Meiji Table Lamps

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.

Style: Meiji

Mid 20th Century Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Vase Mounted as Table Lamp

$449

Mid 20th Century Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Vase Mounted as Table Lamp

Located in Germantown, MD

A Mid 20th Century Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Vase Mounted as Table Lamp Measures 5" in width x 5" in depth x 20.5" in height x 30" to the top of the porcelain finial

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Enamel

Antique Japanese 19th Century Blue And White Glazed Porcelain Vase Lamp C.1880

$3,404

Antique Japanese 19th Century Blue And White Glazed Porcelain Vase Lamp C.1880

Located in London, GB

Antique Japanese 19th Century Blue And White Glazed Porcelain Vase Lamp C.1880 A large and handsomely painted Japanese Arita porcelain vase converted to a double-arm table lamp on a...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Japanese Vintage Electrified Shrine Lantern with exceptional Arabesque Details

$840Sale Price|32% Off

Japanese Vintage Electrified Shrine Lantern with exceptional Arabesque Details

Located in South Burlington, VT

Special Antique Interior Lighting Choice- One Of Kind. Japan, a lovely large vintage bronze and copper shrine Lantern with attractive Hoju jewel finial and handsome arabesque scroll...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze, Copper

Meiji Period Kyoto Satsuma Vase Table Lamp, Japan, circa 1880

$1,170

Meiji Period Kyoto Satsuma Vase Table Lamp, Japan, circa 1880

Located in Grythyttan, SE

Antique Meiji Period Kyoto Satsuma Vase Table Lamp, Japan, circa 1880 Dimensions: – Height without lamp fitting: 21.7 cm – Height with lamp fitting: 27.5 cm – Height with lampshade:...

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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Stoneware

Meiji Period Japanese Imari Porcelain Table Lamp, Kinrande Style, 1890

$1,219

Meiji Period Japanese Imari Porcelain Table Lamp, Kinrande Style, 1890

Located in Lincoln, GB

A Charming Meiji Period Japanese Imari Porcelain Table Lamp A delightful and finely proportioned Japanese Imari porcelain table lamp, dating from the late Meiji period (circa 1890). ...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Antique Japanese Kyoto Pottery Cream Monochrome Glaze Mingei Vase Lamp

$950

Antique Japanese Kyoto Pottery Cream Monochrome Glaze Mingei Vase Lamp

Located in Wilton, CT

Antique Japanese Kyoto pottery vase, circa late 19th/early 20th century, made into a beautiful lamp. The vase is a cream white monochrome in mallet form with fine overall crackle gla...

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Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Pottery

Pair of 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Dragon Vase Table Lamps

$2,950 / set

Pair of 19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Dragon Vase Table Lamps

Located in Studio City, CA

A pair of fabulous cylindrical forms Meiji Period (1868-1912) patinated bronze table lamps on carved wood bases with dragon, turtle, and mystical creatures motifs. Likely late 19th/Early 20th century. From a Los Angeles collection of fine Japanese vintage art...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Antique Bronze Electrified Shrine Lantern with fine Heart motif Designs

$712Sale Price|20% Off

Japanese Antique Bronze Electrified Shrine Lantern with fine Heart motif Designs

Located in South Burlington, VT

A Special Antique Interior Lighting Choice- One Of Kind And Over 100 Years Old Japan, a well loved antique heavy bronze shrine lantern with attractive Hoju jewel finial, heart shape...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Meiji Period Satsuma Pottery Table Lamp, Hand-Painted, 1890-1910

$540

Meiji Period Satsuma Pottery Table Lamp, Hand-Painted, 1890-1910

Located in Lincoln, GB

A Fine Meiji Period Japanese Satsuma Pottery Table Lamp An exceptionally vibrant and finely decorated Japanese Satsuma pottery vase, dating from the late Meiji period (circa 1890–191...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century Japanese Bronze Lamps

