Japonisme Furniture
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.
Early 20th Century Japonisme Furniture
Paper
2010s Italian Japonisme Furniture
Fabric, Paper
Early 20th Century Japonisme Furniture
Jade
19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Paint, Paper
1880s American Antique Japonisme Furniture
Silver, Copper
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Japonisme Furniture
Teak
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Plywood, Oak
2010s Danish Japonisme Furniture
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Chinese Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Japonisme Furniture
Oak, Paper
20th Century American Japonisme Furniture
Brass
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Canvas, Oak, Plywood
1940s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Wood
1950s Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Art Glass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic, Clay
2010s Asian Japonisme Furniture
Smoked Glass, Wood, Plywood
2010s Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Canvas, Oak, Plywood
1880s American Antique Japonisme Furniture
Sterling Silver, Copper
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Metal
Late 19th Century American Antique Japonisme Furniture
Bronze, Enamel
2010s Asian Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Oak, Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Japonisme Furniture
Oak
1890s French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Brass
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Oak, Paper
1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Pottery
1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo
Late 19th Century English Antique Japonisme Furniture
Earthenware
Early 20th Century Japonisme Furniture
Paint
1940s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo
2010s Danish Japonisme Furniture
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Oak, Paper
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic
1940s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Lithuanian Japonisme Furniture
Oak, Wood
19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Ormolu
1990s Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo
1970s American Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Mirror, Wood, Paint
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Japonisme Furniture
Oak, Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Japonisme Furniture
Oak, Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Lithuanian Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Lithuanian Japonisme Furniture
Wood, Oak
20th Century Spanish Japonisme Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Iron
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Silk
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Japonisme Furniture
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Japonisme Furniture
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Furniture
Bamboo, Lacquer
1960s Vintage Japonisme Furniture
Ceramic
1890s French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Wool
Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Furniture
Bronze