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Japonisme Furniture

JAPONISME STYLE

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.

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Style: Japonisme
Janetti Father & Sons Japanese Pedestal in Engraved and Painted Bamboo, ca 1880
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Japanese pedestal, this delightful object was made in Japan in the late 19th-century and imported into Italy by a famous merchant, Emportio Janetti Padre e Figli. They were the first in trading Japanese art in Florence in the second half of the 19th century. This spectacular piece of rare beauty was fully hand-crafted with perfect proportions. The complex structure is made in engraved and lacquered crossed bamboo with fantastic floreal details. The two round trays are in black lacquered wood with hand-painted decorations. The fine details and the beauty make this pedestal a masterpiece. An unique decorative pedestal of outstanding quality that can be mixed in a neoclassical or mid-century project or in a Japanese style project. Dimensions (cm): Diameter - 37 Height - 112 In the 1870s collecting Japanese art products started to be popular among a wider range of collectors, not only among circles of intellectuals, artists, and designers. This cultural phenomenon also reached Italy, and when a group of Japanese diplomats (Iwakura Mission) arrived in Florence in May 1873, it reported a very positive impression of a shop that sold Japanese...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Japanese Export Carved Dragon Chair
Located in New York, NY
Eye catching highly carved sculptural dragon armchair. Japanese dragon motif carried throughout arms and chair with fantastic detailed hand carvings. Victorian era cabriole legs fini...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage George Zee and Co. Mahogany Side Chairs - set of 2
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A set of 2 vintage solid wood side chairs in very good condition. We estimate that it was made sometime in the mid-20th century. Each chair has...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Teak

A 19th C.French Japanism Style Dragon Design Hardwood Sofa, by Gabriel Viardot
Located in New York, NY
An Incredible 19th Century French Hardwood Japanism Sofa, by Gabriel Viardot. The backrest of this exceptional sofa is adorned with a stunning display of carved open fret-work design...
Category

1890s French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Japanese Ikebana Basket, Early 20th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Ikebana basket (hanakago) made of dark brow varnished bamboo wickerwork, elongated rounded shape, with a handle made of three varnished wooden branches. Thicker bamboo braids on the ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Bamboo Chair by Ubunji Kidokoro
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a bamboo chair designed by Ubunji Kidokoro, who was enrolled in Mitsukoshi Furniture Design Office in 1937. In 1937, Ubunji Kidokoro was enr...
Category

1930s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Lacquer Meiji Period Cabinet on Stand, circa 1890
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A exquisite, fine quality Meiji period (1868-1912) Japanese black lacquer cabinet on stand with wonderful scrolling gilded decoration. H...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Rare Inscribed Japanese Wood Chest Zenibako on Custom Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare original and impressively intact Japanese Zenibako (banker's money box) from late 19th century circa Meiji Period (1868-1912). The chest was made from cypress wood and fitted ...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Iron

Shelf 02 Takuya Hamajima Contemporary Zen modern Japanese Ceramic
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Contemporary Japanese style small shelf. This shelf is inspired by Japanese tradition teaware shelf. Made of steel and wood.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Japanese Style Red Lacquer Fall-Front Chest, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
20th century red lacquer barqueno with Japanese style design. Fine painted motif in gold gilt, brass fitting, beautiful color form and detail.
Category

20th Century European Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Japonisme Mother of Pearl Inlaid Hardwood Display Cabinet after Viardot
Located in London, GB
This wonderful display cabinet is designed in a ‘Japonisme’ (Japanese) style, which was popular in Europe in the mid-late 19th century. This craze was kick-started by Japan reopening to trade with the West, and exporting Japanese goods—including furniture and decorative art—to Europe. One craftsmen by the name of Gabriel Viardot (1830-1906) established a name for himself in France producing Chinese and Japanese style furniture...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Metal

Japanese Table Cabinet with Cloisonne Panels in the style of Namikawa Sosuke
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese wood and cloisonne cabinet circa Meiji period, late 19th-early 20th century. The small table top cabinet features a single drawer on top, four small doors with cloisonne panels on the second tier, a pair of larger cloisonne doors on the main level flanked by two skinny panels, and finally two drawers on the low level. It has a scroll carved base and sides as well four pagoda-shape cornices. The cloisonne panels were obviously the work of two different artist studios and were assembled on purpose to demonstrate a mixture of styles. The small top and the two skinny panels on the main level are of an earlier scrolling design that emphasize the wire work; The rest of the eight larger panels were done in a much later and painterly style attributed to Namikawa Sosuke...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Japanese Rosewood Hand Carved Pedestal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Japanese rosewood hand carved pedestal. Japan, circa 1920 Measures: Height 24", width 19".
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Exquisite Antique Japanese 1880 Qing Dynasty Carved Dragon Throne Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Japanese Export circa 1880 hand carved Throne chair with oversized Dragon back rest. A very good looking well-made and de...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Related Items
Vintage Metamorphic Indian Wooden Step Ladder Folding Side Chair
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Indian metamorphic wooden ladder chair from the mid-20th century. Created in India during the midcentury period, this convenient chair features a slanted slatted back flowi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Carved and Lacquered Shibayama Cabinet, Meiji Period
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elaborate and finely detailed carved wood, and gold lacquered Shibayama cabinet (Chigaidansu). Having beautifully applied semi-precious stone and ...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Japanese Early 20th Century Taishō Kiri Wood Kitchen Cabinet with Sliding Doors
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese late Meiji / Taisho period kiri wood kitchen cabinet from the early 20th century, with grill wood sliding doors and iron hardware. Crea...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Antique Chinese Carved Round Stands with Painted Floral and Bird Décor
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of antique Chinese stands from the early 20th century, with painted floral and bird decor and carved aprons. Created in China during the e...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Indonesian Silver-Colored Pedestal with Hourglass-Inspired Shape
Located in Yonkers, NY
A contemporary Indonesian silver-colored wooden pedestal with tiered hourglass-inspired shape. Crafted in Indonesia, this pedestal will charm you with its shiny finish and interestin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Plantation Lounge Chair with Curving Seat and Slats
Located in Kastrup, DK
An antique Chinese reclining plantation lounge chair. Features a nicely curving body made of linden wood with bamboo slats. China 1860-1880. Materia...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Woven Cane Bamboo Lounge Chair Yuzuru Yamakawa C, 261 Yamakawa Rattan
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...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

