19th Century Signed Japanese Meiji Bronze Wave with Carrera Marble Sphere
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderfully unique Meiji Bronze Wave - the details and techniques are very intricate.
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Japanese Bronze & Crystal Okimono, 3 Crystal Spheres Riding Bronze Waves, Meiji
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Japanese Meiji period bronze and crystal sculpture (okimono) of stylized waves supporting three crystal balls of varying size.
Crystal, Bronze
Exceptional Japanese Meiji Bronze Wave Usubata Ikebana Vase
Located in Papaikou, HI
Besides having a wonderful wave pattern to the base, this piece also has a beautiful reddish brown mottled patina and a drip pattern in the casting of the main vessel. Everything abo...
Bronze
Unavailable
H 6.5 in Dm 10.75 in
Bronze Usubata Hokusai Waves Candleholder Dish Decor Flower Vase Japan Meiji
Located in Monterey, CA
This bronze Japanese Usubata depicts the splashing Hokusai waves.
Bronze
Taisho '1912-1926' Bronze Wave Usubata
Located in Stockbridge, MA
A bronze base in the form of a wave -gracefully lifts this elegant two-piece Taisho usubata. Used for ikebana flower displays, these usubata are highly regarded by the Ikenobo, the o...
Bronze
Japanese Antique "Koi & Waves" Bronze Vase
Located in South Burlington, VT
A fine Japanese hand cast bronze Koi and Waves fish trumpet vase- symbolic of affection and love, prosperity, perseverance and good fortune.
Bronze
Japanese Antique "Koi & Waves" Hand Cast Bronze Vase
Located in South Burlington, VT
A fine Japanese hand cast bronze Koi and Waves fish trumpet vase- symbolic of affection and love, prosperity, perseverance and good fortune.
Bronze
Japan "Wave Pattern" Antique Caste Bronze Ikebana Vase, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan, a hand caste bronze Ikebana vase in a wave pattern form, Meiji period (1868-1912).
Bronze
Sold
H 9 in W 13 in D 13 in
Japan Lovely Antique Pair Hand Caste Handmade Heavy Bronze Cloud Wave Planters
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan, a lovely late Meiji heavy hand caste bronze pair planters now used as superb planters and decorative accents.
Bronze
Japanese Meiji Bronze Ikebana Vessel on Sculpted Bronze Wave
Located in Astoria, NY
An exceptional Japanese Meiji-era bronze Ikebana vessel atop a moving-wave shaped base.
Bronze
Japanese Bronze Usubata with Wave Form Base, Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A large Japanese bronze usubata, vessel for ikebana flower arranging, with intricate wave form base, Meiji period, early 20th century, Japan.
Bronze
Sold
H 5.25 in W 8 in D 6.25 in
Japanese Archaistic Bronze Usabata with Waves and Plovers, Meiji Period
Located in Austin, TX
A finely cast Japanese bronze usabata, designed as an archaistic bowl being supported by crashing waves, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan.
Bronze
Japan "Wave Pattern" Antique Caste Bronze Ikebana Vase, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan, a hand caste bronze Ikebana vase in a wave pattern form, Meiji period (1868-1912).
Bronze
Japanese Antique Pair Silver Inlaid "Birds & Waves" Bronze Planters
Located in South Burlington, VT
From our recent Japanese acquisitions A fine pair of superior quality Japanese cast bronze planters/hibachi inlaid with silver and copper "birds and waves" , Meiji period, 1900.
Silver, Bronze
Large Solid Marble Decorative Sphere on Bronze Griffin Base
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful large solid green marble decorative sphere on bronze base with three griffins, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good condition with no chips or cracks; it has a nice polis...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Jardinière by Genryusai Seiya
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Japanese Meiji Period bronze Jardinière by Genryusai Seiya. Outstanding large 19th century Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) high relief bronze jardinière by Genryusai ...
Bronze
Japanese Meiji Period Large Bronze Vessel
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful Japanese Bronze vase from the Meiji period we believe. Early 20th Century. Nice scale and form. It is slightly over 24 inches tall. Crisp casting and nice detail. The b...
Bronze
19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Censer
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique 19th century Meiji period Japanese bronze censer. Top lid decorated with finely sculpted reclining anthropomorphic figure / bonsai tree / acorn and cut out hearts. Overall be...
Bronze
$5,200
H 30.5 in Dm 13 in
Large Japanese Bronze Koro Incense Burner, Meiji Period, 19th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A large and fantastic Japanese cast bronze incense burner, koro, with high relief design, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The large and tall koro cast in extremely high re...
