Japonisme Metalwork
JAPONISME STYLE
In the late 19th and early 20th century, France developed an enduring passion for Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. Not only did this interpretation of Japanese culture — which became known as Japonisme — infuse fresh energy into French art and design, but it also radically transformed how Europeans, and subsequently the world, would come to understand visual culture.
Until 1853, Japan had been closely guarded against foreign visitors for over two centuries. However, American Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed into Japan that year and initiated the first of its treaties with the United States and Europe, thereby opening its borders and giving the West its first-ever look at Japanese design.
For the next few decades, taken with Japonisme, sophisticated collectors in Paris, New York and elsewhere gorged themselves on lacquered screens, celadon ceramics and netsuke ornaments, along with artworks depicting various aspects of Japanese life. The East Asian country’s influence on Europe, particularly France, contributed to one of the most creatively prosperous periods in history, leaving an imprint on the Impressionist, Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, and inspiring artists like Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, Vincent van Gogh as well as luxury houses such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès. Japonisme emerged at the time when the ornate Renaissance Revival style was the most prominent mode of decorating in Europe, and Japanese aesthetics seemed strikingly modern and elegant in comparison.
In addition to everyday practical objects from Japan, such as vases, tableware and decorative boxes, Japanese art, especially Japanese woodblock prints by masters of the ukiyo-e school, caught the eye of many artists — particularly those in the Art Nouveau poster community in 1880s Paris. The luscious organic colors associated with traditional Japanese design, motifs like cherry blossoms and carp and the vivid patterns found in woodblock prints, silks and more were adopted and appropriated by painters as well as ceramicists and those working in other fields of the decorative arts. Today, demand for Japanese lacquerware — furniture, trays, writing boxes, screens, incense burners — from the Edo period (1615–1868) and the late 19th century continues to be very strong among collectors.
Find a collection of antique Japonisme furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
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Style: Japonisme
19th Century Japanese Bronze Vase
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Japanese bronze vase of classic form with a lovely rich patina. The vase has been drilled for wiring as a lamp. It will make ...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Antique Japanese Bronze Bonsai Planter
Located in Bradenton, FL
Fine Bronze from Japan with great weight and strength. Large form for Bonsai presentation. Elegant style and beautiful patina. Incised decoration on the front and bronze elephant hea...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Cloisonné Vase Ando Jubei with Storage Box
By Ando Jubei
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautifully decorated cloisonné vase with silver rims by Ando Jubei (1876-1956), the celebrated Japanese Shippo studio. The piece is dated to late Meiji to early Showa period circa...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Silver, Enamel
Japanese Iron Pagoda Garden Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury Japanese cast iron pagoda lantern with lattice fret work hinged door.
Bird and bamboo iron cut outs surround pagoda. Beautiful slo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Iron
Japanese bronze okimono toad (sculpture)
Located in PARIS, FR
Okimono bronze sculpture of a large toad in a crouching position, possibly about to jump.
The toad and the frog, referred to by the same term in Japanese (kaeru), are associated with...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Bronze Vases Collection of Eight
Located in Atlanta, GA
Collection of Eight Japanese Bronze Vases, Japan, at least circa 1950s, some much earlier. The largest vase measures 12.75"H x 4.25"W. The smallest vase measures 5.25"H x 3"W. They r...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
$2,850 / set
Japanese Bronze Vases or Vessels Collection
Located in Atlanta, GA
Collection of Japanese Bronze Vases or Vessels, circa 1940s or earlier. They retain their warm original patina. The price noted is for the collection of five vessels. The ikebana vas...
Category
1940s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
$2,250 / set
Japanese Bronze Vases Collection of Nine
Located in Atlanta, GA
Collection of Nine Japanese Bronze Vases, Japan, at least circa 1950s, some much earlier. The largest vase measures 11"H x 3.5"W. The smallest vase measures 5.25"H x 3"W. They retain...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
$2,750 / set
Imperial-Yellow Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Tray with Phoenix Medallion, Showa Era
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined rectangular cloisonné enamel tray on copper, its field finished in a saturated imperial yellow and centered by a roundel bearing a stylized hō-ō (phoenix) in swirling cloud...