$5,770 / set

Pair of 19th Century Japanese Bronze Lamps

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A pair of bronze Meiji period lamps highly decorated with elephant head handles and ornate birds on flowering branches in the centre, top and base. Carved panels surround the central...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Marbro Japanese Meiji Period Bronze & Cloisonne Table Lamp

$1,600

Marbro Japanese Meiji Period Bronze & Cloisonne Table Lamp

By The Marbro Lamp Company

Located in Fulton, CA

Vintage Japanese Meiji Period Champleve Cloisonne vase converted into a table lamp by Marbro Lamp Company, Hollywood, California. Multi-Color floral and blossom design with chrysanth...

Category

Early 20th Century American Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Circa 1900-1920 Japanese Vase Mounted as a Lamp

$495

Circa 1900-1920 Japanese Vase Mounted as a Lamp

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1900-1920 Japanese vase now mounted as a lamp. Antique cobalt & orange floral reserve porcelain vase made for the Western market, mounted as a lamp in the mid-20th century. Som...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Meiji period Cloissone Lamp

$950

Meiji period Cloissone Lamp

Located in Kilmarnock, VA

A beautifully crafted Meiji period cloisonné table lamp featuring exquisitely detailed polychrome enameled mythical beasts, lending an air of mystique and elegance. The vase dates fr...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Meiji Period Japanese Ariake Andon Table Floor Lantern Lamp

$895

Meiji Period Japanese Ariake Andon Table Floor Lantern Lamp

Located in Fort Collins, CO

Traditional Japanese Ariake Andon are cube shaped lanterns, originally used as a kind of nightlight lamp. With washi paper and a black and red lacquer wood frame and handle, the out...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Paper

Pair of Japanese Meiji Era Bronze Candle Holders, as lamps with Gracie Shades

$7,200 / set

Pair of Japanese Meiji Era Bronze Candle Holders, as lamps with Gracie Shades

Located in New York, NY

Thia pair of Japanese bronze candlesticks dates to the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and has been converted into table lamps, retaining their original candle cup fittings, in which now si...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Pair Antique 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Vase Table Lamps

$3,732Sale Price / set|30% Off

Pair Antique 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Vase Table Lamps

Located in London, GB

A pair of antique 19th century Meiji Period Japanese patinated bronze vase table lamps. A pair of Japanese patinated bronze vases of cylindrical f...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Nippon Moriage Urn Lamp with Gilt Highlights, Meiji Style, Japan

$450

Nippon Moriage Urn Lamp with Gilt Highlights, Meiji Style, Japan

Located in Savannah, GA

Nippon urn featuring raised Moriage decoration, gilt highlights, double handles and gorgeous open garden roses hand painted on either side. It has been conv...

Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Inlaid Table Lamps

$7,500 / set

Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Inlaid Table Lamps

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Exceptional and finely crafted pair of Japanese table lamps from the Meiji period (1868–1912), showcasing exquisite bronze bodies adorned with delicate inlaid decoration. The vases a...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Antique Pair Japanese Patinated Bronze Vases Mounted as Lamps

$1,850

Antique Pair Japanese Patinated Bronze Vases Mounted as Lamps

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Antique Pair Japanese Patinated Bronze Vases Mounted as Lamps Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.

Category

19th Century French Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Satsuma Porcelain Table Lamp, Meiji Style, Enameled, Japan, Late 1800s

$850

Satsuma Porcelain Table Lamp, Meiji Style, Enameled, Japan, Late 1800s

Located in Savannah, GA

Made for the European market in the Meiji period, this lovely Japanese Satsuma porcelain vase has been converted into a table lamp and mounted on a wooden base. Decorated with delica...

Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Antique Asian Champleve’ Enameled Bronze Urns Fashioned As Table Lamps

$1,495 / set

Pair of Antique Asian Champleve’ Enameled Bronze Urns Fashioned As Table Lamps

Located in Forney, TX

For your consideration, a most distinctive pair of similarly styled Japanese archaic style urns from the late 19th century, repurposed as highly decorative table lamps. Japan, Meij...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Pair of 19th C Meiji Bronze Champleve and Cloisonne Enamel Vases Mounted as Lamp

$3,900 / set

Pair of 19th C Meiji Bronze Champleve and Cloisonne Enamel Vases Mounted as Lamp

Located in Germantown, MD

A Pair of 19th century Japanese Meiji Bronze Champleve and Cloisonne Enameled Vases Mounted as Lamps. Very rare pair. 8" x 8" x Adjustable height 21" to 24"H.

Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Meiji Japanese Bronze Candlesticks Table Lamps, Circa 1880s

$1,395

Pair of Meiji Japanese Bronze Candlesticks Table Lamps, Circa 1880s

Located in Germantown, MD

This pair of Japanese patinated bronze candle holders from the Meiji period (circa 1868 - 1912) feature intricate reticulated floral patterns and embossed archaic motifs, commonly us...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique Japanese Bronze Vasiform Table Lamps

$2,975 / set

Pair of Antique Japanese Bronze Vasiform Table Lamps

Located in Shippensburg, PA

PAIR OF JAPANESE PATINATED BRONZE VASIFORM LAMPS Japan, early 20th century 23 1/2" H x 5 9/16" W x 5 9/16" D ref. 512BDQ06P A matched pair of Japanese bronze urns later converted ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Meiji Period Carved & Bone Inlaid Bamboo Lamp

$895

Japanese Meiji Period Carved & Bone Inlaid Bamboo Lamp

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Carved Bamboo & Bone Inlaid Lamp—Samurai on Horseback, c. 1900 This exquisite Meiji-period Japanese lamp (circa 1900) showcases masterful craftsmanship, featuring a hand-carved bamboo base with a striking relief of a samurai warrior on horseback. The warrior’s face is expertly carved in bone, creating a striking contrast against the deep, warm tones of the bamboo. The intricate carving highlights the samurai’s armor, horse, and surrounding motifs, demonstrating remarkable attention to detail and artistic skill. This rare antique Japanese lamp...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Pair of Satsuma Style Porcelain Table Lamps

$1,050

Pair of Satsuma Style Porcelain Table Lamps

Located in San Francisco, CA

Pair of Satsuma style hand painted porcelain table lamps with scenes depicting birds and peonies

Category

Mid-20th Century Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Large Bronze Meiji Period Table Lamp

$2,695

Large Bronze Meiji Period Table Lamp

Located in Bradenton, FL

A large Japanese hand-crafted bronze temple candlestick holder converted to a table lamp, dating from the Meiji era (1868-1912). The baluster shaped body is cast with a pierced scall...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

A fine Bronze Lamp stand vase Depicting Cranes and Bamboo Meiji period

$1,452

A fine Bronze Lamp stand vase Depicting Cranes and Bamboo Meiji period

Located in Den Haag, NL

Baluster-shape, Lamp stand the bronze vase attractively patinated to a dark reddish-brown finish, finely worked in relief with neatly incised details dep...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Large Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Sumo Wrestlers Lamp on Forged Bronze Base

$4,800

Large Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Sumo Wrestlers Lamp on Forged Bronze Base

Located in Kilmarnock, VA

A heavy, solid-cast Japanese bronze of two sumo wrestlers, finely detailed with taut musculature, expressive faces, and traditional mawashi belts. The figures are mounted as a lamp o...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Cloisonne Vase fitted as an electric table lamp

$950

Japanese Cloisonne Vase fitted as an electric table lamp

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Japanese Cloisonne Vase fitted as an electric table lamp. The bulbous vase form with tall narrow neck and flared mouth having a rich dark blue background with variegated blossoms of...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Red Green Gold Porcelain Table Lamp

$4,850

Japanese Red Green Gold Porcelain Table Lamp

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Exquisite large Japanese contemporary gilded and intricately hand painted porcelain table lamp in an auspicious double gourd crackled fine porcelain body...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Gold, Brass

19th Century Chinese Export Royal Crane Vase Table Lamp

$550

19th Century Chinese Export Royal Crane Vase Table Lamp

Located in Savannah, GA

In the Chinese culture cranes are the symbols of longevity. This ceramic vase was converted into a table lamp and features a pair of cranes with flowers on a decorative filigree brass base, lovely muted pastel colors, brass fittings and an Asian script...

