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.
Wabi-Sabi Japanese Antique Large Iron Sliding Door 1860s–1920s / Tabletop
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique Japanese iron sliding door. With the raw strength of iron brought fully to the forefront, it possesses an exceptionally solid and imposing presence. It is believe...
Iron
Pair of Japanese Meiji Bronze Jardinieres with Birds & Shishi Feet, Signed Takao
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A finely crafted and beautifully matched pair of antique Japanese patinated bronze jardinieres or cachepots, dating to the Meiji period (1868–1912), each bearing a Japanese signature...
Bronze
Japanese Rare 19th Century Antique Bronze Bell - Unique Family Heirloom
Located in South Burlington, VT
Rare Bronze Antique Fire Bell With Unique Family History And Provenance One of a kind fine bronze "Hansho" fire bell . This rare bell was used by t...
Bronze
Japanese Antique large iron plated Kurado, wabi sabi Storehouse door 1870s-1900s
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
A Japanese antique Kurado, a large, thick iron-plated wooden door for the entrance of Kura (a traditional storehouse), made of solid Keyaki Zelkova. It was manufactured in the 1870s–1900s (Meiji period) based on its style and condition. The front panel is fully covered with iron sheets that have been nailed down, and a warm patina has developed on the black rust. The surface is partly rough with red rust. This piece's distinctive feature is its large door lock plate, which is not commonly found on traditional Kurado pieces. This lock plate shares similarities with the decorative lock plates attached to Tansu furniture...
Iron
Antique Japanese tin clad tall & thick huge sliding doors, wabi sabi primitive
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
A pair of tall, thick and huge antique wooden sliding doors covered with tin-coated iron sheet panels. These types of doors were used at the gate / entrance of western-influenced la...
Metal, Tin, Iron
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 Early Antique Stone Four Buddhas Pagoda 10 feet, Best In Class
Located in South Burlington, VT
Just discovered from an old Kyoto area garden. Call or message us for details or to reserve. Please view our video. For the finest garden- an exceptional and spiritual representation of the Buddha expressed in this unique and substantial 10 feet five roof pagoda with four buddha images carved on base. Japan, a monumental antique stone pagoda...
Granite
Japan Antique Stone Tea Garden Lantern, Stunning Design
Located in South Burlington, VT
A tall 80 Inch antique classic tea motif lantern with all original pieces. Please view our video. The Zendō-ji Gata lantern Ishidōrō (禅導寺型石灯籠) is a unique design and very special ...
Granite
Meiji Style Japanese Bronze Crane Garden Statue, 1900s
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Bronze Garden Statue Of A Crane, Japanese Realistically modelled with natural verdigris. Provenance: John Dunn Antiques. Dimensions: Height:...
Bronze
Japanese antique stone basin "Tsukubai" / Garden ornament / 1868-1920
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old tsukubai (stone basin) believed to have been made in Japan. In Japanese culture, there is a long-standing tradition of designing gardens that reflect the changing bea...
Stone
Japanese Antique Wood Carving Wall Panel, Abstract Art , Wabi Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This wall-hanging carved wooden ornament is made from recycled zelkova wood from a kotatsu table from the Meiji period. The beautiful grain of the wood has been carefully carved by ...
Wood
Japanese Meiji Period Champleve Enameled Bronze Jardiniere, Circa 1870s
Located in Germantown, MD
A large mid 19th century Japanese Meiji Zoomorphic Champleve Enameled Bronze Jardiniere, Circa 1870s. Measures 12" in width, 12" in depth and stands 8.5" tall.
Bronze
Japanese Antique Bamboo Sliding Door, Object Mingei Art Panel, Wabisabi Door（4）
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese bamboo door. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made mainly of cedar and bamboo. It has a simple design that conveys the charm of the mater...
Bamboo, Wood
Meiji Period Japanese Bronze Jardiniere with Carp Relief, 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Oriental Japanese (19th Century) bronze large jardiniere with a green patina and carp in relief and raise on 4 cloud form feet (Koyoto School; Meiji Period)
Bronze
Antique Meiji Period Japanese Wood Planter
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Meiji Period Japanese Planter in carved wood, featuring mother of pearl butterfly and floral insets, and finished copper inserts. Incredible craftsmanship and detail. Wood species un...
