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 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
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
$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 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
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel White And Pink Dragon Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese brass and Cloisonne enamel vase. The baluster shaped vase is enameled with a polychrome design representing a white dragon made in the Cloisonne technique. Unmark...
Enamel
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
Pair Of Large Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Deer Animals Flowers Pink
Located in Long Island City, NY
Pair of large cloisonne enamel vases richly decorated with cranes and floral motifs. Provenance: Beverly Hills Barakat Gallery Collection. 20"
Enamel
Early Meiji Keyaki Sendai Isho-Dansu Chest with Iron Hardware and Storage
Located in Yonkers, NY
An early Meiji period Sendai Isho-dansi chest from circa 1860-1880 with eight drawers, petite door and dark patina. This early Meiji-period Sendai Isho-dansu is a striking example of...
Iron
$1,913Sale Price / set|30% Off
Large Pair of Fine Quality Japanese Bronze Vases Dated 1903 Meiji Period Antique
Located in Wisbech, England
Antique Very Large Pair of Japanese Bronze Vases - Exquisite Meiji Period Presentation Pieces! These magnificent Japanese bronze vases, dating back to the Meiji Period and dated 190...
Bronze
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
Japanese Six-Panel Folding Screen with Aged Silver Leaf, Meiji Period
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A striking Japanese six-panel folding screen covered entirely in silver leaf. Rather than featuring a painted composition, the screen is defined by the surface of the silver itself....
Silver Leaf
Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonné Enamel Charger Attributed to Honda Yosaburo
Located in Newark, England
This Japanese Meiji period cloisonné enamel charger, attributed to Honda Yosaburo and dating to circa 1895, is of impressive exhibition scale measuring 60.5 cm (23.82 inches) in diam...
Metal, Enamel
Japanese Marquetry and Lacquer Jewelry Chest, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A very attractive Japanese wood table top jewelry or collector's chest with marquetry and lacquer decoration, Meiji period, circa 1900, Japan. Previously in the collection of Asbjorn Lunde (1927 - 2017). The chest is crafted in the form of a Chinese seal...
Wood, Softwood, Lacquer
Meiji Satsuma Cylindrical Umbrella Stand Vase with Enamel Samurai Decoration
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Meiji Satsuma Cylindrical umbrella Stand Vase with All-Over Samurai Decoration characterized of the Meiji period. Measures 8.5" in width x 8.5" in depth at the base x ...
Enamel
Japanese Keyaki Wood Koi Carp Sculpture, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century
Located in Glasgow, GB
A large hand-carved Japanese koi carp sculpture in keyaki wood, dating to the late 19th century during the Meiji period. Measuring 48 cm long, the fish has a strongly graphic silhoue...
Hardwood
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
1870s-1900s Japanese antique Mizuya tansu chest, sideboard wabi sabi primitive
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from a long-established hardware shop in Ibaraki pref., Japan. Single tier Mizuya tansu is made from premium quality, reddish Sugi Cedar, the product of circa 1870s to 190...
Wood, Cedar
Japanese Antique Storage Box 1860s-1900s / Tansu Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old box storage made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s), and the material used is paulownia wood, which is precious today. Paulownia wood is light...
Iron
Red Japanese Lacquered Box Meiji Decorative Box, circa 1880
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Nice Japanese glove box in red and black lacquered wood dating from the end of the 19th century. It is decorated with delicate gold, black and white flowers and foliage on all its vi...
Lacquer, Wood
Monumental (15 3/4" Dia. x 6" high) Japanese Imari Centerpiece Bowl Meiji C.1890
Located in Incline Village, NV
Outstanding quality Imari Japanese large size statement making centerpiece bowl. With impressive 15 3/4" diameter x 6" high dimensions this bowl can be featured in a plethora of dec...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Lacquered Bamboo Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
This small antique basket of hand-woven bamboo is a lovely example of Japanese basketry. The basket has an oval shape with tapered sides and a footed base, expertly woven of thin bam...
Bamboo
Large Japanese Patinated Bronze Tiger Sculpture, Meiji / Taisho Period.
Located in New York, NY
Impressive Japanese bronze sculpture depicting a roaring tiger in motion, finely cast and richly patinated, with inset glass eyes, mounted on its original carved wooden base. The ti...
Bronze
Monumental Pair of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragons on Black Enamel Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
An exceptional and visually commanding pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel vases, distinguished by their rare and monumental scale, each standing an impressive 25 inches tall. Executed...
Enamel
Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Plates with Mount Fuji and Flowers
Located in Long Island City, NY
A decorative pair of Japanese Cloisonne enamel plates from the Meiji period (1868 to 1912), circa 1890. Each features a circular turquoise blue center surrounded by a broad, richly p...
