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.
$3,800 / item
Japanese Meiji Bronze Pedestal with Dragon Motif
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Exceptional Japanese bronze pedestal from the Meiji period (1852–1912), featuring its original patina and remarkable craftsmanship. Originating from Japan, this rare piece is entirel...
Bronze
Small 19th Century Japanese Imari Ginger Jar
Located in Austin, TX
Small 19th Century Japanese Imari Ginger Jar. Height / 5 inches. Diameter / 2.5 inches.
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase with Chrysanthemum Motif on Turquoise
Located in San Diego, CA
A finely executed antique Japanese cloisonné enamel vase dating to the late Meiji period, featuring an elegant chrysanthemum motif rendered in delicate wirework and vibrant enamel co...
Brass, Enamel
Small Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Round Box, circa 1910, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A small and delightful Japanese yellow ground cloisonne round trinket or incense box, Meiji Period, circa 1910, Japan. The small box of squat, round shape, and may originally have b...
Copper, Enamel
Japanese antique stone basin "Tsukubai" / Garden ornament / 1868-1920
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old tsukubai (stone basin) believed to have been made in Japan. In Japanese culture, there is a long-standing tradition of designing gardens that reflect the changing bea...
Stone
Meiji Satsuma Earthenware Urn or Vase with Foo Dog Sculpture, Japan circa 1880
By Satsuma
Located in Atlanta, GA
A magnificent testament to the artistry of the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912), this rare Satsuma earthenware urn is an extraordinary find. Crafted in Japan circa 1880, its delicat...
Earthenware
$650Sale Price|45% Off
Signed Ando Jubei Green Baluster Cloisonné Vase
By Ando Jubei
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful pristine condition Ando Jubei wireless cloisonné vase in baluster form. In his signature green enamel, portraying an intricate arabesque design of a blooming clematis vin...
Metal, Enamel
Meiji Period Silver Oxidized Screen
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Meiji Period Silver Oxidized Screen Period: Meiji Size: 352 x 174 cm SKU: 2423 Step back in time with this Meiji period screen, where the allure of silver oxidation artfully c...
Silver Leaf
Japanese Meiji Era Cloisonne Enamel Vase Signed
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, 1868 to 1913. Miniature dark cobalt blue vase with a round body and long neck. The neck is decorated ...
Copper, Enamel
Large Japanese Antique Paper-Covered Wabi-Sabi Cha Tsubo Tea Storage Jar 19th C
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
From Kanto area, Japan. This large Cha Tsubo, pottery Jar for tea leaf storage, for tea seller - is a product of late Edo to Meiji era (estimate 1850s-1870s) estimate from the style...
Pottery, Stoneware, Paper
Japanese Hinoki Cypress Fumidai Wooden Step Stool, Meiji Period
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Japanese Hinoki Cypress Wooden Stool Old Japanese wooden step stool, or fumidai, with a strong, restrained form and exactly the kind of simple functionality that fits so well within...
Cypress
Pair of Korean Bandaji Side Tables / Nightstands Ca. 1920s
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of Korean Bandaji (blanket) chests on stands with intricate brass-work and hardware, and original interior printed rice paper lining. Were used as night stands by prior owner. ...
Brass
Imari Charger Featuring the Three Friends of Winter
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Imari charger featuring the three friends of winter: pine, prunus, & bamboo in the central medallion, surrounded by panels of birds on a hillside under a pine tree. The reverse well ...
Porcelain
Japanese Antique Black Drawer Storage 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old drawer storage made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is a valuable antique piece of furniture filled with Japanese craftsmanship. The ma...
Iron
Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vase by Kinkozan
By Kinkozan
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING FROM KYOTO’S FAMED KINKOZAN WORKSHOP, A MEIJI-PERIOD SATSUMA VASE OF EXCEPTIONAL ENAMEL AND GILT. From our Japanese Satsuma collection, we are delighted to ...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Japanese Antique Tengu's Face / Objet / 1868-1912s / Wabi-sabi Mingei
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
This is the old Tengu surface that was used in the Kyushu region of Japan. It is thought to be from around the Meiji period. Tengu noodles are said to be an amulet, a blessing, and...
Wood
19th Century Japanese Paintings. Zenga Tiger and Dragon by Inoue Kanshu.
Located in Kyoto, JP
Inoue Kanshu (1807-1880) Zenga Tiger and Dragon 19th century Pair of framed Japanese paintings. Ink on silk. Dimensions (each): W. 114 cm x H. 115 cm (45” x 45”) Presented here ...
Silk
Circa 1870 Japanese Imari Scalloped and Molded Chop Plate
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1870 Imari scalloped, molded chop plate, Japan. Four alternating design large reserves surround a central large handled urn of peonies. Some decoration & gilt wear consistent w...
Porcelain
Lovely 19th Century Scroll Paintings Japan Artist Signed Crane in Landscape
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Artist: Tatematsu kiseki Born in the forest home of Nagoya gun-cho, it inherits the later Tatematsu house. Learn to Okumura Ishiran. Later the director of Seiho meeting was studied with Kono Bairei-Seiho Takeuchi...
