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Japonisme Tray Tables

JAPONISME STYLE

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.

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Style: Japonisme
Elegant and Striking Japanned Tray or Cocktail Table French, Mid-20th Century
Elegant and Striking Japanned Tray or Cocktail Table French, Mid-20th Century

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Japonisme Tray Tables

Materials

Wood

Japonisme bamboo side table
Japonisme bamboo side table

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.

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Tray Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Lacquer

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Japonisme tray tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme tray tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tray tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bamboo, lacquer and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme tray tables made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Europe 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 tray tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $795 and tops out at $1,387 while the average work can sell for $1,091.