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Japonisme Metalwork

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
Gojunoto, Japanese Metal Pagoda
Located in Vienna, AT
Gojunoto, Japanese Metal Pagoda - This is a wonderfully detailed smaller version of a Pagoda building made from cast iron. Pagoda buildings, Tō (塔) in Japanese, originated in ancient...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Iron

Japanese bronze okimono toad (sculpture)
Located in PARIS, FR
Okimono bronze sculpture of a toad. The toad or the frog (kaeru) is associated with good luck and wealth. Kaeru means both “toad” or “frog” and “to return home” in Japanese. This me...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

A Japanese samurai menpo mask
Located in Milano, IT
Samurai menpo mask with the 'fierce' ressei expression, with the iron and red lacquer surface which gives the face deep and marked wrinkles. The generously...
Category

Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Iron

Japanese bronze house on stilts incense burner
Located in PARIS, FR
Bronze incense burner depicting a house on stilts. The house is slightly stretched so that it case be seen from one side. The roof can be separated from the foundation to insert cand...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

A Japanese bronze okimono depicting an elephant with two tigers
Located in Milano, IT
Patinated bronze okimono depicting an elephant defending itself from the attack of two tigers: one on its back and the other under its paw. Very well worked in the details of the el...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Small Japanese Articulate Crab Jizai Okimono Meiji Period Signed
By Myochin Hiroyoshi
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small copper crab with articulated legs made by Myochin Hiroyoshi in the late Meiji Period circa 1890-1900s. As an ornamental display item, this type of small sculpture with moving...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Copper

A bronze okimono depicting a study of a puppy playing with a ball
Located in Milano, IT
Bronze okimono depicting a study of a puppy playing with a ball. The puppy has a playful and curious expression as he interacts with the ball. The...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

A Japanese pair of cloisonné enamel vases decorated with silver wire
Located in Milano, IT
Delightful pair of silver cloisonné vases covered with polychrome enamels on a dark blue background. Decorations with polychrome floral motifs with peonies and a pair of Japanese th...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Enamel

A cloisonné vase depicting a pheasant surrounded by blooming cherry
Located in Milano, IT
Cloisonné vase, with base and edge in silver, decorated with polychrome enamels held by a silver thread, depicting a pheasant on the banks of a watercourse surrounded by blooming che...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Enamel

A Japanese patinated bronze vase depicting a cricket
Located in Milano, IT
A slender shape patinated bronze vase depicting a naturalistic scene of a cricket sitting on iris leaves. Signed Joun in relief within an oval reserve. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

A Cloisonné hexagonal potiche
Located in Milano, IT
Cloisonné potiche with a hexagonal shape, embellished with delicate floral decorations on reserves held by silver threads with geometric motifs. The lid features a spherical socket. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Metal

A Japanese bronze okimono depicting the study of a tiger
Located in Milano, IT
Bronze okimono depicting the study of a powerful tiger in a furtive position. The animal is represented with its legs bent, its tail curled upwards and its body in a lowered positio...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Iron Pagoda Garden Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Japanese cast iron pagoda lantern with lattice fret work hinged door. Bird and bamboo iron cut outs surround pagoda. Beautiful slo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Iron

Rare, Impressive Japanese Bronze Censer by Miyao, 1868-1912
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A magnificent Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) patinated bronze overlay Koro on stand. The body of bellied rectangular section, the sides molded in low relief with various figural s...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

A Japanese drop-shaped bronze vase with peonies
Located in Milano, IT
Drop-shaped bronze vase, with peonies in relief, decorated to simulate a delicate and light fabric that ends with a bow near the top of the neck. Using mixed metals to create visual...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Okimo of Standing Rabbit
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an impressive Okimo of a rabbit in a resting position. The bronze is very well cast in the form of a realistic rabbit. The bronze is signed on the bottom of one foot, as shown in photo. It is thought that having a rabbit in the house would bring good luck; meaning: we all need one! This guy would make the perfect desk accessory or book shelf eye-catcher. ***In Japanese culture rabbits are one of the signs of the Japanese zodiac. They are considered lucky as the Japanese kanji...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

A Japanese refined silver Junjin bowl
Located in Milano, IT
Refined silver bowl with embossed irises cast and chiseled inside on a hand-hammered ground on the bulbous body, raised on an oval foot. Signature engraved under the base Watanabe z...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Masuo Ikeda sculptural Bronze vase with gold touches
By Masuo Ikeda
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare and spectacular Masuo Ikeda bronze vessel / vase with gold details. It is a limited edition, 28/30 and it is signed. Comes with its original wooden box (tomobako). Ikeda Masuo...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