Category

1880s Chinese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Yellow Bronze Lamp with Inlay Red Bronze and Silver, Japanese Meiji Period 1890

$1,125

Yellow Bronze Lamp with Inlay Red Bronze and Silver, Japanese Meiji Period 1890

Located in San Francisco, CA

A solid yellow bronze with inlaid red bronze and silver vase converted to a lamp. The body of the vase would have originally had a dark green p...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Silver, Bronze

Extrordinary Pair of Japanese Jars with Mythological Scenes as Table Lamps

$3,600 / set

Extrordinary Pair of Japanese Jars with Mythological Scenes as Table Lamps

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Cylindrical jars glazed with striated colors in the top background. With overall dense raised colorful decoration of a mythological scene with a variety of figures. A prominent figur...

Category

20th Century Asian Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Late 19th C., Pair of Japanese Satsuma Vase Table Lamps with Warrior Figures

$1,500 / set

Late 19th C., Pair of Japanese Satsuma Vase Table Lamps with Warrior Figures

Located in Morristown, NJ

Late 19th pair of Japanese Satsuma vase table lamps, decorated with Japanese warriors., with floral and gold accents. Possibly Meiji period. This pair of columnar lamps, with a brass base, socket and harp, has an overall attractive appearance. Decorated on a white background with gold, blue, yellow and...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Satsuma Table Lamp

$1,185

19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Satsuma Table Lamp

Located in San Francisco, CA

A fine quality hand painted Meiji period 1890 c. Satsuma pottery vase on a carved wood stand. This was converted to an electric table lamp in the first half of the 20th century. Re...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Porcelain

Kutani Porcelain Elephant Lamp, 19th Century Japanese

$4,800

Kutani Porcelain Elephant Lamp, 19th Century Japanese

Located in El Monte, CA

A unique example of kutani polychrome porcelain mounted as a lamp from the Meiji period. An intricately designed porcelain elephant with pagoda is elaborately decorated in various color. The piece features overglazed enamel work typical of Japanese Kutani-ware and sits atop a red wood base. The elephant and pagoda produce a modern lamp outfitted with a hand painted green and gold lamp...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Porcelain

1900’s Satsuma Hand Painted Ceramic Lamps, a Pair

$5,800

1900’s Satsuma Hand Painted Ceramic Lamps, a Pair

Located in Sarasota, FL

A pair of Japanese Satsuma table lamps circa 1900. Ceramic vases are reeded, and hand painted with Sakura cherry blossom trees and birds in cobalt blue, rust red and gilt line detail...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Japanese Porcelain Lamp, Decorated with Castles and Pagodas, Mid-20th Century

$291

Japanese Porcelain Lamp, Decorated with Castles and Pagodas, Mid-20th Century

Located in VÉZELAY, FR

This Japanese porcelain lamp, dating from the mid-20th century, subtly blends tradition and aesthetics. With its elegant gourd-shaped form and square base, it is a true testament to...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Pair of 19iCentury Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Censers Turned into Lamps

$960Sale Price / item|20% Off

Pair of 19iCentury Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Censers Turned into Lamps

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A pair of baluster form patinated Meiji Period Japanese bronze censers with embossed geometric patterns and flowers all-over and handles of a s...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Meiji table lamps for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji table lamps for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage table lamps created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji table lamps 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 table lamps, popular names associated with this style include and Imari Porcelain. 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 table lamps differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $450 and tops out at $9,400 while the average work can sell for $2,300.