Meiji Tables
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
Japanese Meiji Period Low Table with Recessed Legs and Open Carved Cutout Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period low table from the early 20th century, with recessed legs and open carved cutout design. Created in Japan during the Meiji era where is was used as a low writing table, this piece features a rectangular top overhanging two recessed legs showcasing pierced motifs. Boasting a nicely distressed patina throughout, this Japanese Meiji period early 20th century low table...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Wooden block table /wabi-sabi coffee table/1900s〜
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This table is made from a mortar that was used in ancient Japan.
It has a heavy feel, and its surface gives the impression of the dynamic flow of wood. Rather than a precise shape, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Black Tansu 1860s-1900s / Storage Box Sofa Table Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese storage box.
This furniture was made in the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
Material is cedar wood.
No unnecessary decoration, simple and beautiful.
Ultimate simplicit...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Wooden Low Table/ Sofa table/ 1868s-1912s/ WabiSabi Primitive
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old low table in Japan.
The holes that have been made due to aging have created a primitive and unique expression.
I think the top board is probably made of broadwood, b...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Antique Primitive Coffee Table, Side Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an old Japanese coffee table.
It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
The material is horse chestnut.
It was carved from a large horse chestnut tree.
It is powerful and t...
Category
Early 20th Century Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is a wooden antique low table from the Meiji era.
It was used as a working table for woodworkers at that time.
It is made of high-grade Japanese zelkova wood.
The grain of the ...
Category
Early 20th Century Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is a wooden antique low table from the Meiji era.
It was used as a worktable for craftsmen of the time.
It is made of high quality Japanese cherry wood.
The work marks create a...
Category
Early 20th Century Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Japanese 'Shou Sugi Ban' Low Cedar Coffee Table, 19th Century
Located in Coronado, CA
An extraordinary 19th century antique Japanese low table constructed from an incredible and substantial, old growth cedar plank, with 4 out swept legs. This piece was made in Japan, ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Pair Japanese Red and Black Lacquer Side Tables With Etched Brass Mounts
Located in Stamford, CT
Great looking pair of late Meiji Period Japanese black and red lacquers side tables with etched brass mounts. Each with two doors that open for storage, this stunning pair with reall...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Lacquer
Japanese Antique Tree Root Stand 1860s-1900s / Pedistal / Side Table / Sculpture
Located in Buffalo, NY
This display stand is made from the roots of a very old Japanese tree.
It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). Art / Sculpture
You can feel the strength of natural wood that you...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese antique wooden small low table/1868-1920/coffee table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an antique wooden low table that was used in rural areas and shops in Japan.
In Japanese, this is called "fu-zukue."
Farmers used it to study, and shops used it to keep track...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Large Primitive Coffee Table 1860s-1900s / Mingei Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese primitive large coffee table.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is carved from a large zelkova tree.
It is incredibly dynamic and has great...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Primitive Side Table 1860s-1920s / Coffee Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old primitive style side table made in Japan.
This furniture was made in the Meiji period (1860s-1920s).
You can feel the strength of natural wood, which cannot be felt ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Low Table/Japanese paper pasting/1868s-1912s WabiSabi Primitive
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is a low table using old wood and old Japanese paper.
The top board is stacked with old Japanese paper on a pine tree and dyed with persimmon juice, ink, and black Urushi.
Whi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood, Pine
Japanese Antique Black Wooden Box / Storage Sofa Table / 1868-1912s WabiSabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is a black wooden storage box from the old days of Japan.
Because it is made of cedar, the weight is not so heavy.
The overall impression is black, but in some places there ar...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Wabi-Sabi Meiji Taisho Street Vendors Stools Side Bedside Tables
Located in London, GB
Sold separately.
A collection of Meiji and Taisho era street vendor stools, constructed from a combination of heavily patinated elm, pine and cedar timbers. Japanese, c. 1870-1920....
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Elm, Cedar, Pine
Japanese small wooden antique low table with paper pasting/1868-1920
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
I would like to introduce you to a rare Japanese low table.
This is a small wooden table made from the Meiji period to the Taisho period (1868-1920).
The wood material is cedar.
This...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar, Paper
Japanese antique, black low desk/fuzukue, Meiji era , Wabisabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This is a Japanese antique called a 'fuzukue,' which is an old-style Japanese writing desk. Traditionally, people would sit on the floor and use ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar, Pine
Japanese antique table / 1900〜 side table & coffee table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A table made from an old Japanese mortar (a container used for pounding grain and rice cake with a pestle. Things are placed inside the mortar).
