Meiji Porcelain
MEIJI STYLE
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.
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Style: Meiji
Set of Contemporary Gilded Blue Red Porcelain Cup and Saucer
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite contemporary gilded hand-painted Imari porcelain cup and saucer in vivid red, blue and green generously decorated with gold. The pattern of this stunning set, scalloped around the rim of the cup and saucer, is inspired by a beloved pattern by Meissen in Germany.
Imari-Arita region of Japan has a history of more than 400 years of exporting the finest porcelain produced in that region. There was a fascination for Arita ware...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Gold
Contemporary Japanese Gold Red Blue Porcelain Long Stem Cup, 2
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite contemporary Japanese Ko-Imari (old Imari) porcelain long stem cup, in bright red, blue and green colors and generous gold application that are char...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Gold
Imari porcelain gourd shape, Arita, Japan, Meiji Period.
Located in Gargrave, North Yorkshire
Imari porcelain gourd shaped dish, Arita, Japan, c. 1890, Meiji Period. The unusual gourd shaped dish, hand painted in typical Imari colours, with panels of birds flying amongst plan...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Miniature Japanese Meiji Satsuma Porcelain Vases Set
Located in New York, NY
A set of antique Japanese Satsuma porcelain vases. Late Meiji or Showa era, first half of the 20th century. A total of 6 items ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Miniature Japanese Meiji Satsuma Porcelain Vases Set
Located in New York, NY
A set of antique Japanese Satsuma porcelain vases. Late Meiji or Showa era, first half of the 20th century. A total of 6 items ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Monumental Antique Japanese Meiji Period Imari Porcelain Charger Plate 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A fine & monumetal Japanese Meiji period Porcelain charger/plate, circa 1890.
The charger is very finely decorated with underglaze blue, red iron oxide glazes and heightened with gil...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Contemporary Gold Blue Red Porcelain Dessert Plate
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite contemporary Japnese gilded hand painted Porcelain dessert plate in vivid red, blue and green generously decorated with gold, with an intricate flower and gold pattern. The...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Gold
Gilded Contemporary Japanese Red White Porcelain Cup, 5
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Unique contemporary Japanese Ko-Imari (old Imari) porcelain short stem cup, in bright red, blue and green colors and generous gold application that are characteristics of Ko-Imari po...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Gold
4 Old or Antique Signed Kakufuku Japanese Kaikemon Imari Porcelain Rice Bowls
By Sakaida Kakiemon Xii
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 4 Japanese Imari porcelain bowls
Each decorated throughout with kaikemon blue, red, and green natural scenes and extensive gilding.
Marked to the base with a blue underglaze maker's mark for Kakufuku.
Simply a fine set of Japanese rice bowls...
Category
20th Century Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Large 19th Century Japanese Imari Porcelain Temple Jars with Cover
Located in El Monte, CA
An exceptional pair of large scale late 19th century Japanese Imari temple jars from the Meiji period with covers, also can be referred to as ginger jars. Rare octagonal facet cuts a...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Hand-Painted Porcelain Lidded Serving Dish, Trinket or Jewelry Box
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Japanese hand painted porcelain decorative trinket, pill or jewelry box or serving dish of Meiji period.
The decoration cons...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Monumental Japanese Kutani Porcelain Vase, Meiji/Taisho Period, Signed
Located in New York, NY
A Monumental Japanese Kutani porcelain vase, Meiji/Taisho Period, Signed Akiyama sei. The main body is all hand-painted with wonderful ...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Contemporary Japanese Gold Blue Red Porcelain Dessert Plate
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Set of six exquisite contemporary Japnese gilded hand painted Porcelain dessert plates in vivid red, blue and green generously decorated with gold, with an intricate flower and gold pattern. The pattern of this stunning set, scalloped around the rim of the cup and saucer, is inspired by Meissen in Germany.
This beautiful set is produced by one of the most respected Japanese porcelain companies with the history of producing exceptional porcelain pieces.
Imari-Arita region of Japan has a history of more than 400 years of exporting the finest porcelain produced in that region. There was a fascination for Arita ware...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Gold
Large Japanese Blue and White Covered Vase with Pheasant and Flower Decoration
Located in New York, NY
A Large Meiji Period Japanese Blue and White Covered vase with Pheasant and Flower Decoration. This piece is absolutely massive and beautifully decorated with hand-painted blue figur...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Set of Japanese Imari Contemporary Blue Porcelain Dinner Plates
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Set of six contemporary Japanese Imari porcelain dessert plates in blue underglaze on pure white fine porcelain, characteristic of Arita porcelain. This pattern is called Royal Blue ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Nagoya Japanese Meiji Hand Painted Tea Wares with Herons
By Nagoya Craftsmen
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very finely made Japanese Nagoya Meiji porcelain tea set hand painted with water birds amidst flowering Iris dating from around 1900. The teaset comprises of a teapot and cover, a ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Japanese Satsuma Porcelain Water Well Bucket, Wishing Well Vase
By Satsuma
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This Japanese porcelain vase is barrel shaped with a yolk handle. It is both finely and intricately hand painted. It pictures groups of scholars with scrolls dressed in elaborate brocade kimonos...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Meiji Period Chargers
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning collection of six (priced individually) Meiji period petal shaped Imari plates in the very best of condition. With an overall floral decoration in blue, orange and green c...