Enamel
Japanese Articulate Bronze Grasshopper Jizai Okimono Myochin Linage Signed
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bronze Japanese okimono cast in refined and realistic form of a grasshopper attributed to Myochin lineage circa 19th century of Meiji period. The insect features a segmented body u...
Bronze
Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase W Mount Fuji Landscape
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Japanese cloisonne enamel vase. The vase has an ovoid form and features a scenic landscape depicting a snow capped Mount Fuji rising behind a rural landscape with blooming flowers....
Enamel
Late 19th Century Japanese Lacquer Box with Coral Design
Located in New York, NY
Late Meiji to early Taishō period Japanese lacquer box (circa 1890–1920), decorated in the takaramono (宝物, “treasures”) motif, symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and good fortune. Th...
Metal
Small Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Round Box, circa 1910, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A small and delightful Japanese yellow ground cloisonne round trinket or incense box, Meiji Period, circa 1910, Japan. The small box of squat, round shape, and may originally have b...
Copper, Enamel
Japanese Antique Keyaki Wood Bench / Low Table, Meiji Era “1868–1912”
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
Japanese Antique Keyaki Wood Bench, Meiji Era (1868–1912), Wabi Sabi This Japanese antique bench was likely crafted in the Meiji Era (1868–1912). Made entirely of keyaki (Japanese ...
Wood
Antique Japanese Kasane (Sword) Tansu, Meiji Period
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique Japanese Katana (sword) tansu, hand forged iron lock plate and hirute handles. Traditionally katana are stored in the upper drawer and in the lower drawer, the wakazashi. Ki...
Iron
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
Japanese Meiji Bronze Shishi Shi Shi Lion Chinese Foo Dog Sculpture Statue
Located in Studio City, CA
A gorgeous Meiji Period (1868-1912) Japanese bronze Shishi (Shi Shi) guardian lion (Chinese Foo Dog) sculpture. This work has a wonderful feel and beautiful aged patina. Shishi l...
Bronze
Japanese Meiji Miniature Gold Maki-e Ceremonial Sake and Dining Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Japanese Meiji Miniature Gold Maki-e Ceremonial Sake and Dining Set An unusually detailed miniature Japanese ceremonial sake and dining service from the Meiji period, circa 1880–190...
Lacquer
Japanese Merchants Tansu Chest 19th Century Meiji Period
Located in Fulton, CA
Meiji period Japanese merchants Tansu chest. Beautiful deep and rich patina to original finish. All iron hardware intact. A very handsome and utilitaria...
Iron
Antique Early 1900s Meiji Period Japanese Pine/Elm Tansu Chest with Iron Hardwar
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning antique Meiji period early 1900s Japanese Tansu chest of drawers (isho dansu = clothing chest) with original hardware and working keys. Lacquered dark stained pine compris...
Elm, Pine
19th Century Japanese Meiji period shodona display cabinet
Located in Martlesham, GB
A fabulous quality and impressive large Japanese hardwood Shodona from the Meiji period, the lovely carved pediment incorporating a large winged bird and having mythical creatures ei...
Hardwood
Japanese Meiji Period Miniature Gold Maki-e Lacquer Presentation Tray
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Japanese Meiji Period Miniature Gold Maki-e Lacquer Presentation Tray This is a miniature Japanese lacquer serving or presentation tray, known as a bon (盆), dating to the Meiji peri...
Lacquer
Japanese Antique Wooden Bowl or Display stand 1860s-1900s / Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese wooden bowl. Originally used as a practical household vessel, it can also be turned upside down and appreciated as a display stand or pedestal. When inverted,...
Copper, Iron, Tin
Japanese Meiji Bronze Tōba on Mule Figural Incense Burner Koro, Late 19c
Located in Richmond, CA
A finely cast Japanese bronze figural incense burner, or koro, depicting the celebrated Chinese poet and scholar Su Dongpo, known in Japan as Tōba, riding upon his mule. Japan, Meiji...
Bronze
19th C, Japanese Antique Sashimono low table / Wabisabi Side table Coffee Table
Located in 足利市, JP
An exquisite Japanese oval low table (Chabudai / display stand) originating from the early 20th century, meticulously constructed by a master joiner (Sashimono-shi). The centerpiece ...
Hardwood, Lacquer
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
1860s Large Japanese Parcel Gilt High-Relief Dragons and Birds Bronze Vase
Located in Germantown, MD
Amazing Antique fine quality Japanese 19th century bronze vase, circa 1860 with exquisite decorations of raised bronze crafted dragons and birds and many other original meiji decorat...
Bronze
Japanese 19th Century articulated copper lobster
Located in Winnetka, IL
This is a rare Japanese articulated copper lobster, antique Meiji jizai master metal crafters from Edo era , late 19 th century The item is in ...
