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Meiji Seating

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MEIJI STYLE

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.

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Style: Meiji
Japanese Antique Stool 1860s-1920s / Side Chair Wabisabi
Japanese Antique Stool 1860s-1920s / Side Chair Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Stool 1860s-1920s / Side Chair Wabisabi

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is a small antique Japanese wooden stool. It is believed to have been made during the Meiji to Taisho periods, approximately the 1860s–1920s. The piece is crafted from Japanese ...

Category

1860s Japanese Antique Meiji Seating

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Ebonized Wood Bench, Meiji Period, 19th Century
Japanese Ebonized Wood Bench, Meiji Period, 19th Century

Japanese Ebonized Wood Bench, Meiji Period, 19th Century

Located in Astoria, NY

Japanese Ebonized Wood Bench, Meiji Period, 19th century. 10.5" H x 37" W x 13" D. Provenance: From an East 62nd Street Townhouse.

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Seating

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Keyaki Wood Bench / Low Table, Meiji Era “1868–1912”
Japanese Antique Keyaki Wood Bench / Low Table, Meiji Era “1868–1912”

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 ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Seating

Materials

Wood

Antique Late 19th Century Meiji Japanese Dragon Carved Chair
Antique Late 19th Century Meiji Japanese Dragon Carved Chair

Antique Late 19th Century Meiji Japanese Dragon Carved Chair

Located in Long Branch, NJ

Antique Late 19th Century Meiji Japanese Dragon Carved Chair Dimensions : 26" Wide X 18" Deep X 34" Tall Arm height - 27.5" Seat height - 18" This gorgeous chair was made in Japan...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Seating

Materials

Teak

Antique Late 19th Century Meiji Japanese Dragon Carved Chair
Antique Late 19th Century Meiji Japanese Dragon Carved Chair

Antique Late 19th Century Meiji Japanese Dragon Carved Chair

Located in Long Branch, NJ

Antique Late 19th Century Meiji Japanese Dragon Carved Chair Dimensions : 26" Wide X 18" Deep X 32.5" Tall Arm height - 27" Seat height - 17" This gorgeous chair was made in Japan...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Seating

Materials

Teak

Meiji Period Century Japanese Carved Wood Armchairs, circa 1900
Meiji Period Century Japanese Carved Wood Armchairs, circa 1900

Meiji Period Century Japanese Carved Wood Armchairs, circa 1900

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A spectacular pair of Meiji Period Japanese carved wood armchairs, each depicting wonderful priest like men as back rests, raised on carved cabriole legs with mythical dragons.

Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Seating

Materials

Softwood

Japanese Late Meiji Period Red and Green Lacquered Stool with Semicircular Seat
Japanese Late Meiji Period Red and Green Lacquered Stool with Semicircular Seat

Japanese Late Meiji Period Red and Green Lacquered Stool with Semicircular Seat

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Japanese late Meiji period red lacquered stool from the early 20th century, with hand painted green accents, semi circular top, four splaying legs and side stretchers. Created in J...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Seating

Materials

Wood

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Antique French Tripod Stool with Rush Seat, Hand-Carved, Circa 1860s
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Located in Rīga, LV

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Previously Available Items
Antique Modernist Japanese Shopkeepers Stool
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Located in Oakland, CA

Beautiful antique Japanese shopkeepers stool with wonderful modern look, Meiji period. Great as an accent piece, can be used for storage of small objects. Has a wonderful old patina.

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Petite Meiji Japanese Antique Sugi Cedar Step Stool Wabi-Sabi Fumidai Late 19th
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Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

Antique Wooden step stool, "Fumidai", made of Sugi Cedar. Manufactured in Circa 1870s - 1900s (Meiji period) estimate from the style & conditions. The patina developed through t...

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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Seating

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Japanese Antique Wooden Block Stool 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi Wood Chair Primitive
Japanese Antique Wooden Block Stool 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi Wood Chair Primitive

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Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

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Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Seating

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Japanese wooden antique stool / 1868-1920 / Meiji period / brazier
Japanese wooden antique stool / 1868-1920 / Meiji period / brazier

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Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

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Antique Japanese wooden lattice chair / 1868-1920 / Simple and rustic stool
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Japanese Antique Side Chair or Side Table 1860s-1900s / Stool Wabisabi Mingei
Japanese Antique Side Chair or Side Table 1860s-1900s / Stool Wabisabi Mingei

Japanese Antique Side Chair or Side Table 1860s-1900s / Stool Wabisabi Mingei

Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP

This is an old side chair made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is made of cedar wood. The trapezoidal shape is characteristic of this piece, and its ...

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Japanese Meiji Chairs C1900
Japanese Meiji Chairs C1900

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Sold

H 35.75 in W 16.75 in D 18 in

Japanese Meiji Chairs C1900

Located in Great Barrington, MA

This is a pair of Meiji period chairs from Japan.

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Antique Japanese Meiji Pearl Shell Inlaid Carved Hongmu Dragon Chair
Antique Japanese Meiji Pearl Shell Inlaid Carved Hongmu Dragon Chair

Antique Japanese Meiji Pearl Shell Inlaid Carved Hongmu Dragon Chair

Located in Forney, TX

A stunning authentic antique Meiji Era (1867-1912) Japanese pearl and shell inlaid profusely hand carved hardwood chair with beautifully aged patina, warm rich coloring, dark grain d...

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Japanese Antique Tree Root Stool 1860s-1920s / Side Chair Wabisabi
Japanese Antique Tree Root Stool 1860s-1920s / Side Chair Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Tree Root Stool 1860s-1920s / Side Chair Wabisabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This account is operated by four different companies. As for me, I specialize in Japanese antiques and carefully selected items. With my 20 years of experience, I am re-proposing Jap...

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Japanese antique wooden stool/1868-1920/farmer's tools/"Kurakake"
Japanese antique wooden stool/1868-1920/farmer's tools/"Kurakake"

Japanese antique wooden stool/1868-1920/farmer's tools/"Kurakake"

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is an old Japanese wooden stand. It was originally used as a stand for holding a horse saddle. The name of the tool is "Kurakake". The saddle was likely used on horses kept for ...

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Japanese Antique Wooden Stool / Chair Stepping Stone / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi
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Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture

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Japanese Antique Side Chair 1860s-1920s / Stool Side Table Wabisabi
Japanese Antique Side Chair 1860s-1920s / Stool Side Table Wabisabi

Japanese Antique Side Chair 1860s-1920s / Stool Side Table Wabisabi

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

Very old Japanese side chair. Made in the Meiji period (1860s-1920s). Material is cedar wood. Simple and rustic design that could only be made in Japan. The grain of the cedar wood ...

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Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Seating

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Japanese Meiji Carved Teak Dragon Carved Bench Settee
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Located in Long Branch, NJ

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Meiji seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, cedar and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji seating made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $400 and tops out at $10,577 while the average work can sell for $820.