Bronze
Shokudai Candle Holders of Bronze from Japan, Meiji 1868-1912
Located in London, GB
Pair of Shokudai candle holders made of bronze during the Meiji period (1868-1912) in Japan. Includes original box as pictured. Candle holders H. 66cm; diameter 26cm. Lidded bro...
Bronze
$5,500
H 18 in Dm 9 in
Natural Rock Crystal Sphere on a Neoclassical Polished and Patinated Bronze Base
Located in Hudson, NY
This natural rock crystal sphere containing expected color changes and inclusions is a gem from nature. The sphere is 9 inches in diameter and runs from clear to crazed inclusions th...
Rock Crystal, Bronze
$3,800
H 8.75 in W 10.5 in D 9.25 in
Japanse Bronze Shishi Foo Lion by Shuzan / Hideyama, Meiji period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A heavy and powerfully cast Japanese bronze model of a shishi or foo lion by Hideyama / Shuzan, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The dramatic lion, known as a shishi in Japan, is ca...
Bronze
$1,895
H 16 in W 9 in D 7.5 in
Meiji Era circa 1900 Antique Japanese Bronze Sea Dragon 3-Arm Candelabra
Located in Tustin, CA
Magnificent and powerful, fantastically sculptural, ferocious bronze Japanese writhing sea dragon candleholder is coiled around itself, with an uplifted head and a stylized plume of ...
Bronze
$950Sale Price|34% Off
H 8 in W 12 in D 9 in
Japanese Bronze Koro with Salamander Handles and Exotic Bird Body
Located in Astoria, NY
Japanese Bronze Two Handle Koro, early 20th century, with salamander form handles and exotic bird decorated body, on four mythical beast formed feet, the base drilled. 8" H x 12" W x...
Bronze
$1,650
H 1.5 in Dm 17.75 in
Large Japanese Patinated Bronze Mixed Metal Charger Meiji Period, circa 1880
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A large Japanese patinated bronze Mixed metal charger Meiji period Finely decorated in gold, silver, copper and bronze. Naturalistically accurate depiction of sparrows among...
Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze
19th Century Antique Chinese Bronze Censer, Incense Burner
Located in Stamford, CT
A bronze censer or also known as a incense burner from the 19th century. This incense burner has great detailing with handles in the shape of bonsai trees. The center section has a e...
Bronze
$1,291
H 12.21 in W 9.85 in D 7.88 in
Japanese Bronze Koro with Dragon Handles and Gilt Decoration, Meiji Period
Located in Nottingham, GB
This elegant late 19th-century Japanese bronze incense burner (koro) is a finely cast decorative vessel, richly ornamented with gilt-highlighted reliefs of flowering plants and birds...
Bronze
$3,250
H 14 in W 7.75 in D 7.75 in
19th Century French Louis XV Bronze Dore Table Lamp with Glass Globe
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (19th Century) bronze dore table lamp with Neptune & dolphins at base holding glass globe with etched stars fabricated from a compote base.
Bronze
19th Century Oriental Bronze Japanese Kagami Handled Mirror
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique traditional Oriental bronze Japanese Kagami handled Mirror. An exceptional and stunning Japanese bronze handled mirror called Kagami. Large and heavy bronze handle mirror ...
Bronze
Pair of Bronze and Crystal Lamps in the Style of Maison Charles
By Maison Charles
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Pair of bronze and crystal lamps with patinated brass shade Great condition France Circa 1990's
Crystal, Marble, Bronze
$340Sale Price / set|38% Off
H 21 in Dm 6.5 in
Large Art Glass Jars with Cork Tops, Hourglass Shape, 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of large hour glass shaped glass jars with Ball finial cork tops. A perfect companion to flank a large shelf or decorative wall in a utilitarian space. While wonderfully suite...
Art Glass
Antique Charles Parker Art Nouveau Two Light Slag Glass Table Lamp 25"
By Charles Parker
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian Charles Parker Company slag glass lamp featuring Art Nouveau design with a domed shade, gilded metal scrolled overlay, floral embossed gilded cast metal base, doubl...
Metal
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Black Leather
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Toledo, OH
Iconic 1950's party sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. This is the Model 5407 Chesterfield style sofa in black leather. Original leather. The wide arms and long le...
Leather
Mid-Century Italian Brass "Question Mark" Magnifying Glass
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mid-Century Italian brass "Question Mark" magnifying glass.
Brass
Japanese Flower Vase Takaoka Seido Bronze, 1930s
Located in Paris, FR
This is an antique flower vase with Takaoka bronze. It was made around 1930s in early Showa era and made in Takaoka city (Toyama prefecture, Japan). Dimensions: 16 x 16 x H22 cm.