Copper
Antique Japan Musha Samurai Gofun Daimyo Ningyo Doll, Edo, mu#011
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a high-end and important Japanese doll of Musha Ningyo Samurai Doll from the late Edo period, a traditional Japanese warrior doll crafted with intricate mixed-media armor,...
Metal
Japanese Shakudo and Mixed Metal Vase by Shuho Meiji Period
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLD WIDE SHIPPING From our Japanese collection, we’re thrilled to present this finely made Japanese mixed metals vase from the Meiji period (1868–1912), by Shuho. The vase ...
Metal
Pair of Sake Cups, Red Lacquer with Gold Makie of Phoenix and Paulownia (Kiri-Ho
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A pair of sake cups (盃) in vermilion lacquer (shu-nuri), each decorated in gold takamaki-e with a design of a phoenix (鳳凰, ho'o) in flight above paulownia (桐, kiri) foliage — a class...
Lacquer, Urushi lacquer
Meiji Period Bronze Dragon Vases, Japan, Antique Decorative Art, 1880s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice set of Bronze Dragon vases. Meiji period . Japan Beautiful warm color and patine . so decorative .
Bronze
Japanese Antique Distressed Sakiori Weaving Textile with Exposed Threads
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Japanese Antique Distressed Sakiori Weaving Textile with Exposed Threads, circa 1900–1930s A remarkable antique Japanese Sakiori textile, dating approximately from the late Meiji to...
Fabric
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
Pair of Lacquer Bowls with Maki-e Decoration, Meiji period, Wood
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A fine pair of large Japanese lacquer bowls dating from the Meiji period (1868–1912). The exterior of each bowl is finely decorated with traditional Japanese patterns rendered in lac...
Lacquer, Urushi lacquer
Japanese Large Black Tansu Circa 1860's / Cabinet Wabi-Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This large Japanese tansu was crafted in the early 1900s and reflects a restrained yet powerful approach to utilitarian furniture. Made from solid cedar wood, the piece combines stru...
Cedar
19th century Japanese lacquered wooden box
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A 19th-century Japanese lacquered wooden box, finely decorated according to traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Rectangular in shape, it features a lacquer in deep red and dark brown...
Wood, Lacquer
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
Pair Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Meiji Signed Turquoise Ground
Located in Long Island City, NY
A well-matched pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel vases from the Meiji period, each finely decorated on a vibrant turquoise ground and bearing impressed signatures to the underside. T...
Enamel
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Cast Bronze Geisha Statue Figure Lamp Signed 1890
Located in Portland, OR
A fine & large antique Japanese Meiji period Tokyo School Bronze Sculpture lamp and stand, by Miyao Eisuke (1850-1920), circa 1890. This beautiful large bronze sculpture is by the p...
Bronze
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Box Dragon, Foo Dog, Phoenix Bird, Butte
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper footed rectangular double-bottom box with hinged lid. Late Meiji period, The piece is decorated with cloisonne enamel depictions of dragons, phoenix bird, flowers against the swirl motif background. Collectible Oriental Vanity...
Copper, Enamel
Japanese Antique Hand-Carved Keyaki Wood Komainu Sculpture Early 20th Century
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Antique Japanese Wooden sculpture of Komainu (Lion Dog / Foo Dog), product of Taisho to early Showa period, Circa 1910s to 1930s. Main part are Hand-carved from a single solid slab o...
Wood, Hardwood
$7,219Sale Price|20% Off
Japanese Red Samurai Armour Beginning of Meiji period 1900s
Located in Paris, FR
This is an armour of samurai. It was made around 1900s in Meiji era. This armour was not used in actual war so it was made as decoration, because of that, it is in good condition as its age. There are some scratches and missing parts, if you need some more information, please let us know, we will respond you as soon as possible and send more photos. This armour can be folded in a box. The box is getting damaged so it is not in good condition. We might send this armour in other box. Dimensions: 50 x 50 x H170 cm Scholars agree that Japanese armour first appeared in the 4th century, with the discovery of the cuirass and basic helmets in graves. During the Heian period, the unique Japanese samurai...
Metal, Iron
Pair of Japanese Meiji Miniature Gold Maki-e Lacquer Takatsuki Stands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Japanese Meiji Miniature Gold Maki-e Lacquer Takatsuki Stands A finely executed pair of miniature Japanese takatsuki pedestal dishes dating to the Meiji period, circa 1890–1...
Lacquer
c. 1860-80 Meiji Period Japanese Imari Vase
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860-80 Japanese Meiji period Imari vase. Ribbed body elegantly decorated with reserves of a jardiniere overflowing with flowers reversing to a pair of birds perched on a flowe...
Ceramic
Japanese antique wooden wabi-sabi object / 1968-1920 / farming tools
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old tabune, thought to have been made in Japan from the Meiji period to around the Taisho period (approximately the 1890s to the 1920s). It is likely one of the everyday t...
Cedar