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Japonisme Wallpaper

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
Zuber French Scenic Wallpaper Panels The Japanese Garden Landscape Scene
Located in Firenze, IT
This antique and charming early 20th Century scenic wallpaper by French Zuber manufacture is made up of five rolls of wall coverings hand painted with...
Category

Early 20th Century French Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Wood, Paper

Schumacher Kobai Wallpaper Mural in Neutral
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by a traditional Japanese ink painting and reminiscent of a landscape or seascape, this panel wallcovering moves from saturated to nuanced colorations. At a whopping 18-foot...
Category

2010s American Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Paper

Schumacher Kobai Wallpaper Mural in Mineral
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by a traditional Japanese ink painting and reminiscent of a landscape or seascape, this panel wallcovering moves from saturated to nuanced colorations. At a whopping 18-foot...
Category

2010s American Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Paper

Japanese Silk Wall Covering JS-37
Located in Staunton, VA
Japanese silk wall coverings by Paul Montgomery Studio are available in a wide variety of colors. Characterized by irregular thickness of weave and ...
Category

2010s Japanese Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Silk

Japanese Silk Wall Covering JS-08
Located in Staunton, VA
Japanese silk wall coverings by Paul Montgomery Studio are available in a wide variety of colors. Characterized by irregular thickness of weave and ...
Category

2010s Japanese Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Silk

Schumacher Lotus Garden Wallpaper in Parchment
Located in New York, NY
This enchanting pattern, recreated from a 1920s document in our archives, is an ode to Japanese natural motifs. Since Schumacher was founded in 1889, our family-owned company has ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Paper

Schumacher Lotus Garden Japanese Natural Motif Jade Wallpaper
Located in New York, NY
This enchanting pattern, recreated from a 1920s document in our archives, is an ode to Japanese natural motifs. Since Schumacher was founded in 1889, o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Paper

Japanese Silk Wall Covering RS-13
Located in Staunton, VA
Japanese silk wall coverings by Paul Montgomery Studio are available in a wide variety of colors. Characterized by irregular thickness of weave and ...
Category

2010s Japanese Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Silk

Japanese Silk Wall Covering RS-12
Located in Staunton, VA
Japanese silk wall coverings by Paul Montgomery Studio are available in a wide variety of colors. Characterized by irregular thickness of weave and ...
Category

2010s Japanese Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Silk

Japanese Silk Wall Covering JS-41
Located in Staunton, VA
Japanese silk wall coverings by Paul Montgomery Studio are available in a wide variety of colors. Characterized by irregular thickness of weave and ...
Category

2010s Japanese Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Silk

Japanese Silk Wall Covering JS-11
Located in Staunton, VA
Japanese silk wall coverings by Paul Montgomery Studio are available in a wide variety of colors. Characterized by irregular thickness of weave and ...
Category

2010s Japanese Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Silk

Japanese Silk Wall Covering SL-07
Located in Staunton, VA
Japanese silk wall coverings by Paul Montgomery Studio are available in a wide variety of colors. Characterized by irregular thickness of weave and a rus...
Category

2010s Japanese Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Silk

Schumacher Lotus Garden Japanese Natural Motif Lilac Wallpaper
Located in New York, NY
This enchanting pattern, recreated from a 1920s document in our archives, is an ode to Japanese natural motifs. Since Schumacher was founded in 1889, o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Paper

Related Items
Zuber Original Wallpaper Screen with French Hinges
Located in Ballard, CA
Zuber wall paper screen depicting the return of Napoleon from Italy, rare piece with french hinges ( meaning it can open in every which way), the wallpaper is applied on to a burlap ...
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Early 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Wallpaper

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Brass

Jungle Dream Designer Wallpaper in Parchment 'White on Warm Neutral'
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Get lost in this nocturnal fantasy jungle-scape! Flora and fauna combine to create the ultimate dreamy pattern. Samples are available for $18 including US shipping, please message u...
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2010s American Japonisme Wallpaper

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Clay, Paper

Japanese Garden Wallpaper Panels Hand Painted Wallpaper on Gold Gilded Paper
Located in Wuxi, 32
If you love the look of De Gournay wallpaper but not the price, this is for you. Measures: 41" wide x 58" The colorways in this sections present our latest colorways, which can be...
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21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Japonisme Wallpaper

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Chinoiserie Panels Hand Painted Wallpaper on Blue Silk / Panel- 3 Panels
Located in Wuxi, 32
If you love the look of De Gournay wallpaper but not the price, this is for you. Measures: 3ft x 8ft The colorways in this sections present our...
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Silk

