Edo furniture was created during a flourishing time for the decorative arts owing to the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate rule in Japan. Spanning from 1603 to 1867, this era of peace and economic growth supported artistic advancements in lacquer, woodblock printing, porcelain and other artisanal trades. Because the country was largely isolated, there was little outside influence, leading to centuries of exceptional attention to the design of its furnishings and the quality of its traditional arts.
Unlike during the Meiji period that followed, with an increase in domestic and international markets, furniture during the Edo period was predominately commissioned by the ruling class, although people from across social groups benefited from the burgeoning metropolitan hubs for artisanal trades. For instance, Kyoto became a major center for lacquer art. Most furniture pieces were made from wood such as cedar or ash, including the era’s sashimono cabinets, which involved fine joinery and were rooted in the Heian period.
Sashimono cabinets, which were built by master craftsmen in a range of different wood types owing to the various trees that populate Japan, occasionally featured a stack of slender drawers as well as sliding doors. They were popular with everyone from samurai to kabuki actors. Tansu storage chests crafted from wood with metal fittings were also common in Edo-period homes. Some were designed to be easily portable while others were made to double as staircases.
Painted folding screens, called byōbu, were also fashionable, with Japanese artists inspired by nature, literature and scenes of history and daily life to create vivid works. In Buddhist temples and the palatial homes of the aristocratic class, fusuma, or large sliding panels, would sometimes be adorned with gold or silver leaf. These dividers allowed interiors to change throughout the day, closing in small spaces for personal use or reflecting candlelight to illuminate communal spaces after dark.
Find a collection of Edo tables, lighting, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Japanese Antique "BORO" Edo period 1800s-1860s / Rag Abstract Art Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese BORO textile, dating back to the Edo period (1800s–1860s). It is a rare cloth that has survived through a long span of time. The interplay of indigo and natur...
Fabric
Japanese Antique Rag "BORO" 1800s-1860s / Abstract Art Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an exceptional example of a Japanese *BORO* textile, dating from the late Edo period (1800s–1860s). Carefully preserved over generations, it embodies both the resourcefulness...
Fabric
Antique Brocade Kesa Monk's Patched Robe Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
Kesa, known as "Jiasha" in Chinese and "Kasaya" in Sanskrit, is an out layer garment worn by the ordained Buddhist monks. Bearing a basic rectangular form, it developed originally in...
Textile, Brocade
Antique Framed Japanese Silk Kesa Monk's Robe Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese Kesa (Monk's Vestment) made from thirteen columns of patchworks of brocades set within a border of the same material. The brocade was woven from a subtle color palette of ...
Brocade, Silk
$4,080
H 41.5 in W 53 in D 0.5 in
Chinese Embroidered Silk Lady's Robe with Blossoms & Butterflies, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
When the Qing-dynasty woman who wore this lovely robe entered a room, people would instantly have recognized her status and rank based on the fine materials and skilled decoration of...
Cotton, Silk
$560Sale Price|30% Off
H 25.99 in W 21.66 in D 1.58 in
Japanese Antique Small Door Wall Decoration 1860s-1900s / Abstract Art Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old small window frame made in Japan. It was originally used as a traditional Japanese mud wall fixture. It dates back to the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and has been in us...
Bamboo, Cedar
Large Antique Embroidered Panel with Floral Pattern from India
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique embroidered mirrored horse blanket throw used in India for the wedding ceremonies. Large antique embroidered panel with floral patter...
Linen, Silk, Sequins
Royal College of Needle Art Tapestry, Wool and Silk, 1700s-1800s
Located in Lincoln, GB
Charming ‘Royal College of Needle Art’ Wool and Silk Tapestry This is a very early tapestry with the ‘Royal College of Needle Art’ label on the reverse. We have made contact with th...
Tapestry
$1,300
H 67.33 in W 68.51 in D 0.08 in
Japanese Antique Boro Paper / Wall Decoration / 1800-1900s / Wabi-sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
19th Century Monumental Japanese Persimmon-Dyed (Kakishibu) Manuscript Wall Art A striking and soulful monumental wall hanging composed of joined antique Japanese washi paper, datin...
Paper
$848Sale Price|29% Off
H 37.41 in W 27.56 in D 2.56 in
Japanese Antique Wooden Board / Wall Decoration Abstract Art / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese workboard. It was called "Mochiita" and was used as a workbench for kneading flour. It seems to be around the Meiji period. The board is thought to be pine...