Wood
Japanese Antique Bamboo Sliding Door, Object Mingei Art Panel, Wabisabi Door（1）
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese bamboo door. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made mainly of cedar and bamboo. It has a simple design that conveys the charm of the mater...
Wood, Bamboo
Meiji Period Japanese Wood Root Round Hibachi with Brown Patina, circa 1900
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period wood root hibachi from the early 20th century, with brown patina. Born in Japan during the early years of the 20th c...
Wood
Japanese Antique Bamboo Sliding Door, Object Mingei Art Panel, Wabisabi Door（3）
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese bamboo door. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made mainly of cedar and bamboo. It has a simple design that conveys the charm of the mater...
Bamboo, Wood
Japanese Antique Bamboo Sliding Door, Object Mingei Art Panel, Wabisabi Door（2）
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique Japanese bamboo door. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made mainly of cedar and bamboo. It has a simple design that conveys the charm of the mater...
Bamboo, Wood
Antique Meiji Period Japanese Wood Planter
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Meiji Period Japanese Planter in carved wood, featuring mother of pearl butterfly and floral insets, and finished copper inserts. Incredible craftsmanship and detail. Wood species un...
Wood
Japanese Lacquer Hibachi (Brazier)
Located in Hudson, NY
Japanese Lacquer Hibachi (Brazier), Meiji period (1868 - 1912) Box- shaped Japanese hibachi with mother of pearl inlay, handles on two sides, and a cop...
Copper
$2,650Sale Price|24% Off
Japanese Fine Antique Lotus Leaf Bronze Lantern Extraordinary 19thc. Shogun Art
Located in South Burlington, VT
Hard to Find Lotus Lantern- First we have seen- perfect garden or deck lantern Please enjoy our video. An innovative heavily hand cast, and extraordinary designed Lantern that cou...
Bronze, Copper
Pair of 19th Century Japanese Rustic Hammered Iron Fireplace Andirons
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of 19th Century Japanese Rustic Hammered Iron Fireplace Andirons. Recently polished. Measures 10" in width, 17" in depth and 16.5" in height.
Iron
Japanese Meiji Zoomorphic Champleve Enameled Bronze Jardiniere, Circa 1870s
Located in Germantown, MD
A large mid 19th century Japanese Meiji Zoomorphic Champleve Enameled Bronze Jardiniere, Circa 1870s. Measures 14" in width, 14" in depth and stands 11" tall.
Bronze
Rustic Japanese Meiji Period Freeform Hibachi with Unusual Design, circa 1880
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period freeform hibachi from the late 19th century, with unusual design. Created in Japan during the Meiji period, this freeform hibachi will make for a great decora...
Wood
$900Sale Price|42% Off
H 7.75 in W 5 in D 2.75 in
19th Century Antique Bronze Chinese Sculpture of Three Figures
Located in Miami, FL
Finely detailed antique bronze of three Chinese figures with a wonderful patina. A beautiful and bold conversation piece for any home. Measures: 7 3/4" H x 5" W x 2 3/4" D Delightfu...
Bronze
19th Century Majolica Jardinière with Hen & Rooster
Located in Austin, TX
A 19th century Majolica jardinière , in Country style painted with rooster ,hens and chick on straw , the back side is decorated with straw and bucket signed Aistis. Impressionist style. Attributed to Montigny sur Loing.
Faience, Ceramic
Continental Patinated Bronze Jardiniere with Lions Heads and Paw Feet
Located in Milford, NH
A fine patinated bronze scalloped base bronze jardiniere with lions head ring handles on each side, supported by three paw feet. Continental, dating to the 19th century, in very good...
Bronze
$1,774
H 11.82 in Dm 13 in
Antique Large Oriental Japanese Chinese Bronze Champleve Enamel Jardiniere Meiji
Located in Wisbech, England
Antique large quality Oriental Japanese chinese bronze champleve enamel Jardiniere planter bowl C1920. Would look amazing in the right location. Rare la...
Bronze
$1,970
H 72.05 in W 43.9 in D 1.58 in
1910s-30s Japanese antique Itado, wabi sabi wide wooden sliding door
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Japanese antique Itado, thick wooden sliding door made of Sugi Cedar, for both interior & exterior use. Manufactured in circa 1910s -1930s (Taisho to early Showa period), estimate from the style & conditions. Warm dark paint remains on the surface comes from traditional finish with persimmon tannin & burnt pine ink. Random color tones and deep grains by age, only comes from a quality redwood of Sugi Cedar. Antique iron ring...
