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.
Antique Japanese Wood Block Printed Table Top Folding Screen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Japanese small table top four panel folding screen. Wood block print on paper. First quarter 20th century. Perfect to use as wall art.
Paper
Utagawa Toyonobu Shinsen Taikoki Japanese Woodblock Diptych Print, 19th Century
By Toyonobu Utagawa
Located in Studio City, CA
A Classic image by renowned Japanese printmaker Utagawa Toyonobu from his newly selected history of Toyotomi Hideyoshi series. A very good impres...
Paper
$195Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Japanese Yoshitora “47 Ronins” Japan Block Print Calligrphy Edo, 1864
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice block print by Yoshitora printed in 1864. 47 Ronins - Okuda Y Yukitaka. Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynast...
Paper
Japanese Color Woodblock Print by Toyohara Chikanobu
Located in New York, NY
This Meiji-period color woodblock by Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912) depicts three elegant female courtiers in traditional dress taking refreshments. Th...
Paper
$412Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Japanese Printmaking 'Hanga' of Mr. Taira no Atsumori 1900s
Located in Paris, FR
This is a printmaking called Hanga in Japanese. This Hanga was made around 1900s in Japan. As this is made with a paper and getting damaged, there is a new paper sticked on the back....
Paper
Helen Hyde Signed Japanese Meiji Era Woodblock Woodcut Print The Hired Baby 1909
By Helen Hyde
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful Japanese woodblock print by American artist Helen Hyde (1868 –1919) titled "The Hired Baby" which she created in 1909 while she was living and studying art in Japan. T...
Wood, Paper
$453Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Japanese Printmaking 'Hanga' of Mr. Hachimantarou Yoshiie 1900s
Located in Paris, FR
This is a printmaking called Hanga in Japanese. This Hanga was made around 1900s in Japan. As this is made with a paper and getting damaged, there is a new paper sticked on the back....
Paper
Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige Block 53 stations of Tokaido Road, Japan
By Hiroshige
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice block print by Hiroshige. Kinryusan Temple at akusa. 53 stations of Tokaido Road. Hakone Lake View Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period...
Paper
Antique Japanese Yoshitora “47 Ronins” Japan Block print Calligrphy Edo or Meiji
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice block print by Yoshitora printed in 1864. 47 Ronins - Okuda M Shigemori. Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dyna...
Paper
Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block 53 stations of Tokaido Road Japan
By Hiroshige
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice block print by Hiroshige. Kinryusan Temple at akusa. 53 stations of Tokaido Road. Tsuchiyama Spring rain Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan ...
Paper
$373Sale Price|20% Off
Set of 9 Antique Japanese or Chinese Block Print Calligrphy Edo, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Some with some damage or folding. Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Period (1867-1912) Condition: Good...
Paper
Antique Woodblock Print Meiji Period Carriage, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique 19th c Woodblock Print - Meiji Period 19th century Carriage. The painter is unknown so far. Additional information: Material: Paper Decoration Type / Colour: Polychrome Regi...
Paper
Framed Japanese Kabuki Triptych Print with Samurai and Courtesan Actors
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese ukiyo-e triptych, this framed Kabuki theater woodblock print captures the energy and drama of Edo-period performance. The scene unfolds across three panels, each meticulou...
Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, Dutch Lady with Child and Servant
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique Japanese Woodblock – Dutch Lady with Child and Servant – Meiji Period attributed to Utagawa Kuniteru II Yokohama-e – Yokohama-e are prints depicting foreigners in Yokohama ...
Paper
Antique Japanese Block Print by Hiroshige Calligrphy Edo or Meiji, 1850’s
By Hiroshige
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice block print by Kunisada 1850’s Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Period (1867-1912) Condit...
Paper
Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block Mountains and Rivers of Kiso, Japan
By Hiroshige
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice block print by Hiroshige Mountains and Rivers of Kiso Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Pe...
Paper
$1,636Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, Dutch Lady with Child and Servant Meiji Period
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique Japanese Woodblock – Dutch Lady with Child and Servant – Meiji Period attributed to Utagawa Kuniteru II Yokohama-e – Yokohama-e are prints depicting foreigners in Yokohama ...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block Mountains and Rivers, Japan
By Hiroshige
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice block print by Hiroshige Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Period (1867-1912) Condition: P...
Paper
Japanese Woodblock Print, Lives of Great People of the Occident James Watt
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique Japanese Woodblock – Lives of Great People of the Occident James Watt (1736–1819) ca. 1873 attributed to Utagawa Kuniteru II The Englishman James Watt Experimenting with st...
Paper
$204Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Japanese Kunisada Japan Block Print Calligrphy Edo or Meiji, 19th C.
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice block print by Kunisada 1850’ Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Period (1867-1912)
Paper
$141Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Japanese Meiji/Showa Period Set of Cups or Tea Bowls Porcelain Eggshell
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice set of 12 bowls with saucers. Very nicely decorated. They are marked on the base. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Japan Japan Dyn...
