Meiji Decorative Art
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 antique bamboo woven basket/wall hanging vase/1868-1920/Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a woven bamboo basket made in Japan from the Meiji to Taisho periods (1868-1920).
I don't know if the baskets actually used by farmers were repurposed as flower vases, or if ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Bamboo
Japanese Antique Door "Wall Decoration" 1860s-1900s / Abstract Art Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This was a very old Japanese warehouse (kura) window sliding door.
It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
The frame is made of cedar wood and the lattice is bamboo.
It w...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Bamboo, Cedar
Japanese Antique Wabi Sabi Wooden Board 1860s-1900s / Abstract Art Low Table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese work board.
It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of cedar wood.
It was originally a work board for kneading wheat.
Through years...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Cedar
Rare Historical Set Japanese Oshi-E Textile Art Panels Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer here is a rare set of eleven Japanese textile art with painting panels called Oshi-E circa Meiji Period (1868-1912). This unusual set of panels depict various composition of...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Silk, Fabric, Paper
Japanese Antique Door "Wall Decoration" 1860s-1900s / Abstract Art Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This was a very old Japanese warehouse (kura) window sliding door.
It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
The frame is made of cedar wood and the lattice is bamboo.
It w...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Bamboo, Cedar
A Large Japanese Meiji Period Porcelain Charger, Circa 1890
Located in Central England, GB
A Superb Large Japanese Meiji Period Porcelain Charger, Circa 1890
This large scale Japanese porcelain charger is finely hand-painted in rich c...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Contemporary silk brocade Handcrafted Decorative Art, 5
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary hand crafted Japanese contemporary traditional oshie decorative art piece with a stunning three-dimensional effect. This is a traditional Japanese handcrafted wall deco...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Brocade, Silk
Japanese antique wall hanging bamboo vase/1868-1920/Wabisabi object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old bamboo vase made from the Meiji period to the Taisho period (1868-1920).
It is made in the shape of a fish cage using thin bamboo strips.
In Japan, fish caught in rive...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Bamboo
Japanese Antique Wooden Wabi-Sabi Board/Wall Hanging Board/Table Top/1868-1912
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a very old Japanese work board.
It is from the Meiji period (1868-1912).
It was used in ordinary houses and farms.
The material is chestnut.
It weighs 19.5kg and is heavy.
Th...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Chestnut
Japanese antique basket woven with grape vines/1868-1920/Vase on the wall/mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese basket made from the Meiji period to the Taisho period (1868-1920).
The material is made of wild grape vines, and it is tho...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Other
Japanese antique Large basket woven with grape vines/1868-1920/Vase on the wall
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese basket made from the Meiji period to the Taisho period (1868-1920).
The material is made of wild grape vines, and it is tho...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Other
Japanese antique Rustic Board/1868-1920/a Board like an Abstract Painting
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a work board made in Japan around the Meiji period to the early Taisho period (1868-1920).
The material is willow.
It is a tool that was used in areas around Kita Kanto Tochi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Chestnut
Japanese Contemporary Brocade Silk Handcrafted Framed Oshie Decorative Art
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite Japanese contemporary framed oshie wall decorative art piece, recreating a famous painting from Meiji period featuring a Japanese dancer holding a net with cherry blossom ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Brocade, Silk
Japanese Contemporary Gold Leaf Brown Framed Porcelain Panel by Master Artist, 3
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite museum quality Japanese contemporary framed porcelain panel art work consisting of three pieces intricately hand-painted showcasing a wintry ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Gold Leaf
Japanese Contemporary Gold Green Purple Framed Porcelain Panel by Master Artist
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary Japanese large contemporary framed porcelain panels artwork in three pieces intricately hand painted showcasing a wintry scene of a gracefully shaped aged snow covered ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Gold
Japanese Antique Bamboo Hat/1868-1920/Folk Tools/Wall Hanging Decoration
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a traditional Japanese hat.
Japanese people wear hats like this to protect their heads from the hot sun.
Farmers and people who traveled long dista...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Bamboo
Landscape with Flowers, Japanese Folding Screen
Located in Brescia, IT
Six-panel screen of the "Rinpa school", painted with inks on gold leaf.
Colorful and sunny variety of flowers painted with great skill by an anonymous Japanese artist, who skilfully...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Gold Leaf
Japanese Antique Wall Hanging Vase with Paper/1868-1920/Wabisabi Object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
I would like to introduce a very interesting item.
This item is a Japanese farming tool made from the Meiji period to the Taisho period (1868-1920).
This funnel was originally used...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Bamboo, Paper
19th Century Japanese Shibayama Lacquered Inlay Charger, Meiji Period
Located in London, GB
19th Century Shibayama Lacquered Inlay Charger, Meiji Period, Japan
A decorative 19th Century Japanese charger beautifully depicting herons and pi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
Set of Ten Antique Calligraphy Woodblock Panels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable set of ten 19th century Japanese calligraphy prints on paper executed in a woodblock technique and presented under glass in a gi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Antique Vase Made of Japanese Bamboo and Bark /Wall-Mounted Flower Vase
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
If you want something special, we recommend purchasing items selected by Brood.
