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 Edo Six Panel Table Screen After Maruyama Okyo
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic diminutive Japanese Edo period table top screen depicting a lively water landscape with flora and fauna. The screen is beautifully painted o...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Japanese Asian Large Edo Six-Panel Folding Byobu Screen Landscape Monkeys Trees
Located in Studio City, CA
An absolutely gorgeous, wonderfully composed six-panel Japanese Byobu folding screen/room divider depicting a family of playful monkeys among the blooming trees and mountainous lands...
Gold Leaf
Japanese Inari Fox Fire Shinto Shrine Temple Edo Period Taiko Drum on Stand
Located in Studio City, CA
This is a truly wonderful and rather unique piece. We can't find another quite like it. We were told it is from an Edo period Shinto Shrine dedicated to the deity Inari - a popular deity associated with foxes who were known for protecting the annual rice harvest from threatening vermin. In Japanese mythology, foxes are supposed to breathe out flames which are represented by the flame motif at the top of the drum stand...
Paint, Wood
Japanese Lacquer Smoking Box, Tabako Bon, Edo Period, 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A very fine Japanese maki-e lacquer decorated tabako bon, or smoking box, late Edo Period, mid-19th century, Japan. The elegant smoking box of black lacquer decorated with a wonderful gold lacquer takamaki-e design of a gnarled and elegantly twisted plum tree with branches in full bloom. A border of golden cranes in flight to the top. The smoking box, called a tabako bon, is comprised of an open section at the top with inset with two cylindrical metal canisters...
Lacquer
Edo-period Orange-Laced Samurai Suit
Located in New Orleans, LA
For samurai warriors, the functionality of their armor was as vital as its striking beauty—both elements held equal importance. This orange-laced armor is one of the rarest and most stunning complete Edo-period samurai suits ever crafted, designed for a military leader to convey the gravity of his power and warrior spirit at a single glance. This particularly rare armor...
Copper, Iron
Antique Japanese Samurai Manga Book Edo Period, circa 1840
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique Japanese Samurai Manga book Edo period, circa 1840 Woodblack print book Book dimensions: 224mm x 156 mm There are damages because it is antique item as we show on the photo...
Paper
17th Century 'Late 1600s', Japanese Edo Period 12-Panel Folding Screen Painted
Located in North Miami, FL
A pair of 17th Century (Late 1600s) Japanese Edo screens made of 12-panels. This folding silk screen is painted on a gold leaf background. It has a...
Silk, Wood, Paint, Paper
Edo Period Horagai – Ritual Conch Shell Trumpet
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A rare and authentic Edo period (1603–1868) horagai—a conch shell trumpet traditionally used in Japanese Buddhist rituals, Shugendō mountain ascetic practices, and by yamabushi (moun...
Shell
Unusual Samurai Jingasa Hat with Gilded Crests and Gilded Interior
Located in Fukuoka, JP
An uncommon Edo-period samurai jingasa, distinguished by its applied gilded crest decorations and rare gilded interior finish. Jingasa of this type were worn by samurai and retainers...
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Japanese Six-Panel Screen by Kano Chikanobu "Shushin"
Located in Prahran, Victoria
Late 17th century Kano school peony landscape screens. Both screens signed: Hogan Josen Fujiwara Chikanobu Hitsu - Kano Chikanobu (Shushin) (1660 - 1728...
Gold Leaf
Rare Japanese Buddhist Ritual Ghanta Bell with Vajra Handle, Edo Period, 17–18c
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A rare and finely cast Japanese Buddhist ritual ghanta handbell, featuring a five-pronged vajra handle, dating to the early to mid Edo period. Used in esoteric Buddhist ceremonies, ...
Bronze
Large Buddhist Bronze Temple Bell with Dragon Motifs and Inscription, 18th Centu
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This stunning and unusually large Japanese Buddhist bronze temple bell dates to the 18th century and is richly decorated with two finely cast dragons in high relief. The bell bears a...
