Japonisme Animal Sculptures

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.

Style: Japonisme

Mid Century Brass Koi Fish Sculpture

$620

Mid Century Brass Koi Fish Sculpture

Located in New York, NY

Mid Century Brass Sculpture of a Koi Fish. Overall good condition, Few spots of patina visible from age and use. Late 20th Century.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Bronze Sculpture of a Koi Fish Sculpture Vase

$900

Bronze Sculpture of a Koi Fish Sculpture Vase

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A Bronze Koi Fish. The beautiful fish can be used as a decorative piece, a vase, and if you're really ambitious, could make a lovely fountain. A compliment to any space - living ro...

Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Painted Cast Iron Heron Garden Sculptures - France - circa 1930s

$2,950 / set

Pair of Painted Cast Iron Heron Garden Sculptures - France - circa 1930s

Located in Chatham, ON

Vintage pair of cast iron 'Heron' garden sculptures - suitable for indoor/outdoor use - featuring a great aged patina with remnants of a polychrome painted finish in areas - articula...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Vintage Japanese Wood Carving of Ainu Bear holding Fish Japan

$765

Vintage Japanese Wood Carving of Ainu Bear holding Fish Japan

Located in Den Haag, NL

Famously from Hokkaido and northern Japan, this large, intricately hand-carved bear statue with a fish in its maw is a traditional Ainu folk handicraft. In Ainu spirituality, bears...

Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Okimono Figure, Two Cranes, Japanese, Bronze, Bird Study, Art Deco, 1940

$1,028

Vintage Okimono Figure, Two Cranes, Japanese, Bronze, Bird Study, Art Deco, 1940

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a vintage Okimono of two cranes. A Japanese, decorative bronze bird figure, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1940. A charming decorative study, presenting a mother and ch...

Category

1940s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Period Glazed Katan Ware Peacock, ca. 1890

$1,500

Japanese Meiji Period Glazed Katan Ware Peacock, ca. 1890

Located in New York, NY

Japanese Meiji Period Glazed Katan Ware Peacock, ca. 1890 DIMENSIONS: Height: 5.5 inches Depth: 9 inches Width: 3.5 inches ABOUT This finely craft...

Category

1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Japanese Bronze Duck 14.5"

$1,740Sale Price|40% Off

19th Century Japanese Bronze Duck 14.5"

Located in Pasadena, TX

Japanese Bronze standing duck. Standing neck raised and mouth open with detailed feathers. 14.5 high.

Category

Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Style Viardot Mirror with Dragon, circa 1880

$7,539Sale Price|20% Off

Japanese Style Viardot Mirror with Dragon, circa 1880

By Gabriel Viardot

Located in VÉZELAY, FR

Superb Japanese-style mantel / fireplace mirror in lacquered wood, carved with an imposing dragon and decorative motifs. Japonism, France, circa 1880. Attributed to Gabriel Viard...

Category

1880s French Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Fabric, Mirror, Wood, Lacquer

Monumental Brass or Bronze Fish or Koi Statue

$4,950

Monumental Brass or Bronze Fish or Koi Statue

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This monumental Japanese-style bronze fish sculpture is an extraordinary decorative work that captures both the natural grace of aquatic life and the enduring symbolism found through...

Category

20th Century Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Rhino Contemporary Japanese Lacquer Art by Someya Satoshi

$7,500

Rhino Contemporary Japanese Lacquer Art by Someya Satoshi

Located in Atlanta, GA

Japanese Lacquer Rhino Sculpture by Someya Satoshi (1983-). A hand-molded lacquer sculpture that depicts a fantasy beast "Rhino". The artist uses century-old traditional techniques and symbols but with an innovative contemporary energy that borders mysticism, shamanism and surrealism. Found objects were equally treated as part of the meticulous designs as the elaborate Maki-e and shell inlays. According to the press of Honolulu Museum of Art: "Someya Satoshi has been described as “one of the most significant contemporary lacquer artists working in Japan today.” (Japan Times, 12 Dec. 2013) His work combines objects of daily use, such as bathing buckets, serving trays, and soup bowls, with a wide array of natural materials, including animal bones, horns and antlers, sand, stones, leaves and branches. In the process, he implements a range of traditional lacquer methods passed down from pre-modern eras, such as the kanshitsu or “dry lacquer” technique, the origins of which date to Japan’s Nara period (710–784). After creating his forms, he embellishes them with designs inspired by calligraphy, traditional Japanese textile patterns, and even contemporary manga or comic books. His work defies ordinary definitions of lacquer art and successfully challenges the perceived limits of this extremely difficult and, in some ways, most conservative of traditional Japanese art forms". His work was exhibited in US such as Honolulu Museum of Art, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Morikami Museum etc. For a complete resume of the artist, see the artist's page in Imura Art Gallery. Reference: For a very similar Bull Sculpture see Hard Bodies Contemporary Japanese Lacquer...