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Ando Company, Fine Cloisonne Vase with Roses, Signed, Japan, 20th Century
By Ando Jubei
Located in Chatham, ON
ANDO CLOISONNÉ COMPANY - Extraordinary cloisonné vase with roses and transparent green enamel over raised bamboo decoration - green enamel to the interi...
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Metal
Fine Antique Japanese Patinated Bronze Hibachi
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A square footed hibachi with canted corners and incised key bands on the panels. With wonderful old patina. Mounted on a wood base.
Dimensions: 13 1/2" x 13 1/2" x 12" H
Condition...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Small Japanese Articulate Crab Jizai Okimono Meiji Period Signed
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small copper crab with articulated legs made by Myochin Hiroyoshi in the late Meiji Period circa 1890-1900s. One of the pair (the other one is listed separately LU945037876072, but...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Copper
Pair of Antique Japanese Cloisonne Covered Jars with Floral Motif Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique cloisonne covered jars or urns are unsigned, but originate from Japan from approximately 1900 in a Japanese export style. The pair is done in muted tones and are...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Metal
A Japanese bronze okimono depicting the study of a tiger
Located in Milano, IT
Bronze okimono depicting the study of a powerful tiger in a furtive position.
The animal is represented with its legs bent, its tail curled upwards and its body in a lowered positio...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
A Japanese bronze vase with three egrets
Located in Milano, IT
Bulbous vase in bronze with a shiny patina and three elegant white egrets in inlaid silver with golden beaks and feet.
Period: Meiji, late 19th century.
Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 cm.
Con...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Small Japanese Articulate Crab Jizai Okimono Meiji Period Signed
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small copper crab with articulated legs made by Myochin Hiroyoshi in the late Meiji Period circa 1890-1900s. One of the pair (the other one is listed separately LU945044034102, bu...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Copper
Japanese Sterling Silver Centerpiece Pedestal Bowl by Hattori Kintaro
By Hattori Kintaro
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite Japanese presentation bowl in sterling silver by Hattori Kintaro (1860 - 1934), circa 1910-1920s, late Meiji era to early Taisho era. This rare and rather large piece wa...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Malachite, Sterling Silver
Masuo Ikeda sculptural Bronze vase with gold touches
By Masuo Ikeda
Located in Uccle, BE
Rare and spectacular Masuo Ikeda bronze vessel / vase with gold details.
It is a limited edition, 28/30 and it is signed. Comes with its original wooden box (tomobako).
Ikeda Masuo...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Gojunoto Japanese Metal Pagoda
Located in Vienna, AT
Five-story Japanese pagoda "Gojūnotō" made of painted patinated metal.
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Iron
Antique Japanese Iron Stirrups with Silver Inlay Signed
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of antique Japanese Abumis, stirrup for horse-riding, in cast iron with elaborate silver inlay, circa 16th century Muramachi to Momoyama period. The prototype of Japanese abum...
Category
16th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Silver, Iron
Japanese Mixed Metal Vase Mounted as a Lamp Meiji Period
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Japanese mixed metal vase
Mounted as a lamp
Meiji period
The bulbous-form body with long conical neck
decorated in high-relief copper w...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Copper
Japanese Bronze Pair of Geese Koros
Located in Downingtown, PA
Symbolic Elegance: A Pair of Japanese Bronze Goose Koros, Late 19th Century
This captivating pair of Japanese bronze koros, or censers, from the late 19th century, embodies the exqui...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Metal
$1,125 Sale Price
25% Off
Large Oriental Champleve Urn on Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a BEAUTIFUL and VERY HIGH QUALITY Large Oriental Champleve Urn on Stand.
Early 20th Century, circa 1910 – 20.
Probably Japanese.
Marked, but we cannot decipher the mark...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Yasumi Nakajima II Ikebana Bronze Vase, circa 1960, Japan.