Bronze
Japanese Antique Gilt Wood Amitabha Buddha on Loctus Throne Statue
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese carved wood Amitabha (Amida) Buddha statue with residual gold leafed surface circa 19th century (late Edo period). The buddha is seated in the padmasana position on an elevated double lotus throne, under a small lotus halo canopy. His right hand is held in abhaya mudra which means fearlessness in Sanskrit. The mudra symbolizes protection, peace, and fearless. His left hand gently resting on his thigh. Dressed in a flowing robe with open chest, the statue showcases a classic iconography found prominently in Japanese Buddhism art during Edo to Meiji period, characterized by the double lotus throne and a particularly serene meditative facial expression, highlighted by inset gemstones...
Gold Leaf
Late Edo Period Vajra Bell (Ghanta)
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A finely cast ritual bell (ghanta) from the late Edo period (c. mid-19th century), made of brass with a five-pronged vajra (go-kosho) handle. This sacred implement would have been us...
Bronze
Japanese Edo Period Two-Panel Screen
Located in Stamford, CT
A Japanese Edo Period two panel folding screen with white and brown hawks of ink and color on paper.
Paper
Antique Japanese Buddhism Book Edo Period, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique Japanese Buddhism book Edo period, circa 1867 Woodblack print book Book dimensions: 226 mm x 159 mm There are damages because it is antique item as we show on the phot...
Paper
Set of Edo Period Samurai Armor Box Covers (Yoroi Bitsu Covers) with Gold Family
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Set of Edo Period Samurai Armor Box Covers (Yoroi Bitsu Covers) with Gold Family Crests Japan, 18th century (Edo period) Dimensions: Approx. 40 × 40 cm, H 53 cm An extremely rare se...
Leather
Antique Metal Japanese Tsuba Tosogu with Buddhist Clouds in Silver, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Tsuba. The piece is unmarked. Dating to the Edo period Provenance: Collected in the 1920’s. Thence by decent A Tsuba is a Japanese sword mountings are the various housi...
Bronze
Antique Japanese Kano School Painting by Yosenin Korenobu
Located in Prahran, Victoria
Six-panel Kano School tiger screen by Yosenin Korenobu (1753-1808). Sumi-e ink on paper, late 18th century. Dimensions: H 169cm x W 382cm.
Paper, Wood
Antique Metal Japanese Tsuba Tosogu with Chinese Coins, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Tsuba. The piece is unmarked. Dating to the Edo period Provenance: Collected in the 1920’s. Thence by decent A Tsuba is a Japanese sword mountings are the various housi...
Bronze
Antique Japanese Fuchi Edo Period Oni Decoration
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Fuchi. The piece is unmarked. Dating to the Edo period Provenance: Collected in the 1920’s. Thence by decent A fuchi is a collar that is mounted at the base of the grip o...
Metal
Antique Japanese Fuchi Edo Period Gold Decoration
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Fuchi. The piece is unmarked. Dating to the Edo period Provenance: Collected in the 1920’s. Thence by decent A fuchi is a collar that is mounted at the base of the grip o...
Gold
Antique Metal Japanese Tsuba Tosogu with Buddhist Literati in Landscape, 19th C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Tsuba. The piece is unmarked. Dating to the Edo period Provenance: Collected in the 1920’s. Thence by decent A Tsuba is a Japanese sword mountings are the various housi...
Bronze
Antique Metal Japanese Tsuba Tosogu with Buddhist Literati in Landscape
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Tsuba. The piece is unmarked. Dating to the Edo period Provenance: Collected in the 1920’s. Thence by decent A Tsuba is a Japanese sword mountings are the various housi...
Bronze
Antique Metal Japanese Tsuba Tosogu with Floral Flowers in Landscape
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Tsuba. The piece is unmarked. Dating to the Edo period Provenance: Collected in the 1920’s. Thence by decent A Tsuba is a Japanese sword mountings are the various housi...
Bronze
Antique Japanese Fuchi Edo Period Branch Decoration
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Fuchi. The piece is unmarked. Dating to the Edo period Provenance: Collected in the 1920’s. Thence by decent A fuchi is a collar that is mounted at the base of the grip o...