Category

Early 2000s Japanese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rope, Wood, Lacquer

A Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Carved Wood Fishes, Ca. 1920

$1,200 / set

A Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Carved Wood Fishes, Ca. 1920

Located in New York, NY

A Pair of Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Carved Wood Fishes, Ca. 1920 DIMENSIONS Width: 8.5 inches Depth: 4 inches Height: 3 inches

Category

1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Asian Wood Carved Wall Plaque with Crab and Lobster

$2,500

Asian Wood Carved Wall Plaque with Crab and Lobster

Located in Austin, TX

An Asian fine carved wood wall plaque possibly Japonese with a crab, a lobster on bamboo.

Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Japanese Meiji-Taisho Period Kutani Porcelain Figurine of a Rabbit, Circa 1920

$2,800

Japanese Meiji-Taisho Period Kutani Porcelain Figurine of a Rabbit, Circa 1920

Located in New York, NY

Japanese Late Meiji - Early Taisho Period Kutani Porcelain Figurine of a Rabbit, Circa 1920 MARKINGS Signed on the underside. DIMENSIONS Height: 6 inches L...

Category

1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century the Lobster Japanese Bronze Lobster Meiji Period

$4,945

19th Century the Lobster Japanese Bronze Lobster Meiji Period

Located in Marseille, FR

19th century the Lobster Japanese bronze Lobster Meiji Period.

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th century Japanese ceramic Shachikoko roof ornaments

$3,789 / set

Pair of 19th century Japanese ceramic Shachikoko roof ornaments

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Striking pair of 19th century shachikoko rood ornaments circa 1880. These appear to be 'shachikoko' sea monsters still retaining their bold colours, showing the head of a dragon wit...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Set of Four Porcelain White & Gold Foo Dogs

$2,200 / set

Set of Four Porcelain White & Gold Foo Dogs

By Cerámicas BONDIA

Located in New York, NY

A set of four white and gold ceramic Foo Dog table bases. Made in Spain by Bondia in the Hollywood Regency style. Ornate ceramic sculptures with detailed faces, mouths, bodies, and p...

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Japanese Signed Imari Porcelain Figurine "Cat Riding a Turtle", Ca. 1890

$2,500

Antique Japanese Signed Imari Porcelain Figurine "Cat Riding a Turtle", Ca. 1890

Located in New York, NY

Antique Japanese Signed Imari Porcelain Figurine of a Cat Riding a Turtle, Ca. 1890 DIMENSIONS Length: 15 inches Width: 11 inches Height: 7 inches ABOUT...

Category

1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Large Hand-Carved Boxwood Okimono – “Mino-Kame” Turtle, Ca. 1900

$2,600

Japanese Large Hand-Carved Boxwood Okimono – “Mino-Kame” Turtle, Ca. 1900

Located in New York, NY

Japanese Large Hand-Carved Boxwood Okimono – “Mino-Kame” Turtle, Ca. 1900 DIMENSIONS: Height: 4 inches Length: 19 inches Wide : 5 inches ABOUT An exceptional example of Meiji-era c...

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Ox with Boy on Its Back

$6,201

Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Ox with Boy on Its Back

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very amusing 19th century (Meiji period 1868-1912) Japanese bronze statue of an ox with a young boy sitting on its back. Signed.

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Italian mid-century modern ceramic fish-shaped sculpture, 1950s

$176

H 9.45 in W 12.21 in D 5.52 in

Italian mid-century modern ceramic fish-shaped sculpture, 1950s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century modern ceramic fish-shaped sculpture, 1950s Fish-shaped sculpture in colored and glazed ceramic. The rounded body features front opening with wavy profile. The in...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

19thC Japanese Meiji Period Gilt Bronze Figure Of A Labourer By Miyao Ei c.1890

$2,744

H 6.11 in W 3.35 in D 2.68 in

19thC Japanese Meiji Period Gilt Bronze Figure Of A Labourer By Miyao Ei c.1890

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji period gilt bronze figure of a labourer by the Miyao Eisuke Company of Yokohama. The muscular figure stands with feet apart, wearing a fundoshi (l...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century French Hand-Painted Concrete and Iron Stork Garden Sculpture

$1,700

H 23.5 in W 16 in D 8.5 in

Mid-Century French Hand-Painted Concrete and Iron Stork Garden Sculpture

Located in Dallas, TX

This charming antique garden sculpture was crafted in France circa 1960 and depicts a standing stork rendered in a rustic and highly decorative manner. The figure features a molded c...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Concrete, Iron

Mid-Century Modern Green Marble & Bronze Fish Sculpture

$450

H 6.5 in W 13.5 in D 11 in

Mid-Century Modern Green Marble & Bronze Fish Sculpture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Very unique vintage modern sculpture features a bronze fish swimming through a field of seaweed on a green marble base. This truly one of a ki...

