Meiji Scholar s Objects
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 Zen Rosewood Mala Prayer Bead String 800 Beads With Alms Bowl
Located in South Burlington, VT
Rare find!: 24 feet long Zen monk Mala Prayer Bead String plus original wooden alms bowl with its original attached triangular shaped stone ojime.
A huge...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Wood
$360 Sale Price / set
58% Off
Japanese Silver Incense Burner, Akoda Koro, by Nomura, Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely and luxurious Japanese silver incense burner of lobed melon form, akoda koro, marked jungin and signed Nomura, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan.
The silver koro...
Category
1910s Japanese Vintage Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Japanese Connoisseurs Collection Fine Antique Smoking Pipes Kiseru
Located in South Burlington, VT
Rare one-of-a-kind collection
Japanese Connoisseurs Collection of Five (5) Fine Antique Smoking Pipes, Kiseru.
You dont need to be a conn...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Bronze, Gold, Sterling Silver, Copper
$1,440 Sale Price / set
80% Off
Japanese tea tray in red and black lacquer
Located in PARIS, FR
Tea tray realized in a tormented form recalling the knots of old grown roots and stumps. The bottom is lacquered red while the outlines are lacquered black, the outside of the tray i...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Bentwood, Lacquer
Meiji Period Shagreen Clad Cane with Minamoto Clan Crest
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A rare and refined Meiji-period walking cane clad in spiraled ray skin (shagreen), polished and finished in traditional black lacquer. The lacquered shagreen surface reveals the unde...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Wrought Iron, Sterling Silver
$7,500 Sale Price
40% Off
Old Japanese small Stone Figurine in the Shape of Daruma / Scholar
s Stone
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is collected from rivers and mountains.
It is a natural stone, and only the surface has been polished.
It is rounded, so I think it was probably picked up from a river.
I think...
Category
20th Century Japanese Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Stone
Japanese Glazed and Caved Ceramic Dragon Bowl by Makuzu Kozan
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
A ceramic bowl by Japanese Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa 1891 of late Meiji period. A very fine example of the artist's work that belongs to the middle period of his...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Lacquered Gold Maki-E Naga Fubako Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese lacquered wood Naga Fubako (a long box used to store document or large scroll painting), circa 19th century Meiji period. The rectangular box features an unusually deep lipped lid with slightly rounded corners, a conforming lower box with bronze medallion rings with tasseled...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
A Very Fine Japanese Mixed Metal Bronze Suiban / Planter on Stand, Taisho Period
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very fine Japanese bronze Suiban (planter) of bellied oval form, richly decorated overall with hand enamelled and 'shibuichi' & 'shakudo' motifs, depicting geometric designs, pine ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Meiji Lacquer Writing Set
Located in New Orleans, LA
This remarkable Japanese portable writing set contains the instruments of sublime artistic expression. Also known as a yatate, this Meiji-period set i...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Stone
Japanese Meiji Period Mixed Metal Pair of Scroll Weights Depicting Samurai
Located in Sarasota, FL
Japanese Meiji period fine pair of scroll weights decorated with shakudo and silver samurai figures. The weights fill solid and heavy. One of the weights has Japanese writing ( see i...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Metal
Meiji Era Ceramic Inkwell with Hand Painted Geisha Motif
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a small inkwell from the Japanese Meiji era. It was hand-made around the turn of the 19th/20th century out of Satsuma clay. Satsuma ware (???, Satsuma-yaki) is a type of ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Japanese Lacquered Maki-E Natsume in Kodaiji Style
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese lacquered tea caddy (known as Natsume) with fine Maki-e decoration circa 18-19th century Edo to Meiji period. The large-sized nat...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Glazed Ceramic Bowl by Makuzu Kozan
By Makuzu Kozan
Located in Atlanta, GA
Tri-pod ceramic bowl likely used as an incense burner (koro) by Japanese Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa late Meiji period. The signature indicates that it was produce...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Bronze Water Coupe, Eguchi as Fugen, Edo/Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A very finely cast Japanese bronze water coupe in the form of the courtesan Eguchi riding an elephant, signed Kazutada, Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan.
The small and elegant bronze water coupe is exquisitely cast to depict a figure of a seated lady reading poetry upon the back of a large recumbent elephant. This image depicts the Courtesan of Eguchi as Fugen Bosatsu...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Bronze
Furo Tea Ceremony Hibachi by Raku Kichizaemon xi Keinyu, 1817-1902
By Raku Kichizaemon XI Keinyu
Located in Prahran, Victoria
A furo tearoom brazier by Raku Kichizaemon XI Keinyu (1817-1902) decorated in bold style over a brick red glaze. The classical scene depicts men in ‘mino’ straw raincoats pulling a barge up river under the overhanging branches of an ancient willow tree.
With makers mark to base and sold with its original paulownia wood storage box.