Stamped Japanese circa 1880 Qing Dynasty Carved Hardwood Dragon Corner Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Japanese Export circa 1880 hand carved Hardwood corner chair with oversized curled Dragon back rest A very good looking w...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Elmwood Stands
Located in Hudson, NY
A pair of round pedestals made of elm wood with a beautiful, old patina.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Elm

Antique Japanese Export Meiji High Relief Dragon Carved Throne Chair.
Located in Nantwich, GB
An impressive Imperial Meiji period Japanese throne chair which is finely and lavishly carved with dragons holding the eternal pearl in their mouths. ...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Chinese Apothecary Medicine Chests
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese apothecary / pharmacy medicine chests. Made of elm wood with ivory lacquer. Each with 33 drawers (30 small square drawers + 3 larger ). These were...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Elm

Black Japanned and Parcel Gilt Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
Black japanned and parcel gilt pedestal, of columnar form with circular top and base, the sides lightly mottled with gilding and laurel leaf motifs to top. 39" H x 10" diameter.
Category

20th Century Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items
Japanese Meiji Two-Part Red Tansu Chest
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A Japanese Meiji two-part tansu chest from the mid 19th century, with Metal hardware of hand etching, vivid motifs of Woman birds turtles and even one b...
Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Metal

Japanese Meiji Two-Part Red Tansu Chest
Japanese Meiji Two-Part Red Tansu Chest
H 46.5 in W 47 in D 17.5 in
Pair of Asian Oversized Throne Chairs with Exaggerated Backs
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of exotic elegance to your home with this stunning pair of Asian oversized throne chairs. Standing at an impressive 73" high, these chairs are true showstoppers with thei...
Category

19th Century Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Exquisite Antique Japanese 1880 Qing Dynasty Carved Dragon Throne Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Japanese Export circa 1880 hand carved Throne chair with oversized Dragon back rest. A very good looking well-made and de...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Oak High Relief Hand Carved Chinoiserie Extendable Dining Table
Located in Dayton, OH
An impressive oriental dining room set that made in Okinawa Japan, circa 1970s. Hand crafted from oak with high relief intricately carved vil...
Category

1970s Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak

Japanese Tin Lined Tea Storage Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Smaller scale Japanese tin lined tea box. Stickers, labels and designs decorate the exterior. Lid fits perfectly. In very good condition. A great side tab...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Tin

Japanese Tin Lined Tea Storage Box
Japanese Tin Lined Tea Storage Box
H 15.75 in W 20.25 in D 14.25 in
English 19th Century Black Lacquered Japanned Cabinet, Naturalistic Decoration
Located in Wells, ME
English 19th century black lacquered and hand painted japanned cabinet on custom made stand. This 36 inch wide cabinet has its original naturalist...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Taisho Japanese Chest of Drawers in Two Parts, 1912-1926
By Kosai Taisho
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing Tansu, chest of drawers in two equal parts, paulownia wood. Japan, Taisho period 1912-1926 The chest of drawers is divided into a large drawers and a small door that hides ...
Category

1910s Asian Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

1940s Vintage Wood Black Console, with Travertine Marble Top
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Vintage console table from the 1940s composed by a yellow travertine top and solid wood structure. In excellent conditions. The structure parts in black is the result of the use of j...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Marble

Primitive Wooden Object "wabi-sabi"
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Primitive wooden object A workbench used by Japanese farmers in the Meiji period There is something refined feel like a Charlotte Perriand ...
Category

1870s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Cedar

19th Century Japanese Trunk
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a good example of a 19th century Japanese small lacquered trunk that retains its original hardware and has been fitted to an appropriate wro...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

19th Century Japanese Trunk
19th Century Japanese Trunk
H 16.25 in W 22.5 in D 14 in
19th Century Japanese Campaign Chest
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century Japanese campaign chest This is a traveling chest, the carrying handles of the lower part click into the upper to keep it in pl...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Asian Hand Carved Full Body Dragon Armchair
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Asian hand carved full body dragon armchair Rare full body dragon arm / side chair carved by a talented cabinetmaker. The chair has a ric...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japonisme furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include and Ubunji Kidokoro. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $600 and tops out at $40,669 while the average work can sell for $5,700.

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