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.
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Large - Bronze Glass
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
The triangular Flow Coffee Table Large with rounded edges, contours its form by curved three legs. With the interlocking linear laths, the sculptural skeleton joins into the legs to ...
Glass, Wood, Oak, Plywood
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Large - Oak Wood
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
The triangular Flow Coffee Table Large with rounded edges, contours its form by curved three legs. With the interlocking linear laths, the sculptural...
Wood, Oak, Plywood
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
Mid 20th Century Low Asian Red Lacquer Coffee Table
Located in Elkton, MD
A low coffee table with a red lacquer finish featuring a repeating pattern beneath the surface. The smooth lacquered top displays an intricate, whorled design that covers the entire ...
Lacquer
Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen bamboo basket table
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Bamboo Basket Table "Like an Elephant" Side table created with antique bamboo basket and glass. Bamboo basket is Japanese folk tool which ...
Copper
Elegant and Striking Japanned Tray or Cocktail Table French, Mid-20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Elegant and striking Japanned tray or cocktail table, French, mid-20th century, of Louis XV style in brilliant vermilion with gold. The top is hand paint decorated in Japanese manner...
Wood
Organic Japanese Wood Coffee Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Organic hand made Japanese wood coffee table, Japan, circa 1950s. Constructed of a wood slab top with a chip carved edge and an organic root...
Wood
A Lacquered Coffee Table by Thanh Lê Workshop Vietnamese School 1960's
By Thanh-Ley
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A Lacquered Coffee Table by Thanh Lê Workshop Vietnamese School 1960's. Very elegant in shape, with legs modeled after the horns of a Vietnamese water buffalo. Made of black lacque...
Wood
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Mini - Oak Wood
Located in Bomonti, TR
The round Flow Coffee Table Mini with rounded edges, contours its form by curved two legs closer to each other. The linear skeleton joins into the legs to create a well-proportioned base for the table top. Crafted from oak wood, the low piece awakens a sense of tactile by making the unique textures of the material visible. Instead of covering the details, it reflects the transparent relationship of the parts to its silhouette. Flow Coffee Table is a refined interpretation of Chabudai, the traditional Japanese low table...
Wood, Plywood, Oak
Carved and Patinated Wood Table, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Carved and patinated wood table, France, late 19th century. Attributed to Gabriel Viardot.
Wood
$1,222Sale Price / item|20% Off
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Medium - Smoked Glass
By Gökhan Eryaman, İsmail Dağlı
Located in Bomonti, TR
Flow Coffee Table Medium with rounded edges, contours its asymmetrical elliptical form by curved two legs. The linear skeleton joins into the legs to...
Smoked Glass, Wood, Oak, Plywood
Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen bamboo basket table2
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Bamboo Basket Table "Scoop, day after day" Side table created with antique bamboo basket and glass. Bamboo basket is Japanese folk tool which age is around 80-100 years old. T...
Copper
Mirror Ryosuke Harashima Contemporary Zen Japanese Mingei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Two fo you Mirror designed by Ryosuke Harashima. This work is made of Ranma, antique Japanese transom, coper and mirror. Artist create new s...
Copper
$1,208Sale Price|20% Off
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Medium - Oak Wood
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
Flow Coffee Table Medium with rounded edges, contours its asymmetrical elliptical form by curved two legs. The linear skeleton joins into the legs to...
Wood, Oak, Plywood
Wood, Glass and Rubber 1970s Coffee Table
By Bernini
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This coffee table was designed and produced in Italy in the 1970s. It is made of beech with a thick glass top. Design based on Japanese furniture co...
Cut Glass, Beech
Sen series coffee table by Kensaku Oshiro produced by De Padova, 2016
By ICF De Padova, Kensaku Oshiro
Located in Ravenna, IT
Sen series coffee table designed by Kensaku Oshiro and produced by De Padova in Italy in 2016. The Sen series includes small tables of different heights, sizes and materials, united ...
Marble, Steel
$2,450Sale Price|25% Off
Large Antique Japanese Shibayama Inlaid Elephant Trainers Hardwood Coffee Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Antique Japanese Shibayyama inlaid coffee table depicting Elephant trainers in a compound This table is sublime, absolutely exquisite from every angle, circa 1900-1920, hand made in Japan, the Elephants and trainers have an Indian look...
Hardwood
$4,692Sale Price|50% Off
H 18.12 in W 47.64 in D 47.64 in
Large Octagonal Glass & Bronze Horses Coffee Table by Maison Charles, 1970s
Located in Andernach, DE
Very large & impressive square/octagonal coffee table featuring four ''flying horse of Gansu'' horses from solid patinated bronze. The table top is octagonal and made from beveled glass. The lower glass plate is square, sitting on – and being, held by the 4 horses...
Metal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Spider Folding Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century Spider Folding Coffee Table A sculptural example of a mid-20th century folding teak wood and brass glass topped table. Dimensions Height:15inches Width: 24 inches ...
Brass
$525
H 1.5 in W 23.5 in D 14.4 in
Early 20th Century French Art Populaire Carved Walnut Tray Table with Glass Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Behold, the timeless elegance of this exquisite "art populaire" tray, perfect for transporting dishes to your table with grace and style. Hand carved in France circa 1920, this wonde...
