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.
Large Antique Japanese Satsuma Porcelain Vase Attributed to Masanobu
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, large antique Japanese Satsuma porcelain vase. With enameled floral scenes and geometric devices with rich raised gilt highlights around the circumference against both ivory...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Satsuma Vase, Hand-Painted Warrior Scene, Meiji-Era Masterpiece
By Satsuma
Located in Bochum, NRW
Antique Japanese Satsuma Vase – Hand-Painted Warrior Scene, Meiji-Era Masterpiece. Japanese Satsuma ceramic vase with polychrome decorations of Japanese men and soldiers in armor. Go...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Satsuma Vase – Hand-Painted Meiji-Era Masterpiece
By Satsuma
Located in Bochum, NRW
Antique Japanese Satsuma Vase – Hand-Painted Meiji-Era Masterpiece Japanese Satsuma ceramic vase with polychrome decorations of Japanese men and soldiers in armor. Golden details. Ja...
Porcelain
Japanese Satsuma Ginger Jar Vase, circa Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful small Japanese Satsuma ginger jar vase, circa early-20th century, Japan. Colors include cream, copper, green, blue, white, black, orange...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
$400Sale Price / set|41% Off
Japanese Cloisonné Vases Butterflies & Flowers, 19th Century Meiji Period, Pair
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
These are a very decorative pair of cloisonné vases, made in Japan and dating to the 19th Meiji Period, circa 1875. The vases have a good baluster shape with a circular form. They...
Ceramic
Japanese Antique Satsuma Vase by Ryokuzan Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING This Japanese Satsuma vase by Ryokuzan is decorated with a continuous figural landscape scene set against a finely crackled ivory ground with gilt and polych...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Pair 19th Century Meiji Japanese Vases by Kinkozan
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large antique Meiji period Japanese ceramic vases depicting cockerels and dragons by Kinkozan, the revered family of potters from the Awata district of Kyoto, renowned for th...
Ceramic
Meiji Period High Relief Porcelain Celadon Vase, circa 1900
Located in Miami, FL
This captivating Meiji period (1868-1912) porcelain vase features a mesmerizing celadon glaze, with a subtle crackled texture. Exquisite details, meticulously hand-painted in vibrant...
Porcelain
Large Kyoto-Awaji Bottle Vase in Sky Blue Crackle Glaze
Located in Wilton, CT
Large antique Kyoto-Awaji point bottle vase in sky blue crackle glaze with color draining away from the pale mouth rim. 33" high, 16" diameter. The rim, at some point damaged, has be...
Pottery
Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vase by Kinkozan
By Kinkozan
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING FROM KYOTO’S FAMED KINKOZAN WORKSHOP, A MEIJI-PERIOD SATSUMA VASE OF EXCEPTIONAL ENAMEL AND GILT. From our Japanese Satsuma collection, we are delighted to ...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Porcelain Vase Blue and Red by Japanese Contemporary Master Artist
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Japanese contemporary porcelain decorative porcelain vase, hand painted in red and blue on a beautifully shaped ovoid porcelain body, a signed piece by widely acclaimed Japanese mast...
Porcelain
Pair Monumental Antique Meiji Period Japanese Satsuma Pottery Vases Stands 1900
Located in Portland, OR
A fine pair of monumental antique Japanese Satsuma vases with stands, circa 1900. The vases having an ivory background and are finely gilded & handpainted with enamels of Samurai wa...
Pottery
$625Sale Price|50% Off
Meiji Period Large Japanese Imari Bowl Centerpiece
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Meiji period large Japanese Imari bowl centerpiece This large, distinctive, octagonal porcelain Imari bowl is painted in rich, inky blue, co...
Porcelain
Japanese Contemporary Gold Blue Orange Porcelain Plate by Master Artist, 2
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Elegent contemporary Japanese dimpled decorative porcelain plate, a unique piece gilded and hand painted by highly acclaimed porcelain artist of Japan’s Imari-Arita region. This mast...