Fabric
Pair Of Antique Stem Vases, Japanese, Bronze, Meiji Era, Baluster Urn, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique decorative stem vases. A Japanese, bronze Meiji era baluster urn, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880. Traditional baluster form with superb re...
Bronze
Antique Door "Wall Decoration" from Japan 1860s-1900s / Abstract Art Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This was a very old Japanese warehouse (kura) window sliding door. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The frame is made of cedar wood, and the base is hardened with s...
Cedar
Circa 1860 Japanese Imari Plate
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860 Imari plate, Japanese. Large border reserves & fine geometric inner border. Pine trees, prunus, bamboo & cranes create charming symbolism. Bold Imari palette colors. 8 5/8...
Porcelain
Set of 9 Japanese Togidashi Maki-e Lacquer Sweet Trays, 19th Century, Complete S
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A rare and exquisite complete set of nine Japanese lacquer sweet trays (kashiki) executed in the supremely demanding togidashi maki-e technique — one of the most time-consuming and t...
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase by Ando Jubei
By Ando Jubei
Located in Newark, England
Free international shipping Ando Cloisonne Company Mark From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to introduce this Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase by Ando Jubei. The Cloisonn...
Enamel, Wire
Japanese Satsuma Vase by Koyama Nanpo Meiji Period
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING This Japanese Satsuma vase by Koyama Nanpo is decorated with two large figural panels set against a cobalt blue ground with extensive gilt decoration. It dat...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
19th Century Japanese Imari Fluted Shallow Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A richly decorated 19th century Japanese Imari shallow bowl featuring an elegant fluted scalloped rim and densely layered decoration executed in the traditional Imari palette of iron...
Enamel
Japanese Antique Black Urushi Glass Cabinet (Two Sections), Meiji Era “1868–1912
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This stacking glass cabinet was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868–1912). Finished in black urushi lacquer, it has a calm, composed presence with a balanced, architectural form. The cab...
Copper
Japanese Antique Meiji to Early Taisho Iron & Keyaki Seven-Light Candle Stand
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
An antique Japanese iron and Keyaki Zelkova seven-light candle stand, used in a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple. This piece is estimated to date from the Meiji period to early Taish...
Iron
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Keyaki Wood & Copper Hibachi Brazier Table 1890
Located in Portland, OR
A good quality antique late 19th/early 20th century Meiji Period Japanese hibachi table, made of Keyaki Wood, with a copper liner, circa 1890. T...
Copper
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Translucent Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne enamel vase. Baluster shaped vase richly adorned with multicolor floral motifs within swirl and scale like patterns. Decorated with a few m...
Enamel
Monumental Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Dueling Dragons
Located in Long Island City, NY
A striking and highly ambitious Japanese cloisonné enamel vase, remarkable for its monumental scale and dramatic dueling dragon composition, standing an impressive 25 inches tall. Se...
Enamel
Japanese Antique Woodblock Animals Eight Prints Collection Immediately Frameable
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan woodblock flower prints collection eight (8) different animals in original vibrant colors: rabbit, tiger, rooster, cow, crane, frog, swan, vibrant sun with crane Signed by va...
Paper
Antique Japanese wooden coffee table with a tasteful ink-wash pattern/Meiji
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Long a beloved part of Japanese culture, the "fuzukue" (writing desk) originated as a piece of furniture for writing, literally meaning "a desk for writing," and has accompanied quie...
Beech
Collection of 23 Shibayama Objects, Japan, Meiji Period, late 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Naturalistically crafted objects in the form of mushrooms and fruits, mostly signed. Executed in ivory using the Shibayama-zaiku technique, incorporating coral, mother-of-pearl, gems...
Coral, Multi-gemstone, Metal
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Japanese Antique Compact Chest, Meiji Era '1868-1912'Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This compact chest was crafted in the Meiji Era (1868-1912). It features a handle on top, making it easy to carry or reposition as needed. The aged patina of the wood highlights i...
Cedar
Japanese Antique Wabi-Sabi Distorted Shape Pottery Vase 1860s-1920s / Tsubo
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A beautifully aged Japanese storage jar. It embodies the quiet strength of traditional, practical pottery. Its form is distorted. Distorted jars are not usually found on the market,...
Pottery
Japanese Antique Keyaki Solid wood Standing Floor Mirror 1900s-30s
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Antique Japanese standing mirror with wooden frame and stand made of quality, solid Keyaki Zelkova hardwood. It dates from the Meiji-Taisho era (1900s-1930s), as estimated by its sty...
Mirror, Wood
Japanese Meiji Period Cast Bronze Okimono of a Seated Monkey
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Japanese, Meiji period cast bronze figure of a seated monkey.
Bronze
Japanese Antique Sliding Door with Galvanized Steel 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese sliding door with galvanized metal cladding, crafted during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). A rare surviving example, this piece showcases the ingenuity and a...
Steel
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel White And Pink Dragon Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese brass and Cloisonne enamel vase. The baluster shaped vase is enameled with a polychrome design representing a white dragon made in the Cloisonne technique. Unmark...
