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.
Antique 19th Century Japanese Scalloped Imari Plate
Located in Pearland, TX
A striking 19th century antique Imari plate with a scalloped edge. Featuring vibrant oranges, blues, and green. The multi-color design depicts traditional Japanese motifs, showcasing...
Paint
$10,630Sale Price|20% Off
Kano School Japan Byôbu Screen “Wild Horses”, Kano School, Edo period
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind Japanese folding screen, or byōbu, with six panels depicting a delicate and graceful scene of wild horses in a natural setting. Masterfully painted with ink and waterco...
Brass
Rustic Japanese Kotatsu Low Table
Located in Oakland, CA
Low Kotatsu table circa 1930s, hand crafted without the use of nails or adhesive but relying on the joinery to give the table its structural integrity. Having a nice patina from over...
Wood
Rare Large Uchiwa "Yotsuba I" Wall or Ceiling Light by Ingo Maurer for Design M
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Warsaw, PL
An extremely rare, large and iconic “Yotsuba I” lamp by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1973. This sculptural piece is crafted from hand-woven bamboo rice paper fans arranged in an overlapping...
Iron
Striped fig by Yumiko Kuwahata / Bonsai / wabi-sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a bonsai creation by Japanese artist Yumiko Kuwahata. It is made from washi paper, clay, and fabric. The ceramic vessels are personally selected by the artist, who visits ki...
Clay, Grasscloth, Paper
Mid-20th Century Chinese Imari Baluster Vase
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous vintage Chinese Imari porcelain vase with a floral design in the traditional Imari colors. Maker's mark on the base. It's a lovely shape with vibrant colors and displays b...
Porcelain
Japanese Edo Jizai Okimono Articulated Metal Rock Lobster by Hiroyoshi, c. 1850
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Articulated Copper, Bronze and Iron Rock Lobster (Jizai Okimono), Signed Hiroyoshi, Edo Period (1603–1868), circa 1850 An exceptionally rare and finely crafted Japanese art...
Metal
Earth-Tone Japandi Kilim Area Rug, Modern Serenity Meets Simplistic Hygge
Located in Dallas, TX
81101 Modern Neutral Earth-Tone Kilim Rug, 10'00 x 13'09. Introducing our handwoven modern earth-tone kilim rug, a stunning fusion of organic modernity...
Wool, Jute, Cotton
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Two Piece Tansu Chest (Goshu Mizuya)
Located in Centennial, CO
A gorgeous antique Japanese two piece kitchen tansu chest (Goshu Mizuya) from the late Meiji period. This stunning tansu from the Kansai region, is so unique in that it is made of el...
Iron
Early 20th Century Chinese Tile of a Man Riding a Dragon, Ca. 1920
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century Chinese Tile of a Man Riding a Dragon, Ca. 1920 DIMENSIONS Height: 13 inches Width: 13 inches Depth: 4 inches ABOUT Early 20th Century Chinese ceramic tile dep...
Ceramic
Émile Gallé (1846-1904) Enameled Grand Genre Glass Vase circa 1895
By Émile Gallé
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Émile Gallé (1846-1904) Grand Genre Glass Vase circa 1895 An early Art Nouveau hand etched granita glass vase, circa 1895, decorated with enameled flowers and leaves. Attached handl...
Art Glass
Vintage Japanese Hand-Painted Porcelain Tea Set with Floral Motif
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A charming vintage Japanese hand-painted porcelain tea set, beautifully decorated with a bold red and orange floral motif over a soft ivory ground. The set includes a teapot, covered...
Porcelain
14-Piece Japanese Gilt and Painted Tea and Dessert Serving Set with Peacock
Located in Norwood, NJ
14-piece Kutani Japanese gilt and painted tea and dessert serving set with Peacock. Hand painted gilt and painted Peacock tea and serving set. Features floral and peacock design. Lidded tea and coffee pots, lidded creamer, sugar bowl, and five snack sets...
Gold
Large Antique Meiji Cloisonné Enamel Vases Japanese 19th Century Birds Flowers
Located in London, GB
Large Antique Meiji Cloisonné Enamel Vases Japanese 19th Century Birds Flowers Japanese, Late 19th Century Height 152cm, diameter 54cm This remarkable pair of monumental Meiji peri...
Metal, Enamel
Gabriel VIARDOT – Japonist carved wooden fireplace, circa 1880
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
A talented wood sculptor, Gabriel Viardot opened a furniture factory and store in Paris in 1853. In the 1870s, he decided to dedicate himself to Japanese-style furniture. Participati...