Metal
Antique Metal Japanese Tsuba Tosogu with Scholars Travelling in Landscape
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Tsuba. The piece is unmarked. Dating to the Edo period Provenance: Collected in the 1920’s. Thence by decent A Tsuba is a Japanese sword mountings are the various housi...
Bronze
19th Century Lectern Louis-Philippe Period
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
This Louis-Philippe period table lectern in cherrywood resting on four turned legs, has three positions for three different reading angles. France, circa 1840.
Cherry
$1,850
H 33 in W 16.5 in D 16.5 in
Large Antique East Indian Brass Hindu Altar Temple Statue Shrine Mandir 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A good & large 19th century antique brass Hindu temple altar shrine, circa 1880. The shrine in two sections with a domed top and a turned & pointed finial, below is a shaped gallery ...
Brass
Chinese Export Four Panel Coromandel Screen Cranes on Gold Leaf
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dazzling Chinese export lacquered four-panel coromandel screen featuring a flora and fauna waterscape with stylized cranes. The carved lacquer panels...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Jutaku: Japanese Houses Book
Located in New York, NY
"Another winner from Phaidon... a must for those interested in architecture and design" —selectism. com. Frenetic. Pulsating. Disorienting. Japan’s contemporary culture is constantly in flux, with a host of new architectural practices ushering in an era of continuous experimentation. Featuring more than 400 houses, one per page, one image per house, Jutaku: Japanese Houses is a fast-paced, shock to the system that shines a Harajuku–bright neon light on the sheer volume, variety and novelty of contemporary Japanese residential architecture. Featuring the work of many of Japan’s most famous architects including Shigeru Ban, Sou Fujimoto...
Paper
$4,200Sale Price|23% Off
H 65.75 in W 71 in D 1.25 in
Brazilian Hardwood, Leather and Mirrored Panel Folding Screen, Brazil, c 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful four-paneled Brazilian Hardwood folding screen with leather panels on one side and mirrored paneling on the reverse. Produced in Brazil in circa 1960s, this folding scree...
Wood, Leather, Mirror
Six Kobe Toys, Japanese, Meiji Period, circa 1895
By Kobe Toys
Located in Incline Village, NV
Kobe Toys are very mysterious and not much is known about them. They were created and hand made, strictly for tourists and foreigners (never exported) during ...
Ebony
Burmese Buddhism Scripture with Lacquer Covers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large Theravada Buddhism scripture book from Burma, circa late 19th century-early 20th century. The book opens to continuous folding pages that is accordion like. Ink scriptures in curvy Burmese language were handwritten on both sides of the pages. The papers are bind by two lacquered wood covers with elaborate design that features relief scrolls and mini mosaic...
Lacquer, Paper
Japanese 19th Century Temple Gong
Located in Hudson, NY
Japanese 19th century temple gong. Temple gongs were originally used to beckon the gods. Comes with bronze bell, silk pillow, red lacquer stand and s...
Bronze
Chinese Six-Panel Lacquer Screen
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Chinese six-panel lacquer screen. This lovely and versatile screen is in the great style of Coco Chanel who loved to decorate with Coromandel s...
Wood
$25,441
H 72.05 in W 63.59 in D 5.32 in
Rare & Collectable Vintage Chinese Export Hardstone Folding Screen Room Divider
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this extremely well made and highly collectable Chinese Export circa 1940’s Hardstone room divider folding screen. A truly stunning and exquisit...
Stone
$2,995
H 27 in W 57 in D 0.75 in
Japanese Asian Edo Meiji Four Panel Folding Byobu Screen Lakeside & Maple Tree
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautiful, quite engaging four-panel Edo Period Japanese Byobu folding screen depicting a nature landscape lakeside scene with various people fishing, boating, playing along the mi...
