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.
Contemporary Japanese Chochin Floor Lamp Limited Edition #1 Zen Pop art
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Akke Contemporary style Japanese Washi Japanese traditional paper shade floor lamp. Washi shade is famous as Isamu Noguchi Akari lightings. Base is made of black painted steel...
Steel
18th Century Japanese Bronze Tōrō Lantern
Located in Houston, TX
18th-Century Japanese bronze tōrō lantern with recently updated wiring.
Bronze
Contemporary Japanese Chochin Floor Lamp Limited Edition #1 Zen Washi
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: OBAKE A Contemporary style Japanese Washi Japanese traditional paper shade floor lamp. Washi shade is famous as Isamu Noguchi Akari lightings. Base is made of brass. Limited pattern painted model. Edition of 3+1AP E26,27 light bulb. Available to work with 100-250V. Artist statement In Japan, there is an animist belief that the soul dwells in old tools that have passed a long time and turns into spirits such as "Youkai" or "OBAKE." Its existence lurks in the darkness of everyday life, sometimes causing fear and sometimes entertaining. This lantern is not an old tool, but it is made by the historic "Kojima Shoten", where the 10th generation are craftsmen in Kyoto. It's rare nowadays, and it's a style in which lanterns are made from bamboo bones to assembling papers and painting in one workshop and go. So, I decided to transform the polite crafted Japanese lanterns, which have been run through a traditional history, into a modern and pop style. It's not just OBAKE lurking in the darkness, but an existence who snuggles up to us as a more sophisticated being. These one-eyed OBAKE have a meaningful look that originated in ancient Sanskrit culture. The red-eye "A [a]" is the facial expression that is the first pronunciation to make a sound in Sanskrit, which means "truth" and "spirit of inquiry" at the same time. The blue-eyed "UN [hu?]" expresses the pronunciation to close the sound, and at the same time means "wisdom" and "nirvana." There is also the idea that describing the beginning and end of the universe is represented by considering the "A" and "UN" as a pair. In Asia, it is a common sight to see a pair of guardian statues...
Brass
$2,600Sale Price / item|31% Off
Contemporary Japanese Chochin Floor Lamp Zen Washi Japanese Paper Shade
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Under the Hazy Moon Contemporary style Japanese Washi Japanese traditional paper shade floor lamp. Washi shade is famous as Isamu Noguchi Akari lightings. Base is made of brass...
Brass
Large c. 19th Century Antique Meiji Period Japanese Kyo Satsuma Vase Lamp
Located in Louisville, KY
This mid 19th century Japanese Meiji Period Kyo Satsuma Vase Lamp is a truly phenomenal piece of art. With multiple scenes that include Japanese figures in ceremonial costumes in var...
Bronze
Contemporary Japanese Chochin Floor Lamp Limited Edition #2 Zen Washi
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: OBAKE UN Contemporary style Japanese Washi Japanese traditional paper shade floor lamp. Washi shade is famous as Isamu Noguchi Akari lightings. Base is made of brass. Limited pattern painted model. Edition of 3+1AP E26,27 light bulb. Available to work with 100-250V. Artist statement In Japan, there is an animist belief that the soul dwells in old tools that have passed a long time and turns into spirits such as "Youkai" or "OBAKE." Its existence lurks in the darkness of everyday life, sometimes causing fear and sometimes entertaining. This lantern is not an old tool, but it is made by the historic "Kojima Shoten", where the 10th generation are craftsmen in Kyoto. It's rare nowadays, and it's a style in which lanterns are made from bamboo bones to assembling papers and painting in one workshop and go. So, I decided to transform the polite crafted Japanese lanterns, which have been run through a traditional history, into a modern and pop style. It's not just OBAKE lurking in the darkness, but an existence who snuggles up to us as a more sophisticated being. These one-eyed OBAKE have a meaningful look that originated in ancient Sanskrit culture. The red-eye "A [a]" is the facial expression that is the first pronunciation to make a sound in Sanskrit, which means "truth" and "spirit of inquiry" at the same time. The blue-eyed "UN [hu?]" expresses the pronunciation to close the sound, and at the same time means "wisdom" and "nirvana." There is also the idea that describing the beginning and end of the universe is represented by considering the "A" and "UN" as a pair. In Asia, it is a common sight to see a pair of guardian statues...
Brass
Bamboo Lattice Light Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen Japanese Craft Mingei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Lamp designed by Ryosuke Harashima. This work is made of antique Japanese bamboo basket and brass. Artist creates new style lamp by comb...
Brass
Contemporary Japanese Chochin Floor Lamp Limited Edition #2 Zen Pop art
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Nubo Contemporary style Japanese Washi Japanese traditional paper shade floor lamp. Washi shade is famous as Isamu Noguchi Akari lightings. Base is made of black painted steel...