Wood
Painting of a Tale of Genji Scene, Tosa School, 17th Century, Framed
By Tosa School
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Japanese 17th century school "Tale of Genji Scene" painting on paper, mounted to board. Nicely framed and boxed. Professor Melissa McCormick at Harvard b...
Paint, Paper
Rare Large Uchiwa "Yotsuba I" Chandelier by Ingo Maurer for Design M
By Ingo Maurer
Located in Warsaw, PL
An extremely rare, large and iconic “Yotsuba I” chandelier by Ingo Maurer, Germany, 1973. This sculptural piece is crafted from hand-woven bamboo rice paper fans arranged in an overl...
Iron
Pair of Small Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Copper Flower Posy Vases Art Deco 1940s
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A captivating matched pair of small Japanese cloisonné posy vases from the Art Deco period, each one a miniature showcase of the extraordinary craftsmanship that defines the finest w...
Copper, Enamel
$2,850 / set
Japanese Bronze Vases Collection of Eight
Located in Atlanta, GA
Collection of Eight Japanese Bronze Vases, Japan, at least circa 1950s, some much earlier. The largest vase measures 12.75"H x 4.25"W. The smallest vase measures 5.25"H x 3"W. They r...
Bronze
Japanese Shōwa Two-Panel Screen of Mother & Child by Shibata Suika, circa 1930
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Two-Panel Screen Depicting a Korean Mother Nursing Her Child by Shibata Suika, Shōwa Period, circa 1930 A beautifully executed Japanese two-panel folding screen (byōbu) by ...
Wood
$2,158 / item
KITA LIVING Flow Desk Charcoal Black
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman, Tuğberk Kurtaran
Located in Bomonti, TR
Flow Desk is an organic shaped table with a two-piece skeleton and curved legs. The linear pieces of the skeleton join into the legs to create a well-proportioned base for the table ...
Wood, Oak, Plywood
Large 19th Century French Blue & White Japon Platter Creil Montereau
Located in Austin, TX
Large 19th Century French Blue & White Japon Platter signed Creil Montereau. 13 inches diameter. This service is exposed in Giverny Claude Monet's house.
Ceramic, Faience
Japanese Wood Bugaku Mask of Korobase Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking Japanese carved wood mask with polychrome paint and lacquer surface. This rare mask is dated to the Edo period (first half of 19th century and possibly earlier). The mask ...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
19th Century Antique Japanese Silver Plated Tea Caddy
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Antique Japanese Silver Plated Tea Caddy This very elaborate piece is decorated with Dragons. it is silver-plated on copper, it is in sound condition but much of the ...
Silver Plate
$126Sale Price|30% Off
SATSUMA - Vintage Hand Painted Porcelain Plate - Japan - Mid 20th Century
By Satsuma
Located in Chatham, ON
SATSUMA - Vintage hand-painted and gilt decorated porcelain cabinet plate with scalloped border - signed on the back - Japan - mid 20th century. Fair vintage condition - two hair-l...
Porcelain
A Japanese Satsuma ceramic lobed bowl
Located in Milano, IT
Satsuma ceramic lobed bowl with curved corners and embellished with a refined scene of daily life along a watercourse on the outside. The interior is adorne...
Ceramic
19th Century English Chinoiserie Plate Mason Ironstone
Located in Austin, TX
English Plate signed Mason's Patent Ironstone China 'Japan' Pattern 2150. 8.8 inches.
Ceramic
Antique Japanese Export Silk Embroidery Americana Patriotic Panel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A silk embroidery panel that depicts an American eagle perched on the liberty shield, with laurel branches and shooting arrows under the feet and flanked by four American flags and b...
Silk, Wood
French Aesthetic Movement Japonisme Burnt Bamboo & Black Lacquer Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Aesthetic Movement Japonisme Burnt Bamboo & Black Lacquer Side Table An exceptional French Aesthetic Movement bamboo side table or occasional table, executed in the Japon...
Brass
$1,993Sale Price / item|20% Off
KITA LIVING Daybed
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
Born in a monumental serenity, Daybed is a piece of furniture that blends comfort and pure geometry. Characterized by structural appearance, it is a balance of horizontal and vertica...