The table was made by fitting a blac...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Primitive Coffee Table 1860s-1900s / Side Table Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese primitive coffee table.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is carved from a large zelkova tree....
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Wabi Sabi Storage Box 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sofa Table Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese storage box.
This box is from the Meiji era. (1860s-1900s).
Material is cedar wood.
No unnecessary decoration, simple and beautiful.
Ultimate simplicity.
The tasteful, austere black color is impressive.
This furniture can be used for multiple purposes as a retractable sofa...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Primitive Exhibition Table, Wooden Low Table
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is a Japanese display stand.
The Material is zelkova, a wood unique to Japan.
It is a very rare item.
It is finished by a craftsman ...
Category
Early 20th Century Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese antique wooden table for wall mounting/Early 20thCentury/Wabisabi table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
"Note"
This is a special table that is placed against the wall.
Be sure to install it in a place where it touches the wall.
This table is made from a combination of materials made f...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Japanese antique wooden black coffee table/1868-1900/wabisabi low table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an item from Japan's Meiji to Taisho eras (1868-1900).
It was originally used by a farmer, but it has been left unused for a long time, so it is black like this.
The material...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Pine
Japanese Antique Primitive Stand 1860s-1900s / Flower Stand Side Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old primitive stand made in Japan.
It dates from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
The top is oak wood and the legs are cedar wood.
It was found in an old Japanese farmhouse.
This unique piece is made from a natural tree branch.
The legs are all connected, not spliced together.
You can feel the strength of natural wood, which you cannot feel in ordinary furniture...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Oak, Cedar
Japanese Antique Long Side Table 1860s-1900s / Exhibition Stand Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese long side table.
The furniture dates from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
Made of cedar.
It has been fumigated to a black colour.
The design is very beautiful...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Wood Tray Table, Meiji Period
Located in New York, NY
A small, beautifully preserved tray table, hand-carved in teak and stained in rich dark brown. Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912). 5 inches high, 22 inches wide, 13 inches deep. Origina...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Teak
Japanese Antique Black Wooden Box 1860s-1900s/Sofa Table Tansu Mingei Storage
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese black wooden box. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The material is cedar. This is black and beautiful. After many years of use, it has become a very...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Old Wooden Box 1868-1900 / Antique Storage Sofa Table Coffee Table Side
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
The wooden box made from the Meiji period to the Taisho period (1868-1900).
The wooden box made by combining simple cedar boards.
I think it was a box that contained some tools.
For many years, soot from the hearth and other parts stuck together and accumulated, resulting in such a black appearance.
Don't worry, this soot won't stick to your hands if you touch it.
It has a very beautiful black color overall and a simple shape.
Good condition.
It is a nice wooden box that makes you feel very wabisabi.
It is also nice to use as a table or exhibition stand.
Things like this are not everywhere.
It's rare.
Also, in Japan, such things are becoming less and less common.
We believe that it is our mission to convey the charm of such old things and keep them.
There are few stores that sell such items at 1st dibs.
We sell with...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Black Wooden Box 1860s-1900s/Sofa Table Tansu Mingei Storage
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese black wooden box. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The material is cedar. This is black and beautiful. After many years of use, it has become a very...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Black Wooden Box 1860s-1900s/Coffee Table Tansu Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese black wooden box.
It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
The material is cedar.
It is a lean design.
It has no unnecessary metal fittings.
It is the ulti...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Elaborate Flying Dragon Table
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent antique Japanese powerfully carved center table with dragons from the Meiji period.
The growth of urban centers and spread of wealth during the Meiji Restoration period in Japan ushered in an era that reveled in the aesthetic qualities of objects and actions in everyday life. This ornately carved figural table from the late 19th century / early 20th century demonstrates the level of pleasure and luxury pursued by the wealthy.
The mythical dragon-inspired shape echoes throughout the elaborately hand carved ebonized hardwood; with an unadorned inset polished circular rich rosewood colored top with attractive wood graining; scalloped border and edge with ornate running ornamentation between; rises over the profusely carved and stylized skirt with carvings of whimsical dragon mask and spread wings in high relief and open scrollwork; raised on four spoon carved...