Category

1960s Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century Pair of Japanese Bronze Lions Bookends, Meiji Period

$2,600

H 5.52 in W 5.2 in D 4.73 in

19th Century Pair of Japanese Bronze Lions Bookends, Meiji Period

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

This superb and rare pair of Japanese Meiji period bronze bookends are cast in solid bronze and depict a pair of Lions, with their heads raised. These finely sculpted pieces are beau...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Heavy Brass Koi

$625

H 9 in W 16 in D 6 in

Japanese Heavy Brass Koi

Located in Dallas, TX

This piece is a part of Brendan Bass’s one-of-a-kind collection, Le Monde. French for “The World”, the Le Monde collection is made up of rare and hard to find pieces curated by Brend...

Category

20th Century Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1920s French Cast Iron Jardinieres with Original Purple Paint

$950 / set

H 10 in Dm 10 in

Pair of 1920s French Cast Iron Jardinieres with Original Purple Paint

Located in Mt Kisco, NY

A pair of unique round cast iron jardinieres attributed to Deville & Cie of Charleville, France. The casting has a floral detail. There is drainage below for permanent planting.

Category

1920s French Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

19th Century the Lobster Japanese Bronze Lobster Meiji Period

$4,945

H 2.37 in W 14.97 in D 2.37 in

19th Century the Lobster Japanese Bronze Lobster Meiji Period

Located in Marseille, FR

19th century the Lobster Japanese bronze Lobster Meiji Period.

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of English Figural Cast Iron and Painted Campana-Form Urns, Circa 1880

$9,000 / set

H 24 in W 17 in D 10 in

Pair of English Figural Cast Iron and Painted Campana-Form Urns, Circa 1880

By Handyside Foundry

Located in Charleston, SC

Pair of English figural cast iron and painted campana-form urns with an intertwined floral and medallion frieze, flanking figural double side handles, gadrooned motif, and terminating on circular fluted squared plinths, late 19th century. Pair have been powder coated Charleston green.

Category

1880s English Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

American Cast Iron & Painted Horse Head Fluted Ringed Hitching Post, Circa 1850

$5,500

H 44 in W 6 in D 9 in

American Cast Iron & Painted Horse Head Fluted Ringed Hitching Post, Circa 1850

Located in Charleston, SC

American cast iron and painted horse head hitching post with a central fluted ringed column resting on a squared base, Mid 19th Century.

Category

1850s American Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

French Cast Iron Garden Urns, Medici Style, Green Patina, Circa 1900

$1,500 / set

H 14 in Dm 11 in

French Cast Iron Garden Urns, Medici Style, Green Patina, Circa 1900

Located in Winter Park, FL

A pair of French green painted cast iron Medicis style garden urn planters with green painted patina. Cast in two parts with urn bolted to the pedestal base. Minor paint loss and som...

Category

Early 20th Century French Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Pair of American Cast Iron Campana-Form Floral Garden Urns on Plinths Circa 1880

$10,000 / set

H 39.5 in W 31.5 in D 21.75 in

Pair of American Cast Iron Campana-Form Floral Garden Urns on Plinths Circa 1880

Located in Charleston, SC

Pair of American cast iron and painted campana-form floral garden urns with an incised molded edge, flanking acanthus side handles, and resting on de...

Category

1880s American Antique Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Previously Available Items

Pair of Japanese Cast Iron Bird Sculptures c. 1950s

Sold

H 7.25 in W 4 in D 8 in

Pair of Japanese Cast Iron Bird Sculptures c. 1950s

Located in Oakland, CA

Pair of Japanese cast iron bird sculptures with fine details in the casting, one is in an upright position and the other in a horizontal postur...

Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Cast Iron

Important Glazed Terracotta Horse from the 20th Century, Asian Art.

