 / 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
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
Large coffee sculpture Table Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen Japanese Mingei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Table or sculpture made by Ryosuke Harashima. This work is made of antique Japanese antique sled that was used for caring bamboo charcoal at kiln, coper ...
Copper
$2,871Sale Price|20% Off
Swivel Bookcase Table with Carved Top by Gabriel Viardot, Japonism, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Rare pedestal table / bookcase in Japanese / Chinese / Asian style. Richly carved : top decorated with a dragon, openwork swivel shelves and tripod base carved with clawed legs. Ar...
Wood
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
Pair of Black Lacquer Ebonized and Inlaid Wood Organic End Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of black lacquer ebonized and inlaid wood organic end tables. Also great as nightstands.
Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood
Rare Japanese-style Pedestal / Gueridon in Carved Wood by Gabriel Viardot
Located in MOUGINS, FR
Carved wooden pedestal table in the Japanese style, stamped by Gabriel Viardot. Square in shape with a red marble slab, lion paw feet. The spacer and sides of the top are made of ca...
Wood
$430Sale 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
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Set of 3 Japanned Nesting Tables
By Peter Engel Inc. 1
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage set 3 Japanned nesting tables Set of three nesting tables with inlaid glass. Hand painted "Japanese" scene motif, with gold pin stripes on the legs. Measures: 14.5"...
Wood
$1,100 / 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
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Mini - Oak Wood
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...
Wood, Plywood, Oak