We sell carefully selected old Japanese items.
I've seen tens of thousands of items so far.
Based on that experience, only selected items are posted here.
We are able to do this because of our long experience.
There may be items on the 1stdibs site that look and feel the same, but the items selected by Brood are unique.
This is an old Japanese vase...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Bamboo
Japanese Old Vase with Lid / Late 19th Century
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a woven bamboo basket made in Japan during the Meiji to Taisho eras (1868-1920).
It is a vase that imitates the shape.
It was hung on t...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Bamboo
Contemporary Japanese Folding Screen Red Black Gilded Silk Raised Kimono Art
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Unique Japanese contemporary two panel "byobu" or folding screen featuring genryoku style handcrafted silk raised kimono Japanese decorative art in crimson red, black and gold on bea...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Silk
Massive Museum Pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Chargers Plates
Located in New York, NY
A massive Museum pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel chargers plates, attributed to Hayashi Kodenji Studio, 19th century.
Each measuring ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Enamel
Japanese Contemporary Red White Gold Brocade Hand-Crafted Oshie Decorative Art
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Unique exquisite Japanese contemporary hand-crafted oshie wall decorative art piece in stunning red, white, orange and gold depicting a dramatic scene from Renjishi, one of the most ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Brocade, Silk
Japanese Contemporary Framed Brocade Silk Handcrafted Oshie Decorative Art, 2
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary unique Japanese Contemporary large framed and signed traditional Oshie decorative art piece in black and cream, known as oshie (literally, “pressed pictures”) that goes back to the Edo Period (1603-1868). It is said this art form was born of the reluctance of ladies of the court and elite aristrocratic women to discard the magnificent silk kimonos and brocaded obi they had donned for a lifetime. The solution was to recycle these opulent fabrics into stunning works of art. The creator of this signed piece prides herself in using the best antique and vintage kimono and obi fabrics...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Brocade, Silk
19th Century Japanese Iron and Mixed Metal Wall Panel
Located in North Miami, FL
A rare Meiji period 1868-1912 iron and mixed metal panel by a highly important early Meiji period artist. The ironwork panel housed within its original hardwood frame depicts the charming subject of a roaster fighting with snake, this particular early Meiji period panel demonstrates all the skills of a leading Mito school metalworker more used to making tsuba and sword fittings for the shogunate and now adapting his unique skills to satisfy the emerging western market, the naive charm and inspiration for this study is probably from an earlier Japanese or even Chinese painting, artists with such breathtaking metalworking skills as this artist could simply replace an artists paintbrush...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Metal, Iron, Bronze, Brass
Japanese Black Red Gold Handcrafted Brocade Silk Wall Decorative Art
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary Japanese contemporary captivating highly collectible oshie decorative art piece with a three-dimensional effect, a Japanese traditional decorative art with a “yoroi” or “samurai armor” design in red, black and gold. It depicts an extremely intricate and highly decorated Japanese armor, and demonstrates the Fine materials and the attention to details that go into creating oshie wall decorations. The artist has used exquisite antique silk brocades and silk to recreate this exceptional piece in oshie form. All of the geometric patterns in red on the side and the bottom of the yoroi, and all the intricate details in red throughout, are the result of an extremely time-consuming process of painstakingly wrapping red silk thread around blocks covered with thick black kimono fabric, making sure they are tightly aligned to create perfect squares, rectangles and lines.
“Oshie” (literally, “pressed pictures”) is a traditional Japanese art form dating back to Edo period (1603-1868), and is said to have been born of the reluctance of ladies of the court to discard the magnificent silk kimonos and brocaded obi they have donned for a life time. The solution was to transform these opulent fabrics into stunning works of art. The frame is not included.
Oshie resembles a carefully crafted jigsaw puzzle consisting of numerous pieces of kimono fabric padded with slightly varying thickness of cotton and painstakingly glued and ironed together to create an incredible three-dimensional picture. Highly detailed oshie contain hundreds of tiny pieces that are expertly aligned to express subtle gradations of color and pattern, as well as light and shade. In the final process, the details are characterized by painting and shading, and facial features are painted in miniature-like exactitude.
Yoroi is armor worn by high-ranking samurai on horseback in Japan’s feudal age. Its box shape and the heavy weight due to the decorations did not allow much movement. Yoroi is covered with hundred of small iron or leather scales laced together using leather cords or braided silk. Differences in color, design and lacing served as identifying markers for individual clans.
“Kabuto” or “helmet”, one of the yoroi components, served to protect and to impress. Like yoroi, it was decorated with colorful scales, and was often adorned with a family crest and wooden or deer horns.
