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.
Antique Meji Period Imari Japanese Porcelain Bowl Arita, 19th C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this lovely Japanese Imari bowl from the Meiji period. The intricate floral designs on the exterior, including the graceful chrysanthemums, symbolize longevity, resi...
Porcelain
20th Century Meiji Japanese Solid Silver Fuji Mountain Bowl, c.1900
By Kuhn & Komor 1
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
20th Century Japanese Meiji period silver bowl, double walled, depicting the view of mount Fuji from a lake, with boats and small island with banzai trees,...
Silver
$280Sale Price / set|46% Off
Set of 5 Japanese Imari Porcelain Bowls, Hand Painted
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 5 Japanese Imari porcelain bowls, hand painted with delicate traditional Japanese details. A beautiful matching 20th century set of Japanese, collectable Imari porcelain that...
Porcelain, Ceramic, Stoneware
Meiji Period Kutani Bowl, Japanese Porcelain with Iron Red & Gilt
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A decorative Japanese porcelain bowl decorated in iron red and gilt, late Meiji period.
Porcelain
Japanese Meiji Enamel Centerpiece Bowl with Irises & Water Lilies
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Meiji silver centerpiece bowl, ca 1900. Round and curved with scalloped rim; raised and cutout foot. Applied and enameled water lilies and irises rooted in engraved eddying ...
Silver, Enamel
$2,284
H 10.24 in W 12.21 in D 10.24 in
Italy Early 19th Century White Porcelain Soup Bowl in Regency Style
Located in Brescia, IT
This refined white porcelain soup bowl, is an exquisite piece that epitomized the elegant style of the Regency era. Its perfect proportion, its delicate pair of handles, its simple l...
Porcelain
Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Charger, Hand-Painted Porcelain Bowl, Japan
Located in Miami, FL
Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Charger, Decorative Dish or Bowl A beautiful example of Japanese Meiji-style cloisonné craftsmanship, this finely det...
Porcelain
Art Deco Japanese Porcelain Vases Meiji Period, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful pair of polychromed Kutani porcelain Japanese vases, circa early 20th century, Meiji period, Japan. Vases are hand painted and designed with two different sides; one...
Porcelain
Handcrafted Kashmir Extra Large Porcelain Blue and White Bowl
Twosidestory Bowl by Lisette Rützou
Located in Geneve, CH
Twosidestory bowl by Lisette Rützou Dimensions: D 20 cm Materials: Onyx Lisette Rützou’s design is motivated by an urge to articulate a story. Inspired by the beauty of materia...
Onyx
Set of Three Porcelain Bowls Winter Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
These completely handmade porcelain bowls are painted by hand with a charming hands-free winter decor . The decor comes as a set of three designs. One sho...
Porcelain
Silver Travertine Fruit Bowl, Centerpiece
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite silver travertine fruit BOWL, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious natural silver travertine, this stunning bowl is a testament to...
Travertine
Travertine Fruit Bowl, Centerpiece
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite beige travertine fruit BOWL, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious natural beige travertine, this stunning bowl is a testament to t...
Marble
Large English Silver Punch Bowl Centerpiece with Relief of Grapes
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful large English punch bowl or champagne cooler centerpiece of fine plate silver featuring a Neoclassical design with grapevine motif around the circumference. Dimensions: ...
Silver Plate, Metal
Blue and Cream Stoneware Bowl
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful cream and blue stoneware bowl with blue painted lines around the edges. Marked on bottom. Dimensions: 10.5" diameter 4.25" Tall.
Stoneware
Vintage Japanese Period Chawan Tea Bowl with Tomobako, 20th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice tea bowl Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Type: Bowls, Tea/Coffee Drinking: Bowls, Cups & Teapots Region of Origin: Japan Period: 20th century Meiji...
Porcelain
$18,185Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.97 in W 23.23 in D 16.93 in
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Gallery Tray on Silver Stand
Located in VALENZA, IT
Rectangular barocco tray shaped with high edge and oval holes for handles. It has been placed on 4 small feet The tray is completely handmade by Fantappiè e Castrucci Silversmiths...
Silver
Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Harmony Centerpiece Serving Bowl with Original Box
Located in Dayton, OH
Tiffany & Co. clear crystal centerpiece or serving bowl showcasing a minimalist, classic design. The bowl features a tapered silhouette with a smooth, rounded rim that slopes gra...
Crystal
$1,950 / set
H 2.13 in Dm 10.63 in
Pair of Antique Chinese Export Porcelain Islamic Market "Fitzhugh" Shallow Bowls
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Pair of rare and fine Antique Chinese export Porcelain "Fitzhugh" pattern shallow bowls with Arabic inscriptions on reverse side of bowls. Made for Islamic market Pair are very...
Porcelain
$662 / item
H 3.94 in Dm 7.88 in
Black Forest Porcelain Bowl with Deer Figure Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Hand-painted porcelain dish for serving sweets or nuts with a naturalistic bambi figure in the center of the dish. The bambi figure and the bowl are completely handmade in Bavaria. H...
Porcelain
Antique Meji Period Imari Japanese Porcelain Bowl Arita, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this lovely Japanese Imari bowl from the Meiji period. The intricate floral designs on the exterior, including the graceful chrysanthemums, symbolize longevity, resi...
Porcelain
Japanese Imperial Silver Bowl
By Miyamoto Shoko 1
Located in New Orleans, LA
This monumental solid silver flower bowl was crafted for the household of Emperor Meiji. This rare treasure is emblazoned with the Imperial heraldry of gilded chrysanthemums. Handmad...
Silver
Japanese Imari Porcelain Bowl Meiji 1900s
Located in Paris, FR
This serving bowl is made with porcelain and it was made in Japan around 1900s in Meiji era. It is all hand painted. It was made in south of Japan with Imari style (Imari ware). Dim...
Porcelain
Japanese Blue and White Lobed Bowl, C. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautifully glazed with dark, cobalt-blue color, this footed porcelain bowl is a beautiful example of Japanese blue-and-white porcelain. The bowl...
Porcelain
20th Century Meiji Japanese Solid Silver Iris Flower Bowl, c.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
20th century Japanese Meiji period solid silver bowl, double walled, densely chased and embossed with blossoming irises on matted hand hammered ground, shaped floral rim and standing...
Silver
20th Century Meiji Japanese Solid Silver Iris Flower Bowl, c.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
20th century Japanese Meiji period silver bowl, double walled, densely chased and embossed with blossoming irises on matted hand hammered ground, shaped floral rim and standing on ba...
Silver
Sold
H 3.125 in Dm 9.5 in
19th Century Japanese Meiji Imari Painted Porcelain Serving Bowl Centerpiece
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Japanese Meiji period hand painted imari style porcelain bowl. Measures: 10”.
Porcelain, Paint
Late 19th Century Japanese Imari Meiji Porcelain Serving Bowl Centerpiece
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Meiji period hand painted Japanese imari style porcelain bowl. Measure: 11".
Porcelain, Paint
Hand-Painted Japanese Imari Serving Dish, Meiji Period
Located in Miami, FL
A fine antique porcelain hand painted bowl, circa 1810. The serving dish is covered with exquisite chrysanthemums details in a swirling ...
Porcelain
Antique Japanese Kutani Hand-Painted Porcelain Charger
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A Japanese porcelain bowl decorated in black, blue, iron red and gilt, Meiji period. It is not marked underneath. Very good condition without cracks or chipping. It comes with an old...
Porcelain