Glass, Walnut, Fabric
Large Oak Farmhouse Rustic Countryhouse Coffee Table
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Characterful country-style coffee table made of solid oak with a top crafted from a single plank. Beautiful natural appearance and sturdy quality. In neat condition with minimal, age...
Oak
Postmodern Design XL Wengé Coffee Table
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Postmodern Modernist Design XL Wengé Coffee Table in the manner of Axel Vervoordt or Linteloo Designs. Made in Belgium, 1980's / 1990's period. Beautifully constructed low co...
Oak, Wenge
$1,595
H 22.25 in W 25 in D 19 in
Early 20th Century French Hand Painted Tole Tray Table With Removable Trays
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early twentieth century French tole tray table is painted yellow with black detailing. Its two removable trays feature central lyre motifs and are detailed with a leaf motif. Ea...
Tin
Bronzed Glass Coffee Table, Made in Italy
Located in Lentate Sul Seveso, IT
The coffee table Aka is made entirely of bronzed glass. The top is circular and 60cm in diameter, while the base is obtained by gluing slightly bevelled 6mm thick slabs. Bronzed gla...
Glass
20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Coffee Table, Ebonized
Located in Berlin, DE
Rectangular body with curved frame, black frame and carving carvings scattered throughout the body, circa 1970s. (A-135).
Beech
Maison Jansen Style Faux Bamboo Chrome and Brass Table
Located in Rochester, NY
Hollywood Regency chrome table w/ sleek curved faux bamboo brass accented legs / brass ball finials at four top corners / brass ball finial at center of crossed stretchers of legs / ...
Brass, Chrome
$7,611
H 7.88 in W 72.25 in D 22.45 in
Large Axel Vervoordt Wabi Sabi Style Coffee Table Mid 20th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Large Axel Vervoordt Wabi Sabi Style Coffee Table, Europe, Mid 20th Century. A wonderful large coffee table in a very distinct wabi sabi style - would fit magnificent in a wabi sabi...
Wood, Oak
A Large Round Marble & Oak Coffee Table, C. 1980.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This table features a cerused oak base supporting a round inlaid marble top. The cerused finish highlights the natural oak grain while complementing the elegant stone surface. A sub...
Marble
$2,875
H 12 in W 47.5 in D 32 in
Japanese Taishō Early 20th Century Red Lacquer Coffee Table with Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Taisho period coffee table from the early 20th century, with red lacquer, textured effects, splaying legs and carved apron. Created in Japan during the Taisho period which...
Wood
Large Bamboo 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. This particular table is constructed with a com...
Bamboo, Wood
Large Max Kuehne Coffee table with Deer and Forest
By Max Kuehne
Located in New York, NY
Max Kuehne (American, 1880-1968), is known for his decorative arts, including paintings, furniture, screens, and frames. Kuehne's work often incorporates elaborate techniques like g...
Silver Leaf
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
Large Bamboo and Wenge Coffee Table by Axel Vervoordt, Belgium
Located in Echt, NL
Exceptional large 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 combinati...
Bamboo, Wood, Wenge
Large Bamboo and Wenge Coffee Table by Axel Vervoordt, Belgium
Located in Echt, NL
Exceptional large 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 combinati...
Bamboo, Wood, Wenge
Sold
H 15.75 in W 78.75 in D 39.38 in
Midcentury Japanese Coffee Table In Wood And Seagrass, Japan, 1960s
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Japanese coffee table made of wood and seagrass, Japan 1960s. A nice example of a minimalistic coffee table which brings harmony in a busy life. A nice large table top made...
Seagrass, Wood
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Large - Bronze Glass
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
The triangular Flow Coffee Table Large with rounded edges, contours its form by curved three legs. With the interlocking linear laths, the sculptural...
Glass, Wood, Oak, Plywood
KITA LIVING Flow Coffee Table Large - Smoked Glass
By İsmail Dağlı, Gökhan Eryaman
Located in Bomonti, TR
The triangular Flow Coffee Table Large with rounded edges, contours its form by curved three legs. With the interlocking linear laths, the sculptural skeleton joins into the legs to create a well-proportioned base for the table top. Crafted from oak wood, the low piece awakens a sense of tactile by making the unique textures of the material visible. Instead of covering the details, it reflects the transparent relationship of the parts to its silhouette. Flow Coffee Table is a refined interpretation of Chabudai, the traditional Japanese low table...
Smoked Glass, Wood, Oak, Plywood
Bamboo Coffee Table by Axel Vervoordt
Located in Oostende, BE
Conceived and produced by the Belgian decorator & art dealer Axel Vervoordt in the 1980s. Rolls of bamboo were ordered in China to cover these specially designed coffee tables. T...
Bamboo, Oak
1870s Orientalist Hand-Painted Wood Two-story Italian Table
Located in Catania, Sicilia
An hand-painted side table manufactured in Italy in the second half of 19th century. It has orientalist floral and faunal decors on a black background. It' in good condition and only...
Brass
1960s Rudimentary Coffee Table with Slate Top
Located in Beerse, VAN
Beautiful rudimentary coffee table with a very nice and basic architecture. This rudimentary feeling is enhanced because the table is made of solid wood and massive slate, two strong...
Slate
Kotatsu Coffee Table 1950s Japan
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful Kotatsu table. 1950s Japan very nice patine and color Very nicely hand made from Honoki Cypress Wood. New Glass top.
Cypress