Gold
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Japanese Contemporary Black Gold Porcelain Charger by Master Artist
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite Japanese contemporary large gilded, intricately hand painted and dimpled porcelain charger by acclaimed master porcelain artist, dramatically showcasing an eagle in flight,...
Gold
Japanese Black Platinum Gold Porcelain Vase by Contemporary Master Artist, 1
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Contemporary Japanese porcelain vase, hand painted showcasing a dramatic dragon set against a dimpled black background, a signed piece from the signature dragon collection by highly ...
Gold, Platinum
Large Antique 19th Century Japanese Blue and White Scalloped Porcelain Vase
Located in London, GB
Large Antique 19th Century Japanese Blue and White Scalloped Rim Porcelain Vase C.1890 Meiji Period. Artist: Hirayama Nobuhei, Hizen Province In good overall condition showing some...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vase by Nikko
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING A Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase by Nikko (日光) of pleasing globular form with a rounded mouth, dating to the Meiji period, circa 1910. The vase is finely ...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Large Japanese Imari Charger – Meiji Period (1868–1912)
Located in Kastrup, DK
A rare and impressive large Japanese Imari charger, crafted in glazed porcelain and decorated in the classic Imari palette of iron red, cobalt blue, and subtle green accents. The ch...
Porcelain
Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Earthenware Vase by Kinkozan
By Kinkozan
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Japanese Satsuma earthenware vase by Kinkozan, dating to the Meiji period circa 1910. The vase is of the iconic Kinkozan ovoid bottle form with a compressed ...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Meiji Japanese Satsuma Bowl Signed Kōzan with Tsuchigumo Web Scene
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meiji Japanese Satsuma Bowl Signed by Kōzan with Tsuchigumo Web Scene A finely decorated Japanese Satsuma earthenware bowl from the late Meiji period, circa 1890–1910, signed Kōzan ...
Ceramic
Antique Japanese Imari 18" Decorative Charger or Platter
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Japanese porcelain charger or centerpiece bowl. In the Imari style with a riverboat scene to the center and decorated throughout in principally reds, blues, and green...
Porcelain
Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Earthenware Koro Incense Burner by Kinkozan
By Kinkozan
Located in Newark, England
This Japanese Satsuma koro (incense burner) by Kinkozan dates to the Meiji period, circa 1890. Of squat circular form, the koro is raised on three short feet and fitted with twin loo...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Japanese Antique Earthenware Satsuma Vase by Kinkozan Meiji Period
By Kinkozan
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912) From our Japanese Satsuma collection, we are delighted to present this exceptional Meiji period Satsuma vase by Kinkozan This tal...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Fine Japanese Satsuma Vase by Ryozan Okamoto for Yasuda Company Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely decorated Japanese satsuma ceramic vase by Ryozan Okamoto (c.1820s-1910s) for Yasuda. Ryozan is the head artist working for Yasuda company, a Japanese ceramic makers and dea...
Ceramic
Fine Pair of Antique Japanese Meiji Period Imari Porcelain Bottle Vases, C. 1880
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A fine and large pair of antique Japanese Imari porcelain bottle vases, dating to the late Meiji period, circa 1880–1900. Beautifully potted with graceful globular bodies rising to ...
Porcelain
Japanese Satsuma Vase by Koyama Nanpo Meiji Period
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING This Japanese Satsuma vase by Koyama Nanpo is decorated with two large figural panels set against a cobalt blue ground with extensive gilt decoration. It dat...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Japanese Glazed and Caved Ceramic Dragon Bowl by Makuzu Kozan
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A ceramic bowl by Japanese Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa 1891 of late Meiji period. A very fine example of the artist's work that belongs to the middle period of his...