Porcelain
$347Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Japanese Kunisada Japan Block Print Calligrphy Edo or Meiji, 1850's
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice block print by Kunisada 1850’s. Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Period (1867-1912) Condi...
Paper
Japanese Meiji Chikanobu Toyohara Framed Woodblock Print with Archery Tournament
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese signed woodblock print by Chikanobu Toyohara (Chikanobu Yoshu), 1838-1912, titled "Start of an Archery Tournament", a tript...
Wood, Paper, Glass
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, English Lady, Meiji Period
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique Japanese Woodblock – English Lady – Meiji Period attributed to Utagawa Kuniteru II Yokohama-e – Yokohama-e are prints depicting foreigners in Yokohama after Japan was opene...
Paper
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, William Lee Inventor of the Knitting Machine
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique Japanese Woodblock – William Lee Inventor of the Knitting Machine “Lives of Great People of the Occident ca. 1870 William Lee [1563–1614]: Inventor of the Knitting Machine (...
Paper
$5,500
H 22 in W 17.5 in D 1 in
Japanese Woodblock Print Famous Views of the Sixty-Odd Provinces by Hiroshige
By Utagawa Hiroshige (Ando Hiroshige)
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) Series: Pictures of Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces Number: 44 Oki Province: Takuhi Shrine Medium: Woodblock Print Date: 1853 (Kaei 6), 12th month Number of Prints: 70/70 (inc. Title Page) Format: Vertical Oban Size (H x W): 14" x 9.25" print only. Publisher: Koshimuraya Heisuke (Koshihei) Blockcutter's mark: Hori Ko-Sen Signature: Hiroshige hitsu Additional marks: Censor's seals: aratame, Ox 12 Displayed with mat and gilt wood frame. Reference: For an identical print, see the collection of MIA (Minneapolis Institute of Art) Accession Number P.75.51.398; MFA...
Paper
$529
H 15.75 in W 12.21 in D 1.19 in
Traditional Japanese Woodblock Print featuring the Fishing Village Ine
Located in Weesp, NL
Traditional Japanese Woodblock Print of Ine Fishing Village by T. Sugano, 1988 — Signed & Numbered 44/100 A beautifully composed and finely printed original Japanese woodblock print...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$824
H 17.33 in W 26.78 in D 1.97 in
Italian Still Life of Fruit and Flowers 1900s by Falchetti Giuseppe
Located in Milano, MI
Early 20th century Italian lithograph hand-colored by Giuseppe Falchetti depicting still life of fruit and flowers, horizontally framed, apples, pea...
Glass, Plaster, Paper
$2,495
H 21.25 in W 31.5 in D 1 in
Clifton Karhu Signed Limited Edition Japanese Woodblock Print "Kamigano"
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful, large woodblock print by American master printmaker Clifton Karhu who lived in Japan for over 50 years. Karhu's work gained great e...
Paper
$2,275
H 34 in W 44 in D 1 in
Antique Japanese Hand Carved, Black Lacquer Table Top 4-Panel Folding Screen
Located in Pasadena, CA
Black lacquer panels decorated with carved Mother of Pearl + Bone Birds and cherry blossom branches.
Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Antique Japanese Taisho Period Byobu Four Panel Folding Screen
Located in New York, NY
Antique Byobu Four Panel Screen. Japan, late 19th to early 20th century. Taisho period.
Paper
$4,478Sale Price|20% Off
H 67.72 in Dm 38.19 in
Antique Japanese Folding Chamber Screen / Paravent 20th century Japan Cranes
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A super nice Meiji period 19th c Japanese Chamber Screen. Also usuable as wall mounted screen. Stunning piece!
Bronze
B20 Japanese Antiques 6panels, Silver Paper, folding Screen
Located in Niiza, JP
Silver-covered folding screen Material: Paper on wooden frame One piece: W600×H1745mm×D20mm, Unfolded size: W3630mm Folded size: W615×H1745×D105mm, 12kg Estimate packing size: (sandw...
Paper
$1,050
H 59.85 in W 59.85 in D 0.79 in
B35 Japanese Antiques Gold background flowers folding screen, 2-panel
Located in Niiza, JP
Material: Paper & Silk-like fabric, wooden frame 1 piece: Width 760 x Height 1520 x Depth 20 mm Expanded size: Width 1520 mm Folded size: Width 760 x Height 1520 x Depth 40 mm, weigh...
Paper, Silk
$1,800
H 59.85 in W 59.45 in D 0.79 in
B31 Japanese Antiques 2panels, paper, folding Screen with flower
Located in Niiza, JP
Material: paper on wooden frame One piece: W755×H1520mm×D15mm, Unfolded size: W1510mm Folded size: W755×H1520×D30mm, 5kg Packaging (sandwiched with 5-10mm plywood): 12cm x 83cm x 16...