Located in Brussels, BE
Yasumi Nakajima II (1906-1988) Ikebana vase, circa 1960, Japan.
Trumpet form, Tomoe model, with nice patinated brown-red (seido) bronze.
Signed underneath.
Dimensions: 26 cm H, 9 ...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
A Japanese cloisonné vase decorated with three flying butterflies
Located in Milano, IT
Vase in metal and cloisonné enamel with a yellow monochrome background, decorated with three flying butterflies with the Ando Company brand.
Period: Taisho 1920 ca.
Dimensions: 21 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Enamel
Pair of Cloisonné Bronze Vases, Japan, Circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of cloisonné bronze vases, Japan, circa 1900, accident on one, slight depression
Measures: H 19cm, D 10cm.
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Japanese Bronze Vase with Metal Inlays by Mitsufune
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of elegant vases of solid oiled bronze from the Meiji era, Japan (1868-1912). In a Classic Meiping shape, the pair has a mirrored inlay with gold, silver and red enamel that d...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Patinated Bronze Vase With A Lizard Carved In Relief In The Center
Located in Milano, IT
Patinated bronze vase, characterized by a refined naturalistic decoration with a lizard sculpted in relief in the center. The lizard is placed on leaves overlapping each other creati...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Cloisonné Covered Jar by Ando Jubei
By Ando Jubei
Located in Atlanta, GA
Japanese cloisonné enamels are known as shippo-yaki and the mid-19th century saw the production of very high quality wares in the early centers Nagoya. One of the most renowned works...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Japan mice treasure bag Meiji
Located in PARIS, FR
Japanese bronzewith brown patina representing two mice. One is pulling pulling a treasure bag. crouching down with its head turned to the left. While the other mouse is standing on i...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
A pair of bronze vases with Onagadori roosters
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of bronze vases adorned with inlays, decorated with two Onagadori roosters, known for their elegant length of tail. The roosters are represented perched on a plum branch.
Signe...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Bronze and Gilt Vases
By Zo Miyao 1
Located in Brighton, Sussex
Pair of fine quality Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) patinated bronze Miyao style gold and silver overlay two handled vases, each with twin handles, classical motif decoration with...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
$10,982 / set
Pair of Early Japanese Plique-a-Jour Bowls from Nagoya
By Ando Jubei
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of small but exquisite Plique-a-jour cloisonné bowls with nearly identical design from Nagoya area in Japan circa 1900-20s. Maker's unknown but possibly by Ando company. The t...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Metal, Enamel
A Japanese drop-shaped bronze vase with peonies
Located in Milano, IT
Drop-shaped bronze vase, with peonies in relief, decorated to simulate a delicate and light fabric that ends with a bow near the top of the neck.
Using mixed metals to create visual...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
A Japanese patinated bronze vase depicting a cricket
Located in Milano, IT
A slender shape patinated bronze vase depicting a naturalistic scene of a cricket sitting on iris leaves.
Signed Joun in relief within an oval reserve.
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Bronze pitcher, Japan, chocolate-brown patina, frog in the round, 19th century
Located in NANTES, FR
This Japanese pitcher is notable for its naturalistic style. The bronze work is of very fine craftsmanship, featuring an attractive patina and delicate chiseling. A frog in the round...
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
A Cloisonné hexagonal potiche
Located in Milano, IT
Cloisonné potiche with a hexagonal shape, embellished with delicate floral decorations on reserves held by silver threads with geometric motifs. The lid features a spherical socket.
...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Metal
French Patinated Bronze Figure of a Standing Japanese Geisha with Kimono
Obi
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful French patinated bronze figure of a standing Japanese geisha in a traditional kimono with an obi. This geisha is exceptionally cast with immense detail. Starting from the...
Category
Early 20th Century French Japonisme Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japonisme metalwork for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Japonisme metalwork for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage metalwork created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme metalwork made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original metalwork, popular names associated with this style include Ando Jubei, Hattori Kintaro, Masuo Ikeda, and Musashiya. 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 metalwork differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $368 and tops out at $16,000 while the average work can sell for $3,482.
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