Steel
Contemporary Japanese Chochin Floor Lamp Limited Edition #3 Zen Pop art
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Hatto Contemporary style Japanese Washi Japanese traditional paper shade floor lamp. Washi shade is famous as Isamu Noguchi Akari lightings. Base is made of black painted stee...
Steel
Vintage Closionne Vase Mounted As A Lamp
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Vintage cloisonné vase mounted as a lamp with dual pull chain operation, mounted on a conforming wooden base. The vase decorated with arched for...
Metal
18th Century Brass Barn Portable Lantern Candlelight
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early Danish 18th Century Brass Barn Portable Lantern.
Brass
Pair 19th Century Japanese Kutani Vases / Lamps
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality pair of Meiji period (1868-1912) Japanese Kutani vases / lamps. Each with classical motif decoration, exotic flowers and bird decoration and handles either side. ...
Porcelain
19th Century Satsuma Vase or Lamp
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality late 19th century (Meiji period 1868-1912) Japanese satsuma vase or lamp. Having classical gilded decoration of flowers, birds and scholars. Mounted on a fretted ormol...
Porcelain
Helix Floor Lamp, Black Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Helix floor lamp Black copper Hand repoussé Linen shade Limited edition Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief on...
Copper
$2,855 / item
H 62.9 in Dm 19.6 in
'Yoruba Rose' Japanese Washi Paper & Stainless Steel Floor Lamp for Ingo Maurer
By Ingo Maurer, Dagmar
Located in Glendale, CA
'Yoruba Rose' Japanese Washi paper & stainless steel floor lamp for Ingo Maurer Designed by Dagmar Mombach and produced by Ingo Maurer, one of the mos...
Stainless Steel
Late 19th Century French Bronze Porch Lantern
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A fabulous large late 19th Century French Country House bronze porch lantern. Rewired and PAT tested to UK standards.
Brass, Bronze, Copper
Japanese Antique Storage Jar, Late Edo Period, Japandi Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba, Chiba
A Japanese antique storage jar from the late Edo period, originally used for preserving food or materials. The surface displays a rich interplay ...
Pottery
F3 Japanese Antiques Art Shippo (Cloisonne) Carp vase
Located in Niiza, JP
Art Shippo (Cloisonne) Carp Size: φ180×260mm Box size: 230×300×230mm 3kg Estimated packing size: 350×420×350mm 6kg A beautiful vase crafted using cloisonné techniques A beautiful ca...
Metal
$1,950
H 57.09 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Isamu Noguchi Akari UF-3Q Light Sculpture, Handmade Washi Paper, Japan
Located in Dronten, NL
Elevate your space with this iconic Akari UF-3Q light sculpture by Isamu Noguchi, part of his celebrated Akari Light Sculpture series. Designed in the mid-20th century, Noguchi’s Aka...
Steel
$4,164 / item
H 66.15 in W 18.12 in D 15.75 in
GIRAFFE Limited Edition Floor Lamp in Natural Mahogany by Rispal
By Rispal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed in 1952, with its slender silhouette, both elegant and avant-garde, the Giraffe Tablet floor lamp perfectly embodies the spirit of innovation of the Rispal house. Finish: N...
Mahogany
Tall Japanese Vintage Shoji Style Floor Lamp with Rice Paper Panels
Located in Yonkers, NY
This vintage Japanese floor lamp embodies the clean geometry and quiet elegance of traditional shoji design. The tall, slender form is crafted with a warm-toned wooden frame and fitt...
Metal
$1,000
H 41.74 in W 5.91 in D 5.52 in
Japanese Antique Exhibition Stand / Sword Case / 1800-1868s / Wabi-sabi
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old drawer for storing Japanese swords originally called "Katanatansu". It is thought to be from around the Edo period. Cedar is used for the material, and a large numbe...
Wood, Paper, Cedar
Early Nineteenth Century Imari Lamp
Located in London, England
A large scale Imari vase now converted to a lamp of very good quality , decorated with bucolic scenes. Early Nineteenth Century, Imari H 43.5 cms x W 25cms
Porcelain, Giltwood
Japanese Temple Lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Japanese lantern is rare and spectacular in its size and ornamental design. A true one of a kind piece. It can be used as a hanging fixture, as seen in the photos or a magnifice...
Brass, Iron
Pair Of Large Edo Period Japanese Bronze Candlesticks Wabi Sabi
Located in London, GB
A pair of large early 19th C. Japanese bronze candlesticks. Heavily patinated with remnants of wax due to hundreds of years of use. Simple shapely design.
Bronze
Sold
H 16.74 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
Antique Vintage Japanese Chinese Imari Porcelain Ormolu Table Lamp Blue Gilt Edo
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An imposing and stunning single traditional Japanese Imari waisted form hand painted porcelain vase of tall slender proportions. First half of the Eighteenth century, Edo Period. T...