Enamel
Japanese Shakudo and Mixed Metal Vase by Shuho Meiji Period
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLD WIDE SHIPPING From our Japanese collection, we’re thrilled to present this finely made Japanese mixed metals vase from the Meiji period (1868–1912), by Shuho. The vase ...
Metal
Antique Hanging Boat Ikebana Basket, Bamboo, Japanese
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Boat shaped Ikebana basket, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Made of bamboo with copper insert, signature of maker. This one of a kind ikebana basket features an irregular wea...
Bamboo
Japanese Antique BK Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese black drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is probably from the Tohoku region of Japan. The material is mainly cedar w...
Cedar
Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Turquoise Enamel Japanese Garden Vase Silver Wire
Located in Long Island City, NY
A high quality Japanese, late Meiji era, silver wire and enamel vase. The amphora shaped vase is adorned with polychrome enamel images of birds, trees, blossoming flowers, and screen...
Enamel, Silver
Japanese Antique Small Drawer / Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
A Rare Relic of the Meiji Era: Antique Japanese Small Tansu with Rope Pulls Dating back to the Meiji period (1868–1912), this exceptional Japanese small chest (Ko-tansu) is a testam...
Rope, Cedar
Antique 19th Century Japanese Satsuma High Quality Vase Satsuma Figural Scene
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description: Fabulous small Japanese. Absolute top quality decoration a pottery. Marked at the base. Condition: Overall condition 1 perfect, 1 with restoration to rim. Size: 90 ...
Earthenware
1895 Meiji Japanese Screen Pair. Cherry Blossoms & Autumn Maples on Silver Leaf
Located in Kyoto, JP
Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Maples Isobe Hyakurin (1836–1906) Dated Meiji 28, April: 1895 Pair of two-panel Japanese screens; ink and pigments on silver leaf This refined pair of scr...
Silver Leaf
Magnificent Kinkozan Cobalt Blue hand-painted Satsuma vase, Meiji Period, signed
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent Kinkozan Satsuma vase, Meiji Period, Circa 1890 The vase is formed in a tall ovoid shape with a broad shoulder rising to a short cylindrical neck and a rounded everted r...
Gold, Enamel
Fine Japanese Satsuma Vase by Ryozan Okamoto for Yasuda Company Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely decorated Japanese satsuma ceramic vase by Ryozan Okamoto (c.1820s-1910s) for Yasuda. Ryozan is the head artist working for Yasuda company, a Japanese ceramic makers and dea...
Ceramic
Japanese Okimono Working Man Figurine
Located in Bradenton, FL
Hand-carved free-standing Japanese Working Man Figurine. Okimono is a Japanese term meaning for display as an art or decorative object. Figure is a smiling man dressed in traditional...
Bone
Late 19th Century Japanese Lacquer Box with Coral Design
Located in New York, NY
Late Meiji to early Taishō period Japanese lacquer box (circa 1890–1920), decorated in the takaramono (宝物, “treasures”) motif, symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and good fortune. Th...
Metal
Antique Japanese Satsuma Earthenware Vase by Koshida, Meiji Period
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase by Koshida, dating to circa 1910. The vase is of elegant hexagonal form with a gently tapering body, finely decorated with ...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Japanese Stacking Incense Box, Ju-Kobako, Meiji Period, Mid 19th century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
An exquisite small Japanese maki-e lacquer stacking box for incense and accessories, ju-kobako, late Edo or early Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan. Crafted in maki-e lacquer an...
Silver
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Pottery Bowl Imperial Figures Kizan 1890
Located in Portland, OR
A very fine antique Japanese Meiji period Satsuma pottery bowl, circa 1890. The bowl having a lobed rim and finely decorated & gilt to the outside with a 'thousand flowers' decoratio...
Pottery
Japanese Satsuma Incense Burner, Koro, with Silver Lid, Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic Japanese Satsuma incense burner, koro, with phoenix and brocade designs and a silver lid, Meiji Period, late 19th century, Japan. The cens...
Silver
Late 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Imari Plate
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century Meiji period Japanese Imari Plate. Extravagantly decorated with butterflies, floral and geometric motifs surrounding elegant Phoenix birds in flight. Blue underglaz...
Porcelain
Large Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Adorned with Iris Blossoms
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Introducing a magnificent Large Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase adorned with enchanting iris blossoms. This extraordinary vase encapsulates the essence of Japanese artist...
Enamel
Japan Antique Stone Tea Garden Lantern, Stunning Design
Located in South Burlington, VT
A tall 80 Inch antique classic tea motif lantern with all original pieces. Please view our video. The Zendō-ji Gata lantern Ishidōrō (禅導寺型石灯籠) is a unique design and very special ...
Granite
Fukagawa Seiji Arita Plate with Blossoms and Birds, Meiji-Taishō, 24 cm
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Japanese Asian Large Six-Panel Folding Byobu Flower Cart Screen, 19th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeous six-panel Japanese Byobu folding screen. Listing as Meiji period but could very possibly Edo period. Decorated with peonies, irises and...
Gold Leaf