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York "Chinese Geometric" Table Lamp
By Tiffany Studios
Located in New York, NY
A Tiffany Studios New York glass and bronze "Chinese Geometric" table lamp, featuring a mottled orange, yellow, and green leaded glass shade atop an intricately sculpted patinated br...
Bronze
$39,953
H 104.5 in W 49 in D 22 in
Antique Hand Carved Phoenix & Dragon w. Large Mirror Side Table Entry Hall Stand
By Gabriel Viardot
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare large and extremely sculptural wall table with marble inlay and beveled mirror. If you are appreciative of rare and sculptural antiques then this large mirror / side table coul...
Marble
Folk Art Maquette of a Church, France circa 1900
Located in Culver City, CA
France, 1900 Architectural church model with weathered wood construction, Gothic arched window openings and tall steeple. 15”w x 38”d x 27”h Ref. O2253 $ 4,600
Wood
Antique A Japanese Musha Ningyo Samurai Doll, Edo/Meiji Period
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a heavy-duty quality and high-end and important Japanese doll of Musha Ningyo Samurai Doll from the late Edo to the early Meiji period, a traditional Japanese warrior doll...
Metal
17th Century Oak Panels Depicting Wyverns
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A pair of 17th century oak panels depicting wyverns. These hand carved English oak panels show a pair of Wyverns, spiralling into foliage The panels are suspended in a box frame of...
Oak
Pair Of Limestone Pierres Sorcieres
Located in Round Top, TX
A rare pair of late 17th - early 18th century Pierres Sorcieres - Witches Stones from France. These stunning sculptures are masterly carved from limestone in a polyhedra form now re...
Stone
$2,971
H 19.5 in W 10.2 in D 7.5 in
Stunning light blue coral branch for a Wunderkammer, Italy late 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
The work stands upon an elegant fluted column base crafted from fruitwood, lacquered in light blue and partially gilded, supported by refined classical-style goat-hoof feet. Surmount...
Coral
Mogens Koch Bookcases in Mahogany for Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch library in Mahogany. Executed by Rud Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/KØBENHAVN/DENMARK.
Mahogany
$6,800
H 38 in W 32 in D 1 in
Impressive shell mirror with rows of scallops, tortoise and turquoise limpets.
Located in Sullivans Island, SC
All shell work is sold by the linear foot, when budget is finalized DN creates a custom palette and layout for approval based on this design. Under the sea, A kaleidoscope of color...
Shell
Gabriel Argy-Rousseau Pâte de Verre "Anemones de Bois" Night Light
By Gabriel Argy-Rousseau
Located in New York, NY
Argy-Rousseau's near-unique ability to gracefully soften the starkness of Art Deco design without ever sacrificing the strength of the design is on full display in this remarkable, p...
Glass
František Pazourek Art Deco Malachite Glass Vase, Czechoslovakia, 1930s
Located in Hammarö, SE
František Pazourek Art Deco Malachite Glass Vase, Czechoslovakia, 1930s An exceptional Art Deco vase designed by František Pazourek in Czechoslovakia during one of the most remarkab...
Glass
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.
From Japanese handmade earthenware pottery, originating circa 14,500 B.C. and adorned with elaborate corded patterns known as jōmon, to natural elm case pieces and storage cabinets built in Qing dynasty–era China to mid-century Thai rice-paper charcoal rubbings, antique and vintage Asian art and furniture make for wonderful additions to all kinds of contemporary interiors.
Eastern elements elevate any home’s decor. Introduce zen sensibility to your living room, dining room and bedroom with the neutral color palettes and the natural materials such as rattan, bamboo and elm that we typically associate with traditional Asian furniture. Decorative handwoven embroideries and textiles originating from India and elsewhere on the continent, which can be draped over a bed or sofa or used as a wall hanging, can be as practical as they are functional, just as you wouldn’t seek out Japanese room-divider screens — often decorated with paintings but constructed to be lightweight and mobile — merely for privacy.
With everything from blanket chests to lighting fixtures to sculptures and carvings, it’s easy to tastefully bring serenity to your living space by looking to the treasures for which the East has long been known.
For British-born furniture designer Andrianna Shamaris, the Japanese concept of beauty in imperfection isn’t limited to her Wabi Sabi collection. She embraces it in her New York City apartment as well. In the living area, for instance, she retained the fireplace’s original black marble while swathing its frame and the rest of the room in bright white.
“We left the fireplace very clean and wabi-sabi, so that it blended into the wall,” says Shamaris, who further appointed the space with a hand-carved antique daybed whose plush pillows are upholstered in antique textiles from the Indonesian island of Sumba.
In the growing antique and vintage Asian art and furniture collection on 1stDibs, find ceramics from China, antiquities from Cambodia and a vast range of tables, seating, dining chairs and other items from Japan, India and other countries.