Overall the piece is in excellent condition but has sustained several stress cracks in one corner due to heat encountered during continual use. This is typical of Japanese raku ceramics...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Pottery
$1,950 Sale Price
25% Off
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Japanese Iron Owl Incense Burner Lantern
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Japanese Meiji Period Sterling Silver 2 Handled Basket by Katsu Miyamoto
By Miyamoto Shoko 1
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a GORGEOUS, VERY HIGH QUALITY and EXTREMELY RARE piece of Japanese Meiji Period Sterling Silver 2 Handled Basket by Katsu Miyamoto.
EXQUISITE, EXCEPTIONAL, RARE & IMPORTANT!
This is definitely a Meiji Period piece due to the fact that it is marked with the sterling silver mark “jungin”.
The Meiji period was from 1868 to 1912 and in 1928 a law was introduced in Japan compelling the use of decimal marks for silver.
This pre-dates that decimalization law.
We are of the opinion that it is from circa 1900.
Miyamoto Shoko was founded in 1880 as the first silverware specialty shop. In 1899, Miyamoto Shoko’s silverwares were ordered by the family members of the Emperor of Japan, and to this day, they are making fine and graceful handicrafts with skillful craftsmen.
Loved by numerous customers since the Meiji era, Miyamoto Shoko’s products have also been given to Princess Mako and Princess Kako of Akishino, as well as Princess Aiko Toshinomiya, on their birthdays.
Katsu Miyamoto (宮本勝), in 1880, in order to increase the sales of tobacco and cigarettes to foreigners founded the Moyamoto Shoko company, which produced different silverwares in general and particularly silver cigarette cases. Miyamoto’s first name, Katsu (勝) in some sources is written as “Masaru”, since 勝 kanji can be pronounced in both ways.
This basket is of the HIGHEST QUALITY imaginable!
The top of the basket has the MOST GORGEOUS repousse work of flowers, probably lotus flowers, with leaves and foliage. It has an underlying chevron effect chasing, reflecting parquetry.
The 2 handles are cast in the form of bamboo handles.
The rim of the top likewise is cast as bamboo.
The base is equally stunning in a different way!
It is chased with a chevron effect, like parquetry flooring and the four feet simulate pieces of sliced bamboo with an interlinking gallery of support columns, likewise, simulating bamboo.
The QUALITY of WORKMANSHIP is OUTSTANDING!
The pieces weighs exactly 525 grams.
This piece takes my breath away!
This is one for the SERIOUS COLLECTOR of EXQUISITE AND RARE Japanese silver. You will not find another like it, for sale ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD …… I know as I have searched!
Provenance: Acquired from a Dallas Private Collector.
Dimensions: 9.6 inches wide, 7.6 inches deep and 2.75 inches tall ( 7.25 inches tall with handles up)
Condition: Very good. It looks like the base 4 legged gallery, has been repaired/re-attached to the base, but otherwise it is excellent and of Museum quality.
The Meiji period (明治時代 Meiji-jidai?), also known as the Meiji era, is a Japanese era which extended from October 23, 1868 through July 30, 1912.[1] This period represents the first half of the Empire of Japan during which Japanese society moved from being an isolated feudal society to its modern form. Fundamental changes affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded with the reign of Emperor Meiji after 1868, and lasted until his death in 1912. It was succeeded by the Taishō period upon the accession of Emperor Taishō to the throne.
Solid silver pieces...
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Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
$7,250
H 7.25 in W 9.6 in D 7.6 in
Japanese Lacquered Maki-e Fubako Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese lacquered wood fubako (a box used to store document or small scroll painting), circa second half of 19th century late Edo period. The rectangular box features an unusually deep lipped lid with slightly rounded corners, a conforming lower box that is almost entirely covered by the lid which has two bronze medallion rings with tasseled...
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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
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Wood, Lacquer
Malachite Rock on Display Stand Chinese Scholar Stone
Located in Atlanta, GA
A malachite rock specimen with intense green and black colors fitted on a wood stand and displayed as a Chinese scholar stone. The gemstone in t...
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20th Century American Meiji Scholar s Objects
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Elegant Japanese Edo Period Rack
Located in New York, NY
This refined object dates to the first half of the 19th century, and was probably used for obi, kimono sashes, which were hung over it. The gold decorations on the black-lacquered g...
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1830s Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
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Lacquer
Antique Japanese Shino Ware Chawan Tea Bowl
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer is a Japanese ceramic tea bowl (chawan) used in the traditional chado ceremony. The bowl was potted in clog form with a ring foot shaved extremely low. Its size and harmonious proportion make it perfect to be held in both hands during chado. Classified as shino ware...
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18th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
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Chinese Scholar Rock Chrysanthemum Stone
Located in Atlanta, GA
An extraordinary specimen created by nature millions of years ago, this large and stunning Chinese black chrysanthemum stone features white crystalline mineral (calcite and chalcedon...