A Tokyo school bronze sculpture depicting a sitting geisha
Located in Milano, IT
Tokyo school bronze sculpture depicting a geisha sitting on a wooden bench. The figure of the geisha is portrayed in a moment of deep reflection, with a fan held in her hands. She we...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

A Japanese bronze okimono Oni Nembutsu
Located in Milano, IT
A Japanese great and remarkable bronze okimono, on a wooden base, depicting an Oni, dressed as a priest, accompanied by a young oni. The main Oni is portrayed standing and smiling, ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

A Japanese bronze sculpture depicting a falcon, signed by Kōmin
Located in Milano, IT
A Japanese bronze sculpture depicting a perched falcon in light patina with polychrome eyes, beak and legs in black contrasting with pure gold. The sculpture depicts the falcon in a moment of serene repose, perched with an aura of regal bearing. Placed on a patinated bronze base, the sculpture achieves a harmonious synthesis of form and texture. This attention to detail showcases the commitment...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

A Great Japanese bronze vase depicting a hawk, signed by Masayuki 正之
Located in Milano, IT
Large bronze vase with greenish-reddish patina worked in relief depicting a hawk, head turned to the right, on a large branch that wraps around the vase at an angle from the bottom t...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japan mice treasure bag Meiji
Located in PARIS, FR
Japanese bronze representing two mice, one of them pulling a treasure bag. The mouse or the rat (both called nezumi in Japanese), one of the zodiac signs, is a symbol of fortune. T...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Sterling Silver Chrysanthemum Dish Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite Japanese sterling silver ornamental bonbon dish, circa 1890-1900. The piece was rendered in the shape of a stemmed branch of chrysanthemum blossom and was made for export market. Both botanically realistic and stylish, the piece showcases a high degree of artisanal sensitivity and technical ability of the silversmith who created this lovely piece. The petals that form the exteriors were outlined with deep and fluid relief lines of sculptural quality. The branches and leaves were rendered with attentions to the smallest details, with molding and surface texturizing using chasing in contrast with hammering. The interior of the dish is equipped with a conforming inner dish and when it is taken out, revealing the chased lines. The piece, although practical, is basically an okimono in sculptural form, a work of art on its own. It weighs about 22 ounces. Under the dish, it is marked "Pure Silver" in Kanji and SM in a rectangular cartouche. The research (carried out by Adrien Von Ferscht, an expert and author on Asian Export Silver) identified it to be Sadajiro Musashiya...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Japanese Bronze Vase
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality Meiji period (1868-1912) Japanese patinated bronze vase, depicting two seated dogs below a Bamboo plant.
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Yasumi Nakajima II Ikebana Bronze Vase, circa 1960, Japan.
Located in Brussels, BE
Yasumi Nakajima II (1906-1988) Ikebana vase, circa 1960, Japan. Trumpet form, Tomoe model, with nice patinated brown-red (seido) bronze. Signed underneath. Dimensions: 26 cm H, 9 ...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Ando Company, Fine Cloisonne Vase with Roses, Signed, Japan, 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
ANDO CLOISONNÉ COMPANY - Extraordinary cloisonné vase with roses and transparent green enamel over raised bamboo decoration - green enamel to the interi...
Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Antique Japanese Bronze Bonsai Planter
Located in Bradenton, FL
Fine Bronze from Japan with great weight and strength. Large form for Bonsai presentation. Elegant style and beautiful patina. Incised decoration on the front and bronze elephant hea...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Bronze Pair of Geese Koros
Located in Downingtown, PA
Japanese bronze geese koros, Late 19th century. The pair of goose koros or censors are in the form of geese with their long necks extended and their ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Japanese Cloisonne Vase by Ando Jubei
Located in Atlanta, GA
Made by Ando Jubei Company circa 1940-1950s, this Japanese cloisonne vase displays a beautiful color that is between celadon and a light yellow, a shade hard to describe and has to b...
Category

1940s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Enamel, Metal

Japanese Mixed Metal Vase Mounted as a Lamp Meiji Period
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Japanese mixed metal vase Mounted as a lamp Meiji period The bulbous-form body with long conical neck decorated in high-relief copper w...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Brass, Copper

2 Monumenal Kaji Tsunekichi Antique Japanese Cloisonne Vases Mantel Urn Pair
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of monumental Kaji Tsunekichi enameled cloisonne vases with wide flared mouths, decorated in intricate red and green floral designs, butterflies and birds. Each is heavily worke...
Category

19th Century Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Japanese Cloisonné Vase Ando Jubei with Storage Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautifully decorated cloisonné vase with silver rims by Ando Jubei (1876-1956), the celebrated Japanese Shippo studio. The piece is dated to late Meiji to early Showa period circa...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Metal, Silver, Enamel