Leaf Wallpaper Hand Painted Wallpapers on Silk, 1 Panel
Located in Wuxi, 32
If you love the look of De Gournay wallpaper but not the price, this is for you. The colorways in this sections present our latest colorways, which can be applied to any designs and any base ground (silk, tea paper, metallic, fabric and etc.) Price Price is for 1 panel of 36" wide x 96" high, background is on silk. We accept custom size and painting colors. Price doesn't include the embroidery. Dear customer, please note: For safe delivery, all the panels roll in a strong tube. Please have the professional installer to install the wallpapers, there is a standard overlap between panels, and a black dot marked on the top and bottom of each panel, please check well before installing. Shipping We do our best to process & ship all orders...
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21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Japonisme Wallpaper

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Silk

Leaf Wallpaper Hand Painted Wallpapers on Silk, 1 Panel
Leaf Wallpaper Hand Painted Wallpapers on Silk, 1 Panel
Free Shipping
H 96 in W 36 in D 0.1 in
Fabscarte Handmade Hand Painted Wallpaper, Bosco
Located in Milan, IT
- This product is priced per square feet. Please contact us for assistance with square footage calculations. - The lead time depends on the quantity of the order. The absolute prota...
Category

2010s Italian Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Paper, Paint

Chanteur Antiqued Chinoiserie Wallpaper Mural
Located in Staunton, VA
The Chanteur Antiqued chinoiserie mural wallpaper is a heavily antiqued blue mural showing spring blossoms and small birds that can add color or visual interest to a living room, bed...
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2010s American Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Paper

Chanteur Antiqued Chinoiserie Wallpaper Mural
Chanteur Antiqued Chinoiserie Wallpaper Mural
Free Shipping
H 120 in W 120 in D 0.2 in
Peacock Chinoiserie Wallpaper Hand Painted Wallpaper on Silk Panel
Located in Wuxi, 32
If you love the look of De Gournay wallpaper but not the price, this is for you. Measures: 3 ft x 8 ft. The colorways in this sections present our latest colorways, which can be a...
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21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Silk

Zuber Six Panel Wallpaper Screen The Hunting Landscape
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Magnificent 19th century six panel wallpaper screen by Zuber and Cie. The screen features six hand blocked wallpaper panels from "Le Paysage a Chasses" o...
Category

19th Century French Antique Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Wood, Paper

Zuber Wallpaper Panel Screen the War of American Independence
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing wallpaper four panel screen by Zuber and Cie. Panel numbers 29, 30, 31, 32 from the War of American Independence scenic wallpapers. The iconic pa...
Category

20th Century French Japonisme Wallpaper

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Canvas, Wood, Paper

French Empire Neoclassical Wallpaper Screen Attributed to Zuber
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic French four-panel wallpaper screen attributed to Zuber and cie featuring pair of Empire style neoclassical scenes with grand tour style themes....
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Wood, Masonite, Paper

Kew Garden Pewter Triptych Wallpaper Panels
Located in Staunton, VA
Kew Garden Pewter Triptych is a set of three wallpaper panels suitable for framing, or wall installation with moulding or frame. These three panels are consecutive from one to two, ...
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2010s American Japonisme Wallpaper

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Previously Available Items
Vintage Gracie Studio Handmade Woven Natural Grasscloth Custom Wallpaper, 1991
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Gracie Studio handmade woven natural grasscloth custom wallpaper, 1991. Gracie was founded by Mr. Charles R. Gracie in 1898, in New York City. H...
Category

Late 20th Century Korean Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Grasscloth

Sea Shore Wallpaper
Located in Staunton, VA
Sea shore is a peaceful scene by the waters edge with energetic sandpipers and delicate shells. The blue sky above evokes a gentle breeze. The mural is hand ...
Category

2010s American Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Paper

Sea Shore Wallpaper
Sea Shore Wallpaper
H 120 in W 144 in D 0.07 in
Rock Tree Japanese Mural
Located in Staunton, VA
Rock Tree is an atmospheric Japanese painting rendered in the traditional ink style. Inspired by Japanese screens, Rock Tree can be a powerful statement or a focal point for modern i...
Category

2010s American Japonisme Wallpaper

Materials

Silk

Rock Tree Japanese Mural
Rock Tree Japanese Mural
H 108 in W 216 in D 0.07 in

Japonisme wallpaper for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Japonisme wallpaper 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 wallpaper created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, silk and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme wallpaper 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 wallpaper, popular names associated with this style include Paul Montgomery, Schumacher, and Jean Zuber. 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 wallpaper differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $597 and tops out at $10,989 while the average work can sell for $720.

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