Wood, Cedar
$1,479Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 48.04 in W 7.09 in D 4.73 in
Very Large Pair of Tall Antique Victorian Brass Door Handles / Door Pulls
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of original Victorian very large door pulls or handles with curved tops and bottom If your in the market for a pair of really large, signature Victorian door handles...
Brass
19th Century French Majolica Chesnut Jardinière
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Majolica Chesnut attributed to Jardinière.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
$2,027Sale Price|20% Off
H 20.87 in W 18.31 in D 14.18 in
Very Rare 19th Century Hand Carved Qing Dynasty Chinese Hongmu Jardinière Stand
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and very rare 19th century hand carved Chinese Qing Dynasty Hongmu stand A very good looking well mad...
Wood
19th Century Majolica Birds Jardinière Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica jardinière planter with 4 birds Delphin Massier, circa 1890. Height / 5 inches , 8 by 5 inches. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. ...
Ceramic
$1,000
H 68.7 in W 35.83 in D 1.38 in
1860s-90s Wabi-Sabi Japanese thick black sliding lattice door, exterior door
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
New finds from the old-established family house in Ibaraki pref, Kanto area, Japan. Had been kept with care at the 2nd floor to avoid the humidity , even it was used as the exterior ...
Wood
19th Century French Majolica Chesnut Jardinière Onnaing
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
Large 19th Century Majolica chesnut handled jardinière signed Onnaing. 18 inches L This jardinière is inspired by the Art Nouveau and the Naturalism movement of the end of 19th Cent...
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
$900 / item
H 12.25 in W 4.38 in D 4.18 in
Antique Japanese wooden ornamental railing top "Giboshi" / 19th century
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a wooden **giboshi**, originally attached to the balustrade (koran) of a bridge or architectural structure. A *giboshi* is the ornamental “finial” placed on top of balustrade posts. While metal examples are widely known, there are also rare cases such as this one that were crafted from wood. They were used on bridges, temple and shrine architecture, and gates, serving to create a sense of boundary and dignity within a space. The design is said to originate from the image of the *hoju* (sacred wish-fulfilling jewel) seen in Buddhist architecture and ornamentation. A giboshi is not merely decorative; it has been regarded as a symbolic element that protects and spiritually defines a place. Based on its form and texture, this piece is estimated to date from the late Edo period to the Meiji period. Judging from the material quality, it is likely made from a dense hardwood, possibly zelkova (keyaki). Having been exposed to wind and rain for many years, the surface has developed a deeply weathered and dried expression. The parched wood grain, raised fibers, and naturally formed cracks all speak to the accumulation of time, giving the piece a sculptural presence. The rounded cap flowing into the strong vertical lines of the body creates a beautiful proportion—folk in spirit, yet somewhat primitive in character. This weathered texture should not be seen as deterioration, but rather as a beauty completed through the passage of time. Its quiet presence evokes wabi-sabi—an expression that cannot be reproduced through modern processing, but only formed by authentic aging. The size strikes an exquisite balance—neither too large nor too small. While easy to place, it creates a strong visual anchor within a space. Simply placing it alone on a shelf or sideboard gives it the presence of a sculptural object. In an entryway or alcove, it becomes a quiet symbolic accent. Positioned against a white or concrete wall, the contrast of materials becomes striking; paired with reclaimed wood furniture...
Wood
$800
H 29.14 in W 25.99 in D 2.17 in
Japanese Antique Wooden Board , Wall Decoration Abstract Art , Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This wooden board was made in the Taisho era. It was used as a "mochi board." A "mochi board" is a board from the Meiji era that was used as a workbench for kneading flour, and is m...
Wood
Pair of Art Deco Geometric Chromed Door Handles, 1920s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This pair of door handles clearly exemplifies the Art Deco style. Their design combines a bold circular structure with a complex internal geometric pattern, evoking the architectural...
Chrome
$5,400
H 77.56 in W 31.7 in D 1.58 in
Wabi-Sabi 19th Century Asian Primitive Hand-Carved Solid Wood Sculptural Door
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique wooden door carved from a single massive piece of timber. Although its exact place of origin cannot be determined with certainty, based on its primitive constructi...