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Meiji Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Japanese Maki-E Lacquered Oval Wood Tray on Stand, c. 1850-1900
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Japanese standing rim, Maki-e lacquered oval wood tray of the Meiji Period. The tray features fine gilt decoration in the form of two small birds, possibly sparrows, fluttering among peony branches. The tray is fitted to a custom rim on a Chinese rosewood stand...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Rosewood, Lacquer
Late 19th or Early 20th Century Japanese Hexagon Shape Marquetry Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here is a late 19th or early 20th century Japanese marquetry table, with a hexagonal shape top.
Variety of woods was used, and fine detailed c...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Meiji Period Red Lacquer Octagon Low Table or Plant Stand, 3 Available
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered individually are three red lacquer octagon low tables that could also be used as plant stands. We believe they're from the Meiji period. With carved manji symbols around thei...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
19th Century Japanese Meiji Porcelain Garden Seat or Table
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning 19th century Japanese Meiji period hand decorated porcelain garden seat, garden stool or table. This antique Japanese garden seat is bea...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Plant Stand, Carved Lacquered Lamp Table, Meiji Period, H132
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Japanese plant stand, carved lacquered lamp table, Meiji period, Japan 1900, H132
Japan, 1900
Hardwood construction
Original finish
Octag...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Oak
19th Century Japanese Meiji Porcelain Garden Seat or Table
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Japanese Meiji Porcelain garden seat or table.
Stunning 19th century Japanese Meiji period hand decorated porcelain garden seat, garden stool or table. This antique Japanese garden seat...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Porcelain
Fine and Large Antique Asian Altar Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique Japanese altar table. Dark brown stained wood tall narrow altar table with a small drawer on each end, the apron in front with roughly carved panels and scrolled ends. The en...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Japanese Zitan Wood Carved Stand in the Form of a Table
Located in Stamford, CT
An Zitan wood low table / stand. Late 19th century Japanese Meiji Period. Zitan is an extremely dense wood which sinks in water. It is a member of the rosewood family. The wood is bl...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Zitan
Early 20th Century Meiji Period Japanese Export Center Table with Dragons
Located in Austin, TX
A powerfully carved Japanese export dragon center table, Meiji Period, early 20th century.
Made for the export market, the rectangular table features a...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Softwood
Japanese Pine and Bamboo and Lacquered Side Table
Located in Stamford, CT
An exceptionally minimal yet playful Japanese side table having a circular Pine top rising on two detachable bamboo legs from a square Pine. base. The edges of both the top and base ...
Category
1910s Japanese Vintage Meiji Tables
Materials
Bamboo
Special Japanese antique wooden low table/1868-1900/wabisabi cafe table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an item from the Meiji era to the Taisho era in Japan.
This board was originally sawn by farmers to repair roofs, etc.
It was stored in the attic without being used.
The mate...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Cherry, Cedar
Japanese Antique Primitive Coffee Table 1860s-1900s / Side Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old coffee table made in Japan.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is carved from a large zelkova tree.
It is dynamic and has a strong presence.
The grada...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Side Table 1860s-1920s / Exhibition Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese side table.
It has a simple design with a single board on a stump.
The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1920s).
Both the board and the stump are...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Chestnut
Japanese antique wooden low table/1868-1920/Wabi-Sabi sofa table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Introducing a lovely low table with a wabi-sabi feel.
This low table is a combination of wooden planks made between the Meiji and Taisho periods.
The base part is made from a brazie...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Wooden Low Table / Meiji period / WabiSabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
It's a low table called "Zataku" in the old days of Japan.
Zataku means low table and is used for having a meal with family or just for family gathering. However, the history of zat...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Antique Black Low Table, Meiji Era '1868-1912', Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This is a Japanese antique black low table.
It was made in the Meiji Era(1868-1912).
This Japanese-made antique low table is simple y...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Large Wabi Sabi Dug-Out Cedar Japanese Coffee/Sofa Table
Located in London, GB
A unique, large dug-out Japanese coffee table.
Heavily patinated thick cedar top on charred dug-out cedar base.
Made using 19th C. Japanese elements in our London workshop.
...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Antique Wooden Drawer Covered with Japanese Bamboo and Rush / 1868-1920
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a special wooden drawer made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868-1920).
Were you storing long tools? I don't know how it was used.
In addition, the surface is covere...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Cedar
Meiji tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Meiji tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, asian art and furniture, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, cedar and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji tables made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $475 and tops out at $10,500 while the average work can sell for $1,491.
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