Category
20th Century Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Pair 19C Japanese Satsuma High Quality Black Vases Landscape Uchida
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description
A pair of Japanese Satsuma black-ground vases, Uchida marks, Meiji/Taisho period
Of ovoid form with everted rims, painted in gilt with scenes of Mount Fuji against a bl...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Parcel-Gilt Porcelain Dish
Located in London, GB
Antique Japanese parcel-gilt porcelain dish
Japanese, late 19th century
Measures: Height 7.5cm, diameter 37cm
This fine porcelain dish is a superb piece Satsuma ware from the Me...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Japanese Imari Temple Jar and Lid
Located in Miami, FL
19th century Japanese Imari lidded vase one side has phoenix and ikebana flowers hand painted in great detail throughout.
Colors from natural pigment glazes.
Beautiful patina.
Ve...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Antique 19C Japanese Turqoise Satsuma Water Pot or Koro Marked Base
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A Japanese Satsuma water pot, Meiji period. With cranes and flowers.
Marked on base.
Condition
/ Overall Condition 2 chips to base rim and some very minimal fritting to upper ri...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Kinkozan Satsuma Picture Frame Japan Flowers
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description
A Japanese Satsuma photograph frame, Kinkozan, Meiji/Taisho period
Of gourd outline and painted with the 'three abundances' of peaches, pomegranate and finger citron wi...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Imari Porcelain Bowl
Located in Miami, FL
A Japanese Imari hand painted porcelain bowl possibly for presenting cooked rice at a celebration. It appears to be styled after a sushi oke, a wooden tub u...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Meiji Period Kutani Bowl
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A decorative Japanese porcelain bowl decorated in iron red and gilt, late Meiji period.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Blanc de Chine Buddha
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A blanc de chine porcelain figure of the Buddha, Japanese, Kutani, circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese 19th Century Imari Charger with Phoenix Rising Motif
Located in Wells, ME
Japanese Imari charger of large and impressive size being 15 13/4 inch in diameter. The decoration is hand painted in underglaze blue and overglaze enamels, highlighted by gold leaf ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Antique 19C Japanese Satsuma High Quality Vase in Pipe Shape with Flowers
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description
A Faboulas Japanese Satsuma vase, Meiji period
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Co...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Great 19C Japanese Porcelain Vase Relief Grapes Leaves Flowers and Bird
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A Japanese porcelain vase, unusual in shape and with beautiful relief application of grapes and leaves. Painted scene all over of flowers and a bird in flight.
Swirled top in the sh...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Japanese Imari Temple Jar and Lid
Located in Miami, FL
A very good quality 19th century Japanese Imari temple jar with a fluted form to the lid, classical motifs, ikebana flowers, foliage, ribbons and ball...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Antique ca 1900 Japanese Hirado'?' Sauce Boat Richly Decorated Marked
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description
Sharing with you is this nice piece of Japanese porcelain. A sauce boat with crabs and an octopus. Could be hirado ware, not found a similar p...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Satsuma Kyotoware Monkey Vase
Located in New York, NY
Japanese satsuma Kyotoware monkey vase. Antique Japanese satsuma monkey vase beautifully modeled with raised monkey porcelain figures. Signed. Satsuma-Kyot...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Meiji Orange and Gold Porcelain Kutani Bowl
Located in New York, NY
This delicately hand-painted Meiji-period Kutani-ware bowl is ornamented with lion-shaped handles on the bowl and lid, and is decorated in orange and gold with panels depicting floral arrangements, surrounded by scrolling borders. On the base is the "Dai Nippon...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Meiji Dish with Figures Amidst Clouds 19th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual antique Japanese Imari shallow porcelain dish hand painted with two scrolling ladies with flowing garments and ribbons floating amidst clouds and finely decorated in brigh...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Art Deco Japanese Kutani Porcelain Vases Meiji Period, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful pair of polychromed Kutani porcelain Japanese vases, circa early 20th century, Meiji period, Japan. Vases are hand painted and designed with two different sides; one...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Large Pair of Japanese Imari Porcelain Floriform Trumpet Floor Vases, circa 1900
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of antique Japanese floriform trumpet floor vases in Imari porcelain, Meiji Period, circa 1900.
These beautiful Japanese floriform trumpet floor vases are adorned in polychrome ...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Imperial Imari Charger with Large Gilded Eagle and Gilded Flying Crane
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Imperial Imari 14.25" charger with large gilded eagle and gilded flying crane, Japanese, Meiji period, circa 1870.
Category
1870s Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Large Somida Monkey Vase
Located in London, GB
A multi colour gloss drip glazed somida vase decorated all over with monkeys climbing the vase.
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Ceramic
Very Large Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Floor Vase Cover or Urn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An extraordinarily large, antique Japanese Imari covered urn or floor vase.
With strong cobalt blue and red decoration, some traces of the original gilding, ribbed sides, and its ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
A Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912).Large Satsuma Square Censer And Cover, Mark
Located in New York, NY
A Marvelous and Rare Antique Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912).Large Satsuma Square Censer And Cover with Seal at Bottom.
This is a magnificent piece with finely painted cartouches depicting various Japanese cultural scenes on each side. The cartouches include a scene of Japanese woman playing instruments...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Massive Japanese Meiji Period Gilt and Enameled Imari Charger, Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A massive and stunningly decorated Japanese Imari porcelain charger, Meiji Period, late 19th century.
The charger is reminiscent of Satsuma wares, exuberantly decorated in famill...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Meiji porcelain for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Meiji porcelain 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 porcelain created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji porcelain 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 porcelain, popular names associated with this style include Nagoya Craftsmen, and Satsuma. 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 porcelain differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $18,800 while the average work can sell for $1,200.
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