Pair of Antique Japanese Cloisonne Covered Jars with Floral Motif Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique cloisonne covered jars or urns are unsigned, but originate from Japan from approximately 1900 in a Japanese export style. The pair is done in muted tones and are...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Collection of Eleven Japanese Bronze Vases
Located in Atlanta, GA
Collection of eleven Japanese bronze vases, Japan, 20th century. They all exhibit sculptural forms and have a wide range of patinas from deep browns and golds to warty verdigris gree...
Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Pair of Japanese Bronze Vase with Metal Inlays by Mitsufune
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of elegant vases of solid oiled bronze from the Meiji era, Japan (1868-1912). In a Classic Meiping shape, the pair has a mirrored inlay with gold, silver and red enamel that d...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Large Scale Japanese Cloisonne Tree Bark Vase Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large scale Japanese "Tree Bark" style Cloisonne vase lamp. The vase itself is believed to be 19th century and was later mounted as a lamp in the 1...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Bronze and Gilt Vases
By Zo Miyao 1
Located in Brighton, Sussex
Pair of fine quality Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) patinated bronze Miyao style gold and silver overlay two handled vases, each with twin handles, classical motif decoration with...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Bronze and Enamel Japanese Garden Lanterns, circa 1900
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of Japanese bronze and enamel pagoda shaped garden lanterns. Each with a patinated bright bronze finish and multicolored classical enamel decoration, circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Pair of Early Japanese Plique-a-Jour Bowls from Nagoya
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of small but exquisite Plique-a-jour cloisonné bowls with nearly identical design from Nagoya area in Japan circa 1900-20s. Maker's unknown but possibly by Ando company. The t...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Pair of Cloisonné Bronze Vases, Japan, Circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of cloisonné bronze vases, Japan, circa 1900, accident on one, slight depression Measures: H 19cm, D 10cm.
Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Large Oriental Champleve Cloisonne Urn on Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a beautiful and very high quality large oriental champlevé cloisonné urn on stand. Late 19th or early 20th century, circa 1890-1910. Pro...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel

Antique Japanese Iron Stirrups with Silver Inlay Signed
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of antique Japanese Abumis, stirrup for horse-riding, in cast iron with elaborate silver inlay, circa 16th century Muramachi to Momoyama period. The prototype of Japanese abum...
Category

16th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Silver, Iron

Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Dragon Candlestick Holder
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Japanese Meiji period Cloisonne candlestick holder decorated with a dragon. Finely detailed metal and enamel work. In excellent age a...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Japanese Sterling Silver Centerpiece Pedestal Bowl by Hattori Kintaro
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite Japanese presentation bowl in sterling silver by Hattori Kintaro (1860 - 1934), circa 1910-1920s, late Meiji era to early Taisho era. This rare and rather large piece wa...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Malachite, Sterling Silver

French Patinated Bronze Figure of a Standing Japanese Geisha with Kimono & Obi
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful French patinated bronze figure of a standing Japanese geisha in a traditional kimono with an obi. This geisha is exceptionally cast with immense detail. Starting from the...
Category

Early 20th Century French Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

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 Metalwork

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Japanese Cloisonné Covered Jar by Ando Jubei
Located in Atlanta, GA
Japanese cloisonné enamels are known as shippo-yaki and the mid-19th century saw the production of very high quality wares in the early centers Nagoya. One of the most renowned works...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Metal, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Japanese Bronze Vase Collection
Located in Atlanta, GA
Collection of seven bronze vases, Japan, circa 1950s or earlier. They retain their warm original patina. The largest vase measures 8.5"H. The smallest vase is 5"H.
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Metal, Bronze

A dark patina bronze okimono depicting the study of a powerful tiger
Located in Milano, IT
Dark patina bronze okimono depicting the study of a powerful tiger in an unusual position. The animal's posture is engaging with the paw raised and the tail curled upwards along the...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japan bronze Tanuki Taishô era
Located in PARIS, FR
Japanese bronze sculpture of a tanuki. It represented as a Buddhist priest, wrapped in a cloak and lying on a mokugyo (a percussion instrument made of a fish-shaped wooden block and a stick, used to accompany the recitation of sutras). The tanuki (raccoon dog) is a legendary Japanese animal...
Category

1920s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Japonisme metalwork for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme metalwork for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage metalwork created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme metalwork 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 metalwork, popular names associated with this style include Ando Jubei, Hattori Kintaro, Masuo Ikeda, and Musashiya. 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 metalwork differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $368 and tops out at $16,000 while the average work can sell for $3,482.

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