Wood
$1,000
H 32.68 in W 27.56 in D 2.37 in
Japanese Antique Door Wall Decoration 1860s-1900s / Abstract Art Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This piece was originally a sliding door from a traditional Japanese kura (storehouse). It is believed to date to the Meiji period (1860s–1900s) and represents a remarkably primitive...
Straw, Cedar
$720Sale Price|44% Off
H 30.71 in W 35.04 in D 2.96 in
Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Wood Board 1860s-1900s / Wall Decoration
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese wooden board called “Mochiita” (rice cake board). It was used during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is made of pine wood with a rich texture. As the name ...
Pine
$3,000
H 38.19 in W 78.75 in D 1.58 in
Japanese Antique Tin Door "Wall Decoration" 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old large Japanese tin-clad sliding door crafted in Japan during the Meiji period (late 19th century). The wooden frame is made of cedar and covered with hand-applied tin plate...
Iron
$2,700
H 0.25 in W 36 in D 36 in
1920s Red Foo Dogs Antique Chinese Silk Embroidery 3' x 3' Wool Woven Carpet Rug
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century Chinese Silk Embroidery ( 3' x 3' x 92 x 92 ) Antique Textile Small Scatter Size Wool Red Rug, Circa Date: 1925. This exceptional piece, though titled as a wool r...
Silk
$3,500
H 72.84 in W 48.04 in D 2.56 in
Japanese Antique Huge Door " Wall Decoration " 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi"
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Japanese Antique Huge Door " Wall Decoration " 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi This extraordinary large sliding door was once used in an old warehouse in Japan. Dating back to the Meiji per...
Iron
$1,200
H 69.3 in W 66.93 in D 0.08 in
Antique Japanese Indigo dyed cotton textile large Furoshiki wabi sabi wall decor
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Antique Japanese large cotton textile called "Furoshiki", made of indigo-dyed, hand-woven textile. the product of 1870s to 1900s (Meiji to Taisho era). Furoshiki textiles are basica...
Cotton
Sold
H 58.47 in W 54.53 in D 0.2 in
Japanese Antique "BORO" 1800s-1860s / Rag Tapestry Patchwork Textile Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese BORO, dating back to the late Edo period (1800s–1860s). It is an extremely valuable textile that has been carefully preserved and passed down to the present d...
Fabric
Japanese Antique Paper Wabi-Sabi Washi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This rare shichou-maku (paper-hung curtain) was crafted during Japan’s Meiji period (late 19th to early 20th century). It was originally used in sericulture rooms—spaces dedicated ...
Paper
Sold
H 66.93 in W 66.93 in D 0.2 in
Japanese Antique "BORO" 1800s-1860s / Rag Tapestry Patchwork Textile Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese BORO. It was made in the late Edo period (1800s-1860s) and is an extremely valuable piece that has been carefully passed down to the present day. BORO" is a ...
Fabric
Japanese Antique "BORO" 1800s-1860s / Tapestry Rug Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This BORO is an extremely valuable old cloth made in Japan during the Edo period (1800s-1860s). It is filled with the wisdom and history of people's lives who, in order to survive th...
Fabric
Antique Modern Japanese Boro Wall Hanging 1900s
Located in Oakland, CA
Incredible vintage Japanese indigo fabric Boro wall hanging c1900s. Acquired in Kyoto from a reputable textile dealer. Amazing detail and craft...
Metal
Antique Japanese Embroidered Silk Kesa Monk's Robe Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese Kesa (Monk's Vestment) made from thirteen columns of patchworks of fine shimmering silk fabric of a salmon orange color, the shade of which changed subtly from different a...
Brocade, Silk
Antique Japanese Brocade Kesa Monk's Robe Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese Kesa (Monk's Vestment) made from thirteen columns of patchworks of shimmering woven brocades. The elaborate motifs feature repetitive hibiscus flowers within framework of ...
Brocade, Silk
Antique Japanese Embroidery Tapestry Panel Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large Japanese silk embroidery tapestry circa 18th century Edo period. Possibly an altar tablecloth originally, the embroidered textile pane...
Silk
Framed Japanese Metallic Thread Temple Embroidery of a Shishi, Edo Period
Located in Austin, TX
A large and powerful metallic thread embroidered temple hanging of a Buddhistic lion, shishi, stalking by a rushing stream, late Edo period, early 19th century. The shishi has been ...
Metallic Thread
"Stable Jump" Two-Panel Japanese Byobu Screen
Located in Chicago, IL
The term byobu means “wind wall” and as the name suggests painted folding screens, like this one, were originally used in Japanese homes to block drafts of air. The oldest screens da...