Paper
$2,175
H 20.5 in W 26 in D 1 in
Japanese Edo 19th Century Signed Utagawa Kuniyoshi Diptych Woodblock Print
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Japanese Edo period diptych woodblock print from the early to mid 19th century, signed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Immerse yourself in the Japanese Edo period artistry with this antique 19th-century diptych woodblock print. Signed by the artist, this captivating piece is a striking depiction of a tranquil interior scene, rendered in a soothing color palette of blue, pink, and black tones. This print comprises two panels, assembled under glass in a custom frame to form a cohesive narrative. The scene captures a specific moment in time, presenting a man surrounded by four women and a child, beautifully adorned in traditional Japanese garments. The intricate details of their clothing are a testament to the artisan's skill, bringing an element of authenticity and depth to the scene. On the left, three women sit in a state of relaxed conversation, while another stands, graciously offering a tray. Adding intrigue, two additional women can be spotted peeking through a slightly open window, one cleverly concealing her face behind a fan. A child, smaller in stature, sits attentively in front of the man, further enhancing the scene's narrative quality. A signature from the artist adds an additional layer of authenticity, making this piece a must-have for collectors of antique Japanese art...
Glass, Paint, Paper
$1,962
H 22.45 in W 17.72 in D 0.79 in
19th Century Japanese Woodblock Print, Meiji Period, After Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Located in London, GB
Dimension: Frame: 57 x 45 Picture: 34.5 x 23.5 19th Century Japanese Woodblock Print, Meiji Period, After Utagawa Kuniyoshi A J...
Paper
Sold
H 13 in W 11.03 in D 0.79 in
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print Depicting Generals, Meiji Period, Late 19Th C.
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE ORIGINAL WOODBLOCK PRINT (UKIYO-E) An original woodblock print from Japan. Probably dating from the late 19th century Meiji period, circa c. 1870s-1880s. Depicting general...
Glass, Wood, Lacquer, Paper
Sold
H 5.52 in W 7.68 in
Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block 53 stations of Tokaido Road, Japan
By Hiroshige
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice block print by Hiroshige. Kinryusan Temple at akusa. 53 stations of Tokaido Road. Departure from Edo Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Peri...
Paper
Sold
H 7.68 in W 5.52 in
Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Calligrphy One Hundred Famous Views of Edo
By Hiroshige
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice block print by Hiroshige. Kinryusan Temple at akusa. One Hundred Famous Views of Edo Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century...
Paper
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print of a Samurai, 19th Century
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A vibrant antique Japanese wood block print of a samurai. The block print with broad sage green mat with ebonized Asian style frame with UV Glass. M...
Art Glass, Hardwood, Paper
Sold
H 21 in W 34.75 in D 0.75 in
Framed Japanese Woodblock Triptych by Chikanobu "Etiquette for Women"
Located in Austin, TX
An elegant and delightful Japanese woodblock print triptych (sammaitsuzuki) from the series "Pictures of Ladies' Etiquette" by Toyohara (Yoshu...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Sold
H 16.5 in W 13.25 in D 1.5 in
Set of Nine Vintage Original Woodblock Chrysanthemum Prints on Washi Paper
By Keika Hasegawa
Located in Chireno, TX
Set of Nine vintage original woodblock chrysanthemum prints on washi paper, by late 19th century artist Keika Hasegawa. Printed in 1954 as part of ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Sold
H 16.5 in W 13.25 in D 1.5 in
Set of Nine Vintage Original Woodblock Chrysanthemum Prints on Washi Paper
By Keika Hasegawa
Located in Chireno, TX
Set of Nine vintage original woodblock chrysanthemum prints on washi paper, by late 19th century artist Keika Hasegawa. Printed in 1954 as part of ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Sold
H 22.25 in W 37.5 in D 3 in
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi Japanese Woodblock Triptych Print Court Dancer, 19th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A rather wonderful and extremely rare woodblock triptych print by famed Japanese artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi titled "Shizuka Gozen Kamakura Tsurugaok...
Paper
Sold
H 19.5 in W 14.13 in D 0.38 in
Gilt Framed Utagawa Toyokuni II Geisha Japanese Woodblock Print Parchment Paper
By Utagawa Toyokuni II
Located in Miami, FL
Original Utagawa Toyokuni II Geisha Japanese woodblock print on parchment paper in gilt frame. Marked by Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni II (1777-1835) a...
Paint, Parchment Paper, Wood
Sold
H 19.5 in W 14.13 in D 0.38 in
Gilt Framed Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese Original Woodcut Print on Paper, 1845
Located in Miami, FL
Original Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese woodcut print on paper in gilt frame. Marked by artist: Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) and dated 1845.
Paint, Paper, Wood
Japanese Meiji Period Triptych Print Imperial Army Officers
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and unusual Japanese Meiji period wood block print depicting various famous military officers of the Imperial Army. Beautifully colored with eac...
Glass, Paper, Wood
Sold
H 4 in W 6 in D 0.001 in
Japanese Antique Woodblock Print Album Erotic Couples Shunga Art, 11 Prints
Located in South Burlington, VT
From an important Japanese art collection found on our most recent trip to Japan. This is a Japanese complete antique palm sized silk covered album of eleven (11) woodblock printe...
Paper