Oak
Danish Japanese Style Pottery Bowl with Lid
Located in Hamburg, DE
Danish Japanese Style Pottery Bowl with Lid
Ceramic
Eugène Rousseau pair of colored vases, gilted dragons Escalier de Cristal c.1874
Located in Paris, FR
An exceptionally rare and elegant pair of vases consists of two inclined ovoid urns with inclusions of gold leaf and decoration treated in the "chalcedony" effect. Each urn is flanke...
Bronze, Gold Leaf
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...
Bronze
Vintage Hand-Painted Japanese Wedding Kimono
Located in Fort Washington, MD
Stunning Japanese Wedding Kimono, hand painted with exceptional details in rich warm colores Has a red silk interior, wooden rod is NOT included An inc...
Silk
Rare Porcelain Bowl with Plique-a-Jour Design by Makuzu Kozan
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
An extremely fine and delicate porcelain bowl from the studio of Japanese Potter Makuzu Kozan, also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), one of the most established and collected cer...
Porcelain
Masao Ido — “Ayu no Yado Tsutaya” (鮎の宿 つたや) — limited edition woodblock print
Located in Weesp, NL
Importing Art into the United States is exempt from all U.S. tariffs but please, do check Masao Ido — “Ayu no Yado Tsutaya” (鮎の宿 つたや) — Limited Edition Woodblock Print, 154/200, Sig...
Wood, Paper
Japanese wooden box, 19th century, Japan
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A 19th-century Japanese wooden box with an elegant geometric shape, crafted using traditional Japanese decorative arts techniques. The black lacquered surface is adorned with delicate painted and inlaid motifs, blending stylized floral elements, graphic symbols, and decorative characters. The composition is structured by a play of diagonal lines and ornamental bands, lending the piece a remarkable visual restraint while revealing refined and meticulous craftsmanship. The contrasts between the deep black, the golden tones, and the light accents attest to masterful craftsmanship. The antique patina, with subtle signs of age, enhances the authenticity and charm of this piece. Serving as both a storage object and a decorative element, this box embodies the aesthetics of 19th-century Japan, where functionality and symbolism harmoniously converge. It will find its place naturally in a wabi-sabi, minimalist, or eclectic interior, or within a collection of antique Asian objects. Main features: Antique wooden box Japan, 19th century Black lacquered wood Painted and inlaid decoration Stylized symbolic and floral motifs Original patina Storage and collectible item Keywords: antique Japanese box...
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Bronze Vase Early 20th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Tall Bronze Vase, Japan, Early 20th Century. This is a very beautiful eared vase / urn in bronze from Japan. Probably early 20th century. From a hig...
Bronze
Antique Japonist Art Nouveau Gilt Bronze Ormolu Picture Frame with Floral Motifs
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite antique tabletop picture frame beautifully combines Art Nouveau elegance with strong Japonist influence. Crafted from gilt bronze, it features a striking contrast betw...
Bronze, Ormolu
Japanese Tansu chest of drawers, circa 1870
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Traditional Japanese Tansu chest of drawers from the 1870s. Manufactured during the late Meiji era (1868-1912). This piece of furniture exudes authenticity and character. The cabinet...
Iron
$2,802Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Japanese Silver Koro with Phoenix and Shishi Finial, Meiji Period Style
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique Japanese Silver Koro with Phoenix and Shishi Finial, Meiji Period Style, Highly Collectible A magnificent antique Japanese silver koro (incense burner), exquisitely crafted u...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
19th Century Japanese Bronze Vase
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Japanese bronze vase of classic form with a lovely rich patina. The vase has been drilled for wiring as a lamp. It will make ...
Bronze
Chinese Pair of Ceramic Elephant Garden Seats with Fu Symbols, c. 1900
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Pair of Ceramic Elephant Garden Seats / Stands with Fu Symbols, Circa 1900 A beautiful and highly decorative pair of Chinese ceramic elephants dating from the late 19th to e...
Ceramic
Japanese Antique Sculptural Mechanical Fragment ② / wabi-sabi object
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Antique Wooden Mechanical Component (Possibly Watermill / Agricultural Machinery Part) Japan, Late Meiji to Early Showa Period (circa 1900–1930) A cylindrical wooden structure reinf...
Metal
Pair of Japanese Female Court Figures (Bijin Ningyō) Meiji Period, circa 1890
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Japanese Female Court Figures (Bijin Ningyō) Meiji Period, circa 1890 An elegant pair of finely crafted Japanese bijin ningyō (figures of beautiful women), representing grac...