This breathtaking Oshie piece is the work of a life-long oshie artist who prides herself in the selection of the best available antique and vintage kimono and obi fabrics...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Gold
Japanese Contemporary Framed Silk and Brocade Handcrafted Decorative Art
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Unique exquisite Japanese contemporary framed traditional decorative handcrafted art form known as oshie (literally, “pressed pictures”) that goes back to the Edo period (1603-1868)....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Brocade, Silk
Japanese Nashiji Lacquer Tray with Crane and Wave Design
Located in Hudson, NY
Japanese Nashiji lacquer tray with crane and wave design, this exquisite tray is a masterful example of multiple lacquer techniques using gold (including maki-e and takamaki-e). This...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Gold
Japanese Gold Leaf Hand Painted Framed Porcelain Panel by Master Artist
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary Japanese large contemporary museum quality framed porcelain panel in three pieces intricately hand-painted showcasing a wintry scene of a gracefully shaped aged snow co...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Gold Leaf
Imperial Imari Charger with Large Gilded Eagle and Gilded Flying Crane
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Imperial Imari 14.25" charger with large gilded eagle and gilded flying crane, Japanese, Meiji period, circa 1870.
Category
1870s Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Porcelain
Kanban, Japanese Shop Sign, Meiji Period, 1868-1912
Located in Camden, ME
This 19th century Japanese Pharmacy sign advertises a popular stomach medicine, Aifu from the Juwa Co. in Osaka. The hand-painted registered trademark of the world looking through bi...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Lacquer
Gilt and Patinated Bronze Plaque, Japan, circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Gilt and patinated bronze plaque. Japan, circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Japanese Vintage Gilded Embroidered Silk Wall Decorative Art, circa 1935
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite pair of Japanese vintage (circa 1935) hand-crafted extremely intricately embroidered silk fabric used in the presentation of ceremonial gifts on special occasions called fu...
Category
1930s Japanese Vintage Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Silk
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Painted Wood Sign with a Samurai, 19th Century
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese carved and painted wooden sign with a Samurai from the Meiji Period, 19th century. This 19th century sign with a samurai was made in wood and painted in Japan during the Meiji period. The narrow rectangular panel features a painted frame with a character depicted in the upper section, showcasing a seated samurai wearing his armour. The section below is adorned with four lightly carved and back painted calligraphies. This tall panel can be hinged thanks to two square buckles on the top. Made during the 19th century, this antique Meiji period painted wood sign...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Large Japanese Carved and Polychromed Wood Panel of Gourds and Lotus
Located in Essex, MA
Depicting two large melons with calligraphy surmounted with lotus and flower and dragonfly. Painted in golds, reds, blues and green.
Estate of John Volk, Pa...
Category
1850s Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Other
Japanese antique wooden wall board/1868-1920/Wabi-Sabi art/Low table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
I have received a wooden board with beautiful grain.
This is a work board that was used by farmers from the Meiji period to the Taisho period in Japan.
It is thought that people were...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Door Covered with Japanese Paper 1860s-1900s / Wall Decoration
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This door is covered with Japanese washi paper.
It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
The door is made of cedar wood.
This door has been meticulously crafted by Japanese artisa...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Cedar, Paper
Japanese Antique Wooden Board 1860s-1900s / Abstract Art Low Table Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese workboard.
It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
It is made of pine wood.
It was originally a workboard for kneading wheat.
Through years of...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Pine
Japanese Contemporary Purple Black Silk Brocade Oshie Decorative Art
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary contemporary Japanese traditional extremely detailed handcrafted decorative art form using high quality silk and brocade fabrics, known as oshie (literally, “pressed pi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Brocade, Silk
Japanese Contemporary silk brocade Traditional Oshie Handcrafted Decorative Art
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary hand crafted Japanese contemporary traditional oshie decorative art piece with a stunning three-dimensional effect. This is a traditional Japanese handcrafted wall decorative art form using high quality silk and brocade fabrics, known as oshie (literally, “pressed pictures”) that goes back to the Edo period (1603-1868). It is said this art form was born of the reluctance of ladies of the court to discard the magnificent silk kimonos and brocaded obi they had donned for a lifetime. The solution was to recycle these opulent fabrics into stunning works of art.
Oshie resembles a carefully crafted very intricate jigsaw puzzle comprising numerous intricate pieces of kimono fabric padded with slightly differing thicknesses of cotton and painstakingly glued and ironed individually. All those tiny pieces are then glued one by one on a custom-made board making sure each piece lands on the exact right place making sure that the right pieces overlap the lower pieces to create an undulating three-dimesional picture. Highly detailed oshie pieces contain hundreds of small pieces that are expertly aligned to recreate even the minutest details of the the painting In the final process. Facial features are painted in miniature-like exactitude. The end product is an awe-inspiring piece with a surprising three-dimensional effect.
This magnificent piece depicts a fascinating scene of a lady of privilege wearing an exquisitely brocaded headdress and overcoat to protect herself from the cold. Each dainty step she takes exposes the folds of her multi-layered kimono in a scene reminiscent of the ladies of the ancient imperial court of Japan. The creator of this signed piece has prided herself in using exquisite antique and vintage kimono and obi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Decorative Art
Materials
Brocade, Silk
Meiji decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Meiji decorative art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji decorative art 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 decorative art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $700 and tops out at $95,000 while the average work can sell for $3,177.
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