Wood
Japan Magnificent Huge Antique Bronze Crane, 58 Inches
Located in South Burlington, VT
First crane of this massive size we've seen, almost 5 feet tall Fresh find from our latest Japanese Acquisitions Realistically modeled with natural verdigris. Only one. See our v...
Bronze
Japanese Rare Antique Double Tiger Hand Painted Ceramic Garden Planter Bowl
Located in South Burlington, VT
A rare design "Double Tiger" glistening antique glazed ceramic form planter or big bowl, formerly a hibachi from old Japan dating to circa 1900, Meiji period. A rare find especiall...
Ceramic
Sold
H 72.45 in W 35.83 in D 1.58 in
Japanese Wabi-Sabi Iron Sliding Door Wall Art or Tabletop 1860s-1920s
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique Japanese iron sliding door, believed to date from the Meiji to Taishō Period (circa 1868–1926). Originally created not as decoration but as a functional architectu...
Iron
Japanese Stone Yukimi-Doro Garden Lantern
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural lanterns of carved stone or wood are traditionally placed throughout Buddhist temple grounds or courtyard gardens to contrast lush foliage and cast light on their surround...
Limestone
Antique Japanese Arita Porcelain Blue & White Planter Jardiniere Nippon Era
By Arita
Located in Wilton, CT
Antique Japanese Arita porcelain planter. Circa late 19th/early 20th century. Hand turned and hand painted. Beautiful rendering of a pair of bir...
Porcelain
Sold
H 70.08 in W 53.75 in D 1.58 in
Japanese Antique Large Black Door / Wall Decoration / 1868-1912s Wabi-sabi
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese door. It is thought to date from the Meiji period. The surface has been used for a long time and has turned a natural black due to soot. The scratches caused...
Iron
Sold
H 75.01 in W 50.99 in D 2.56 in
Japanese Antique Massive Iron-Clad Door 1860s-1900s / Low Table Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a large old Japanese sliding door covered with iron plates. It was originally used as the entrance to a kura (storehouse) during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). The wooden fr...
Iron
Japanese Rare Pair Antique Stone Ornament Collectibles, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
Here's a rare, seldom found pair of old hand carved stone granite Japanese Buddhist temple post or bridge post top giboshi that date in the 19th century, meiji period. They still ret...
Stone, Granite
Sold
H 70.48 in W 42.52 in D 2.17 in
Japanese Antique Sliding Door with Galvanized Steel 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese sliding door with galvanized metal cladding, crafted during the Meiji period (1860s–1900s). A rare surviving example, this piece showcases the ingenuity and a...
Steel
Sold
H 30 in W 30 in D 30 in
Japan Big Antique Stone Classic Yukimi Lantern With Extraordinary Lichen Detail
Located in South Burlington, VT
A rare early Yukimi stone lantern from the Meiji period, 19th century. It is in a classic style, portable and convenient size 30" Tall And 30 " Diameter. Beautiful patina with origin...
Stone
Sold
H 75.2 in W 42.92 in D 1.38 in
Japanese Antique Galvanized Steel-Clad Sliding Door 1860s-1920s / Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese sliding door covered with corrugated tin. It was crafted sometime between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s–1920s), and such architectural fixtures have bec...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 68.71 in W 56.11 in D 2.25 in
Japanese Antique Bamboo Door / Wall Decoration / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi
Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
This is a wall decoration using an old Japanese door. It is thought to date from the Edo to Meiji period. Originally it was a very heavy door with earth and plaster on the surface,...
Iron
Sold
H 70.48 in W 41.34 in D 2.76 in
Japanese Antique Iron-Plated Door 1860s-1900s / Low Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an old Japanese-made large iron-plated sliding door. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is believed to have been used in warehouses at the time. The struct...
Iron
Sold
H 75.6 in W 47.84 in D 2.37 in
Japanese Antique Iron Plate Door 1860s-1900s / Low Table Sofa Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an iron plate sliding door made in Japan. It is a rare door made in the Meiji period (1860s-1900s), and the craftsmanship of the time still lives on today. The structure is m...
Iron
Japan Tall Antique Classic Kasuga Stone Lantern
Located in South Burlington, VT
An antique beauty with all original pieces. Please view our video. Japan, a tall and stone lantern with engraved designs, carefully crafted in six pieces for ease of portability. ...
Stone