Ceramic
Japanese Blue, Green, Red and Brown Porcelain Vase by Contemporary Master Artist
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite contemporary Japanese porcelain vase, hand painted in green, blue, red and brown on a stunningly shaped porcelain body, a signed masterpiece by highly acclaimed award-winni...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Plate by Sennosuke Kusube
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware plate by Sennosuke Kusube, of scalloped form and decorated against a rich cobalt blue ground with extensive gilt...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Meiji Period Satsuma Baluster Vase, Hand-Painted Porcelain, Japan
By Satsuma
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Meiji Period Diminutive Satsuma Baluster Vase. This Japanese Satsuma vase from the late Meiji period is hand painted and gilt decorated with a Japanese landscape in exquisite detail...
Porcelain
Japanese Contemporary Blue Pure Gold Porcelain Lidded Jar by Master Artist, 2
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Japanese contemporary porcelain incense burner/lidded jar, intricately and generously hand-painted with high purity gold on a beautifully shaped body in stunning signature deep blue,...
Gold
Japanese Contemporary Black Gold Porcelain Charger by Master Artist, 4
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite contemporary decorative porcelain charger, hand painted showcasing a dramatic scene of a dragon in gold, set against a dimpled black background, a signed piece from the sig...
Gold
Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Earthenware Buddha and Rakan Plate
Located in Newark, England
This Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Buddha and Rakan Plate dates to circa 1890. Made from finely potted earthenware, the circular plate is decorated with...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Japanese Porcelain Bowl with Composed Egrets by Makuzu Kozan Meiji Period
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small Japanese porcelain bowl in the form of a monk's alms bowl with beautifully decorated glazed surface by Makuzu Kozan. Also known as Miyagawa Kozan (1842–1916), Kozan was one o...
Ceramic
Huge Antique Meiji Japanese Bronze Bird of Prey On a Rock Gold Elements Marked
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Huge Antique Meiji Japanese Bronze Bird of Prey On a Rock Gold Elements Marked Condition Close to perfect condition, just some ware. 40 x 45CM LengthxWidexHeight (including base) P...
Metal, Bronze
Magnificent Kinkozan Cobalt Blue hand-painted Satsuma vase, Meiji Period, signed
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent Kinkozan Satsuma vase, Meiji Period, Circa 1890 The vase is formed in a tall ovoid shape with a broad shoulder rising to a short cylindrical neck and a rounded everted r...
Gold, Enamel
Exceptional Large Japanese Ceramic Moon Vase by Kinkozan Meiji Period
By Kinkozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large Japanese ceramic vase of exceptional quality from late Meiji period circa 1900-10s by Kinkozan (1645-1927). One of the largest studio manufacturers of the export ceramics at ...
Ceramic
$2,925Sale Price|50% Off
Japanese Contemporary Blue Black Gold Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 2
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary meuseum quality signed Japanese contemporary porcelain vase, referred to by the artist as the “lady with a golden shawl,” a masterpiece by a celebrated award-winning th...
Gold
Large Repaired Satsuma Vase, Meiji
Located in Savannah, GA
A large Meiji period Satsuma vase, late 19th century. Fully shattered and repaired. 11 ½ inches wide by 24 ½ inches tall
Ceramic
Antique 19th Century Japanese Totai Shippo Tree Bark Cloisonne Ginger Jar
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Medium size ginger jar or large tea caddy features a detailed decor of a bird sitting on a flowering branch, done in Totai Shippo technique in dark red and green colors. The shoulder...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Pottery Bowl Imperial Figures Kizan 1890
Located in Portland, OR
A very fine antique Japanese Meiji period Satsuma pottery bowl, circa 1890. The bowl having a lobed rim and finely decorated & gilt to the outside with a 'thousand flowers' decoratio...
Pottery
$373Sale Price|20% Off
Japanese Porcelain Bowl Hand-Painted Vines and Dragons, Meiji Ca 1860
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good and very decorative porcelain footed deep bowl, hand-decorated with an Imari design in polychrome enamels and dating to the second half of the 19th century, circa 1860...
Porcelain
Japanese Contemporary Blue Purple Porcelain Charger by Master Artist
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exuisite Japanese contemporary decorative porcelain charger, hand painted in vivid purple and various shades of blue and signed by a widely acclaimed master porcelain artist of Japan...