Sold

H 27.56 in W 22.45 in D 6.3 in

Important Glazed Terracotta Horse from the 20th Century, Asian Art.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Important glazed terracotta horse from the 20th century, Asian art. Glazed terracotta horse sculpture from the 20th century, Asian art. H: 70 cm, W: 57 cm, D: 20 cm

Category

20th Century Asian Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

20th Century Japanese Style Cast Iron Heron

Sold

H 6.11 in W 2.92 in D 4.34 in

20th Century Japanese Style Cast Iron Heron

Located in Stockholm, SE

A highly decorative painted cast iron heron, crafted in the Japanese style during the first half of the 20th century. Standing gracefully on one leg with its neck tucked in, the hero...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Bronze Sculpture of a Koi Fish Vase

Sold

H 10 in W 11 in D 8 in

Bronze Sculpture of a Koi Fish Vase

Located in New York, NY

Bronze Sculpture or Vase of a Koi Fish. Overall good condition, Few spots of patina visible from age and use. Late 20th Century. Felt on bottom

Category

Late 20th Century Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Antique Japanese Edo Carved Wooden Rare Cigarette Holder Snake

Sold

H 9.5 in W 2 in D 1.5 in

Antique Japanese Edo Carved Wooden Rare Cigarette Holder Snake

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredible rare cigarette pipe holder with wood carved snake circa 1950's. Made in Japan circa 1950's.

Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Verdigris Bronze Koi Fish Sculpture / Vase, 20th Century

Sold

H 6 in W 4.5 in D 5 in

Verdigris Bronze Koi Fish Sculpture / Vase, 20th Century

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Verdigris Bronze Koi Fish Sculpture / Vase, 20th Century.

Category

20th Century Unknown Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Antique Rare Solid Bronze Japanese Horse Sculpture

Sold

H 7.5 in W 8 in D 4.75 in

Antique Rare Solid Bronze Japanese Horse Sculpture

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful decorative solid bronze rare Horse Japanese Sculpture circa 1940's well done piece, beautiful original patina.

Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Koi Fish Bronze 1950s Set of 2

Sold

H 24.02 in W 16.54 in D 19.69 in

Koi Fish Bronze 1950s Set of 2

Located in Munich, DE

Lovely huge Japanese Solid Bronze Koi Fish Sculpture Vintage Art Work in a Rich Patina with Fabulous Detail. Legendary and Symbolic Beauty. The set has a beautiful patinated verdigri...

Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Ito Kunio, Japanese Bronze Equestrian Sculpture Signed Meiji Emperor's Horse

Sold

H 12.375 in W 14.75 in D 4.125 in

Ito Kunio, Japanese Bronze Equestrian Sculpture Signed Meiji Emperor's Horse

Located in Atlanta, GA

Ito Kunio (Japan, 1890-1970). "Itô KUNIO exhibited with the Bunten National Exhibition and Exhibition of the National Art Society among others. Remembered specifically for his expert depiction of horses in motion. Rush of a Gun Carriage (horses pulling a gun carriage through the mud) by the artist is held in the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. His sculpture of the Meiji Emperors Horse (under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Agency) stands among 700 cherry trees in Atago park, Noheji, Aomori prefecture. Two large sculptures of a horse, and a horse with its foal are on the grounds of the Hokkaido Agricultural School. For more see the 1968 book...

Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Bronze Heron Couple Sculpture

Sold

H 13.5 in W 9.25 in D 5.5 in

Japanese Bronze Heron Couple Sculpture

Located in Astoria, NY

Japanese patinated bronze sculpture depicting two standing egrets or herons, apparently unsigned. Dimensions: 13.5" H x 9.25" W x 5.5" D. Dealer: S138XX.

Category

Late 20th Century Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1990 Royal Crown Derby Imari 1st Edition Gourami Fish Figurine Paperweight

Sold

H 4.375 in W 5.5 in D 3.5 in

1990 Royal Crown Derby Imari 1st Edition Gourami Fish Figurine Paperweight

By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain

Located in Dayton, OH

"Vintage 1st edition Royal Crown Derby English Bone China porcelain Tropical Fish – Gourami figurine / paperweight, painted in rus...

Category

1990s Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

1985 Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Imari 1st Edition Snail Figurine Paperweight

Sold

H 2.75 in W 5 in D 2.75 in

1985 Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Imari 1st Edition Snail Figurine Paperweight

By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain

Located in Dayton, OH

"Vintage 1st edition Royal Crown Derby English Bone China porcelain snail figurine / paperweight, painted in rust, cobalt, and gol...

Category

1980s Vintage Japonisme Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Japonisme animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme animal sculptures 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 animal sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, building and garden elements, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme animal sculptures made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original animal sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Royal Crown Derby Porcelain, and Bouhon Frères. 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 animal sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $31,635 while the average work can sell for $2,500.