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Chinese Carved Lapis Lazuli Scholar Stone
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese scholar rock carved from a natural lapis stone and displayed on a brocade wrapped stand circa late 19th century Qing Dynasty. The brightly blue lapis was considered as am exotic gemstone in China and mostly imported from Persia through the silk road. While not a conventional rock types of materials for scholar stones, it is occasionally carved and polished into smaller Gongshi to be displayed and meditated upon in the scholar's study. Similar approaches were also done with jade, malachite and turquoise, even petrified wood, Chenxiang Agarwood, roots in spirited form, porcelain and even bronze in rock forms.
The lapis was carved into a mountain form with stacked rocks...
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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
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Japanese "Suiseki" Mountain View Scholar
s Stone / Elegant Mountain Scenery
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a stone mined in Japan.
Not only in China but also in Japan from ancient times, rocks in the mountains have been shaved and stones for viewing have been quarried.
Such stones for appreciation are collectively called "suiseki".
Suiseki means "water" and "stone".
The name comes from the fact that I enjoyed pouring water on the stones and changing the color of the stones.
And this item is also Suiseki, but it is for viewing without splashing water.
It is made with the image of a mountain view.
The flow of the river...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Stone
$1,000
H 4.89 in W 12.92 in D 3.94 in
Previously Available Items
Japanese Bronze Incense Burner, Koro, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A darling and charming small Japanese cast bronze incense burner, koro, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan.
The small incense burner, koro, set on three tall and splayed legs with pawe...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
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Bronze
Japanese Travel Knife and Chopstick Set
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A beautifully crafted and fascinating Chopstick set for travel dating to the Mid 20th Century. The lacquered wood case with faux Shagreen lacquer and traditional metal fittings inclu...
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20th Century Japanese Meiji Scholar s Objects
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A 19th Century Japanese Patinated Bronze
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Water Dropper, Meiji Period
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A fine 19th century scholarly object used to moisten inksticks for an inkstone when working with calligraphy.
Naturalistically cast in the form of a gourd with a detachable leafy st...
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
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Bronze
Japan Antique Daruma Hand-Carved Talisman of Perseverance and Good Luck
Located in South Burlington, VT
Japan, a dramatic large-scale antique Daruma hand-carved in the round with
finely detailed hair, nose and brows - a wooden Talisman of perseverance and good luck from the early 20th century.
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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
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Wood
Antique Japanese Carved Bamboo Scholar
s Brush Pot Meiji Sea Serpent Squid 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A rare & unusual antique Japanese Meiji period, carved scholar's brush pot, circa 1880.
The brush pot is very fineley carved with a 'Greek Key' design to the top, the body of the pot is carved with a stylised wave design, a large sea serpent with inlaid ivory eyes is hunting a giant squid depicted on the rear of the pot. There is a large fish present also with an inlaid ivory eye, the badse has an interlocking wave design, the brush pot stands...
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1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
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H 5.81 in W 3.06 in D 2.27 in
Japan Antique Complete Set Tea Ceremony Guide Books, 19th Century
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From our most recent Japanese acquisitions
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Japanese Woodblock Print Book Set Four (4) Volumes from the Edo-Meiji Period, 19th Century.
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Set of Three Meiji Period Blue
White Imari Fish Form Brush Washers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of Three Meiji Period Blue & White Imari Fish Form Brush Washers
Japan, circa 1890s
Embrace the elegance of Japanese artistry with this captivating set of three Meiji period blu...
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
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Porcelain
Japanese Connoisseurs Fine Antique Inlaid Mother Of Pearl Smoking Tansu, 19thc.
Located in South Burlington, VT
Rare one-of-a-kind Japanese Antique Portable Inlaid with mother of pearl -in classic Japanese raden technique- smoking Tansu with a Kiseru pipe, 19th century
You dont need to be a connoisseur to love this superb tansu, because we believe you'll enjoy this one-of-a-kind cabinet for years to come.
Kiseru is a Japanese smoking...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Bronze, Copper
H 9.5 in W 9.5 in D 5.5 in
Japanese Meiji Silver Mounted Brass Letter Opener
Located in Bishop
s Stortford, Hertfordshire
designs and dating from the latter 19th century. The letter opener is made from a thin single piece of brass with rounded ends and tapers to wider blade end. The handle end is mounted in relief molded silver with a large lily pad and a lily bud with the blade of the letter opener decorated with incised floral designs and a butterfly. To the opposite side the handle is applied in relief with two jumping...
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1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Silver, Brass
Japanese Gnarled Root Tabako-bon, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Scholar s Objects
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Bamboo, Burl
Pair of Japanese Miniature Wooden Foxes, Inari Shrine Guardians, 19th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Pair of Japanese carved miniature wooden foxes (Kitsune)), Inari Shrine Guardians, 19th century.
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Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Scholar s Objects
Materials
Wood
H 5 in W 3.75 in D 2 in
Small Japanese Cloisonné Censer, Koro, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century, Japan
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Meiji scholar s objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Meiji scholar's objects 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 scholar's objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji scholar's objects 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 scholar's objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $875 and tops out at $2,700 while the average work can sell for $1,788.
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