Porcelain
Japanese Satsuma Bowl by Kanzan
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Japanese Satsuma bowl signed Kanzan (桓山), produced during the Meiji Period and extensively decorated with finely detailed figural and landscape scenes across...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Antique Japanese export earthenware vase Satsuma Style Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Antique Japanese export earthenware vase, created in the distinctive Satsuma Style, which typically dates to the Meiji period (1868–1912). A baluster or ovoid-shaped body with a sha...
Ceramic
Large Meiji Japanese Arita Imari Bowl, Attributed to Fukagawa
By Fukagawa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Meiji Japanese Arita Imari Bowl, Attributed to Fukagawa Large Japanese Arita Imari porcelain bowl from the Meiji period, circa 1880–1900, attributed to the Fukagawa workshop. ...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vase by Ryozan
Located in Newark, England
MEIJI PERIOD 1868-1912 From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this Japanese Satsuma Vase by Ryozan. The vase of tapered form with tightly pinched neck and flared to...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Japanese Contemporary Blue White Porcelain Vase by Master Artist, 5
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Exquisite contemporary Japanese decorative porcelain vase, intricately hand painted in various shades of blue on an elegantly shaped body, a signed piece by master porcelain artist f...
Porcelain
Meiji Satsuma Dragons & Immortals Cup & Saucer by Kitagawa-zō, Signed Dai Nippon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meiji Satsuma Cup and Saucer by Kitagawa-zō with Dragons and Immortals, Signed Dai Nippon An extraordinary Meiji-period Satsuma porcelain cup and saucer, attributed to the distingui...
Pottery
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...
Porcelain
$395Sale Price|20% Off
Hand Decorated Japanese Porcelain Charger, Imari Pattern, 19th Century Meiji Era
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality, hand decorated Japanese porcelain charger, large plate or bowl with an Imari pattern, dating to the late 19th centur...
Porcelain
Hand-Painted Kutani Porcelain Charger with Women and Vine Arbor, Meiji Period
Located in Grythyttan, SE
An exquisite hand-painted Japanese porcelain charger showcasing the refined aesthetic of classic Kutani ware. Set against a luminous white ground, the scene depicts two women in finely rendered kimonos beneath an oversized, lush garden arbor...
Enamel
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Satsuma Vase by Ryuun Fuzan
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING A Japanese Meiji period Satsuma earthenware vase by Ryuun Fuzan, dating to circa 1890, of baluster form and decorated against a rich cobalt blue ground with...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Antique 19th C Japanese Satsuma Box Matsumoto Hozan Marked Base Japan
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A small Satsuma vase, Yasuda, unidentified artist, of cuboid form with slightly domed cover, decorated with bijin alternating with landscape scenes,...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain Gourd-Shaped Cabinet Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Japanese porcelain vase. In the Imari style. In a gourd-shaped form with elongated neck. With painted lotus flower decoration to the body and painted floral and geo...
Porcelain
A Large Antique Japanese Imari Charger / Wall Plate, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Large Antique Japanese Imari Charger / Wall Plate, 19th Century Description: A central urn filled with peonies is surrounded by alternating decorative panels. Features a scalloped...
Porcelain
Japanese Three-Piece Porcelain Tea Service Set Contemporary Gold Red Kutani
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Extraordinary Japanese contemporary museum-quality Kutani three-piece tea service set, generously gilded with high purity gold and extremely intricately hand-painted in red and green...
Gold
Large Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in London, GB
Of ovoid form, with a narrow neck and outward flaring rim, on dark blue ground depicting wisteria blossoms in white and purple cascading from the shoulder with birds throughout and w...
Enamel
Japanese Contemporary Gold Blue Porcelain Cup, 3
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Striking contemporary Japanese Ko-Imari (old Imari) porcelain long stem cup, in bright red, blue and green colors and generous gold application tha...
Porcelain