Ormolu
Japanese Huge 1850 Antique Signed "Lotus Flower" Temple Lighting Lantern
Located in South Burlington, VT
A Rare Signed Treasure Lighting Lantern ?? "Jyumotsu" from Japan's Western Shining Temple ??? Saikoji, Japan, a huge and handsome antique large scale bronze temple lighting lantern hand wrought in an attractive "Lotus Flower Purity" motif , Edo period circa 1850. Caste's a lovely night light through its prolific hand pierced roof and six beautiful master crafted hand pierced side panels. The portable six sided lantern with a pair of ornate doors and four panels around the sides are ornately pierced and etched with designs of clouds and vines. The top of the lantern is in the form of a blossoming lotus -signature of purity- with 12 etched petals, and with a small, heavy flame finial. You will notice the fine etching on the lantern's top piece is underneath the lotus pettles, since the lantern was hung and meant to be viewed from below. The solid etched base has six (6) large solid feet for stabile display.. Signed. The bottom of the base has an identifying inscription that reads " ??? Saikoji, also read Seikoji, (Western Shining Temple) and kanji ?? "Jyumotsu" (treasured fixture). Superbly crafted with attractive surface engravings of waves, clouds, flowers and vines. May be suspended from loop or installed on any surface on its six sturdy feet. Quality: Displays a fine natural aged warm golden brown patina from over 150 years of loving use. Dimensions: 21 inches tall to top of loop handle and 15.5 inches wide Huge 21 inch garden work of art with awesome visual impact - this is an ideal installation and significant accent for your special outdoor garden or favorite indoor space. Provenance: Japanese collection Many of our customers place LED or oil candles inside the main section making a romantic and enjoyable decorative accent for entertaining friends and family. It's a perfect choice for your indoor or outdoor garden space. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Japanese works...
Bronze
Japanese Edo Period Imari Porcelain Vase and Table Lamp, circa 1700
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A late 17th, early 18th century Japanese Edo period Imari porcelain vase or jar of hexagonal baluster form having underglaze blue and overgla...
Brass
Japanese Edo Period Imari Porcelain Vase and Table Lamp, circa 1700
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A late 17th, early 18th century Japanese Edo period Imari porcelain vase or jar of hexagonal baluster form having underglaze blue and overgla...
Brass
Japanese Antique Classic 1850 "Birds and Waves" Garden Lantern
Located in South Burlington, VT
Early 1850 Japanese Garden Lantern Classic - Hard To Find Japan, unusual large antique lantern design with an attractive "birds & waves" craftsmen perforated patterns incised into each of the six panels of the firebox and a charming three dimensional "cicada" clinging to the handle loop. The first of this design and style we have seen. A great old classic. Edo period, 1850 Fine original quality appropriate to its good age. Excellent orignal surface patina. Dimensions: 16 inches tall and 13 inches diameter; cicada is 2 inches long An unusual opportunity to own a unique "undiscovered" scarcer style authentic old lantern from early Japan.. This is the first of this early style we have seen in over fifteen years of dealing with fine Japanese garden ornaments...
Copper
Sold
H 7.09 in W 5.12 in D 9.85 in
Wall Lights Made in Japan / Reproduction of Japanese Antique Lighting Bracket
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a bracket light made in Japan. Made of brass. It is a product that reproduces old Japanese lighting. Since ancient times, it has been used as an outdoor light and an interior ...
Brass
Japanese Early Hand Wrought "Leaf" Oil Lamp
Located in South Burlington, VT
From Our Recent Japanese Acquisitions From Japan comes this rare surviving hand cast "Leaf form" oil lamp complete with its original "rat tail" hanger, mid 19th century or earlier...
Iron
Japanese Antique Hand Forged Iron Suspension Chain, Rare
Located in South Burlington, VT
From our recent Japanese acquisitions travels For displaying/hanging a special accessory such as flower planter or lantern From Japan comes this hard to find and beautiful handwrought iron "link and rod" hanging flower vase or lantern chain...
Iron
Japan Early Antique "Okigata" Temple Shrine Lantern, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
An antique Okigata (portable) three-piece stone lantern with thick and heavy dark patina from great age. The firebox engraved with Fine designs of birds, a tiger, and mountainside symbols. Dimensions: 30 inches tall and 24 inches diameter, three pieces Period: Edo period (1750-1850) Quality: Very fine condition, fine details, carved from solid granite The well proportioned carved stone lantern fashioned in three parts with a finial Hohju, light chamber Hibukuro, and well detailed base stone kiso. A rare one. Provenance: acquired from a 50 year old Shiga antique garden lantern...
Granite