Fabric, Wood
“Path to the Main Hall” — Masao Ido, original Japanese woodblock print, 1989
Located in Weesp, NL
Importing Art into the United States is exempt from all U.S. tariffs but please, do check “Path to the Main Hall” — Masao Ido, original Japanese woodblock print, 1989, edition 145/1...
Acrylic, Wood, Paper
Large Porcelain Moon Vase Charles Henry Clifford Baldwyn for Royal Worcester
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large and rare porcelain vase with striking pictorial decoration by Royal Worcester dated 1888 and decorated by Charles Henry Clifford Baldwyn (1843-1913). At an impressive height ...
Porcelain
Zabihi Collection Pink Vintage Suzanni Embroidery
Located in New York, NY
late 20th Century Suzanni Textile in bright pink Details rug no. 9614 size 7' 4" x 9' 8" (224 x 295 cm) rug type Suzanni,Textile
Wool, Cotton
Large Bamboo and Wenge Coffee Table by Axel Vervoordt, Belgium
Located in Echt, NL
Exceptional coffee table in very good condition. Designed and produced by de renowned Belgian decorator Axel Vervoordt in the 1980s. The table is constructed with a combination of ...
Bamboo, Wood, Wenge
Japanese Satsuma Lidded Vase, Earthenware, Meiji to Taishō, 39cm
Located in Chonburi, TH
This impressive Japanese Satsuma lidded vase is a fine example of the richly decorated earthenware admired during the late Meiji to Taishō period, celebrated for its exquisite crafts...
Ceramic
Japanese Meiji Pair of Hina Ningyō Imperial Dolls, Emperor & Empress c. 1880
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Meiji Period Pair of Hina Ningyō Imperial Dolls, Emperor and Empress, Circa 1880 A magnificent and rare pair of Japanese Hina Ningyō (雛人形) imperial festival dolls dating fr...
Silk, Wood
20th Century Three-Panel Gilt Folding Screen
Located in New York, NY
This 20th Century three-panel wooden screen stands out for its hand-painted gold surface. Varying in application, the gold paint scintillates in rich, painterly washes that call to m...
Wood, Giltwood
Isamu Kenmochi for Akita Mokko Stacking Vintage Stool
By Isamu Kenmochi, Akita Mokko
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Designed by Isamu Kenmochi and produced by Akita Mokko, this stool is considered one of the icons of Japanese modern design. Kenmochi is known for his works that blend traditional J...
Wood
Woven Cane Bamboo Lounge Chair Yuzuru Yamakawa C, 261 Yamakawa Rattan
By Yamakawa Rattan, Yuzuru Yamakawa 1
Located in Munich, Bavaria
A beautiful organic woven cane chair with a frame made of Bamboo. Designed by Yuzuru Yamakawa for Yamkawa rattan. 1st version from the 80ties. The bamboo cane chair...
Bamboo, Cane
E.Rousseau & E.Léveillé, Japonisme Vase “Épinoches” Collection G.Cappa c.1878
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Eugène Rousseau (1827-1890) & Ernest-Baptiste Leveillé (1841-1913) Japonisme tripod Vase “Épinoches” Unique Piece Collection Giuseppe Cappa France, circa 1878-1880 “Stickleback Fi...
Art Glass
Antique Ironstone Pitcher, Masons, Asian Scene, 19th Century
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This is an antique ironstone pitcher, from England, featuring a transferware design. Material: It's made of ironstone, a durable type of pot...
Ironstone
$355Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Japanese Plate Kutaniyaki 1950s
Located in Paris, FR
This is Kutani 1950th Century. This plate was made with porcelain, style of kutaniyaki. It is a traditional craft of ceramics with overglaze painting and was born in the early Edo period. Kutani ware...
Porcelain
$3,555Sale Price|20% Off
Baccarat Japonisme Crystal Vase with Sculpted Handles, circa 1878-1890
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Baccarat Japonisme Crystal Vase with Sculpted Handles, circa 1878-1890 Clear crystal vase of globular form resting on a circular foot, with a short, slightly flared neck. The decorat...
Crystal
Original Antique Prints of 19th Century Japanese Silk Panels, France, 1860
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful pair of prints of 19th Century Japanese silk panels Amazing illuminated gold lustre Lithographs Published by A.Morel, Paris, Fra...
Paper
Rare Market-Fresh Pair of Tiffany Chrysanthemum 9-Light Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
Rare market-fresh pair of Chrysanthemum sterling silver 9-light candelabra. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1892. Massive baluster shaft on 4 round knobbed supports, each ...
Sterling Silver