Gold Leaf
$24,067
H 18 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in
18th Century Hirate Clan Samurai Armor with Signed Kabuto Helmet
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This is a truly exceptional set of 18th century Samurai armor that is sure to impress any collector or enthusiast. The patinated iron used in its construction has aged beautifully, giving the armor a truly unique appearance that is sure to catch the eye. The brocade silk and cotton padding used to line the armor not only provide a comfortable fit for the wearer, but also add an extra layer of decorative flair. One of the most striking features of this armor is the crests of the Hirate samurai clan that adorn it. These crests are a symbol of the clan's identity and heritage, and their presence on the armor speaks to the deep connection between samurai warriors and the clans they belonged to. The Kabuto...
Iron
Sold
H 0.79 in W 23.63 in D 3.55 in
Rare Japanese Buddhist Kurikara Ken (Dragon Sword of Fudō Myōō), Edo Period, 18
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A rare and spiritually significant Japanese Buddhist ritual sword known as Kurikara Ken—the Dragon Sword associated with Fudō Myōō. This sacred object sy...
Wood
Unusual Samurai Jingasa Hat with Gilded Crests and Red Lacquer Interior
Located in Fukuoka, JP
An uncommon Edo-period samurai jingasa, distinguished by its gilded crest decorations and richly lacquered red interior. Jingasa of this type were worn by samurai, ashigaru, and reta...
Wood, Lacquer
Rare Samurai Kote (Arm Guards), Mid Edo Period
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This rare pair of samurai kote (arm guards) dates to the mid Edo period, circa 17th–18th century, and represents an authentic element of Japanese armor. Crafted from patinated iron a...
Iron
Sold
H 1.78 in W 6.7 in D 9.06 in
Edo Period Bronze Altar Stand – Dated 1650 (Keian 3), Commissioned for Jōrakuji
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A rare and finely cast Japanese bronze altar stand from the early Edo period, dated Keian 3 (1650). The top is shaped in a stylized quatrefoil form, supported by three expressive gua...
Bronze
Sold
H 5.32 in Dm 2.37 in
Set of Early Edo Period Buddhist bronze Ritual Implements – Five-Pronged Vajra
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Set of Early Edo Period Buddhist bronze Ritual Implements – Five-Pronged Vajra and Bell An elegant and well-preserved set of Buddhist ritual implements from the Momoyama -early Edo...
Bronze
Superb Edo Period Vajra (Go-kosho) with Exceptional Detail
Located in Fukuoka, JP
An outstanding five-pronged vajra (go-kosho) from the Edo period (likely 17-18th century ), cast in brass or bronze with remarkable craftsmanship. This ritual object exemplifies the ...
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 1.78 in W 6.7 in D 9.06 in
Exceptional Edo Period Ritual Vajra Set with Bell and Inscribed Bronze Base
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Exceptional Edo Period Ritual Vajra Set with Bell and Inscribed Bronze Base Dated Kaei 1 (1848), Donated to Myōken Shrine A rare and complete Japanese Esoteric Buddhist ritual impl...
Bronze
Edo period miniature Samurai sword
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Exquisite and rare Miniature Samurai sword. Made with great attention to every detail it was most likely meant for Musha Ningyo, Samurai Dolls set. Such exquisite pieces are rare. ...
Metal, Copper
18th Lacquered Samurai Jingasa Hat with Misima Clan Crest
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A rare and historically significant lacquered Jingasa—a domed hat worn by samurai and their retainers—dating to the mid-Edo period (18th century). This lightweight wood hat is finish...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 12.21 in W 19.49 in D 6.89 in
Fine Samurai Katana Stand with Exquisite Makie Lacquer, Late Edo Period, 19th
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A refined katana stand from the late Edo period (circa early to mid-19th century), featuring elegant makie (蒔絵) lacquer decoration in gold and black. Crafted to display a samurai’s c...
Silver Leaf
Early Japanese Takeda Ningyo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early Japanese Takeda Ningyo, depicting an actor on stage in the role of an emperor, standing, costumed in silk and kinran brocades holding a paper scepter (shaku), the head carved o...
Wood
Antique Japanese Takeda Ningyo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese Takeda Ningyo, depicting a kabuki actor on the stage, dressed in kinran dragon & cloud brocade coat with sleeves thrown back, chirimen silk crepe sleeves of inner coat embr...
Wood