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Meiji Furniture

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 BK Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Cabinet Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old black chest of drawers made in Japan. This piece of furniture was made in the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The material is cedar wood. The design is simple and rus...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Low Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese-made drawer storage. This is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The material is mainly cedar. The handles are made of iron. Some of them are missing the...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese antique wooden Medicine drawer/1868-1920/MINGEI/Meiji-Taisho
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Introducing a cedar wood medicine chest (kusuri-dansu) made in Japan from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. These chests were originally used by pharmacies and Chinese med...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Large Black Tansu / Cabinet Sideboard / 1868-1912s Wabi-sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese cabinet. It was used in the Tohoku region of Japan around the Meiji period, and the main parts are all made of cedar. It is a light and easy-to-handle size. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cedar

A Monumental Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase, Attributed to Hayashi Kodenji
Located in New York, NY
A Monumental Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase, Attributed to Hayashi Kodenji   “A Meiji Masterpiece”   Behold the epitome of Meiji-era craftsmanship with this monumental silver wire Ja...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Satsuma Vase
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous hand-painted Japanese Satsuma vase, Meigi, circa 20th century, Japan. Beautiful hand-painted detail of colorful flowers and spider mum flowers around finished with gold de...
Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Japanese Antique Low Table / Coffee Table / 1868-1912s / Wabi-sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese low table. It was used for reading and writing in Terakoya in the Edo and Meiji periods. On the back, there is a trace that seems to be the letters of that ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Japanese Antique Red and Black Tansu / Cabinet / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old cabinet called " Tansu" in Japan. It is a lower type than a normal Tansu. The original red color was used for a long time in an old house with a hearth, so it turned...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese Meiji Period Silver and Mixed Metals Cigar Decorative Box by Hidekuni
Located in Newark, England
From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to introduce this Japanese Silver and Mixed Metals Box by Hidekuni. The Japanese Box of large rectangular form lined in a dark asian ro...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Gold, Silver

Japanese Antique BK Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese black drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is probably from the Tohoku region of Japan. The material is mainly cedar w...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Wabi Sabi Antique Wooden Low Table/1800-1920/Sofa Table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a low table made from a part of a rare wooden ship “Kitamae-bune” obtained in Kanazawa, Hokuriku region. Kitamae-bune was an important trading ship that connected northern an...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Oak, Pine

Japanese Merchants Tansu Chest 19th Century
Located in Fulton, CA
Meiji period Japanese merchants Tansu chest. Very nice patina to original finish. All iron hardware intact. A very handsome and utilitarian piece of Jap...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Black Drawer With Paper Pasted / Storage/ 1868-1912s/ Wabi-sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese black chest. It seems to be around the Meiji period, and the material is made of cedar. Old paper is attached to the sides, back, and top. The paper is past...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese antique wooden drawers/1868-1920/tasteful chest
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a wooden drawer made of cedar wood from the Meiji and Taisho periods (circa 1868-1920) in Japan. The warm texture peculiar to cedar wood stands out, and the rustic simplicit...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Tansu 1860s-1920s / Chest of Drawer Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old chest of drawers made in Japan. This piece of furniture dates back to the Meiji period (1860s-1920s). The main material is cedar, with chestnut wood used only for...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Chestnut, Cedar

Japanese Antique Black Tansu / Cabinet Storage / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old black cabinet called " Tansu" in Japan. It was used in the Tohoku region of Japan around the Meiji period and was placed in the attic of a thatched-roofed house for a...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Tansu / Drawer Cabinet / 1875s Meiji Period / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese cabinet. It is believed that it was used in the Tohoku region of Japan, and the material is made of cedar. On the back, there is a trace of "Meiji 8" writte...
Category

1870s Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Black Tansu / Drawer Cabinet Storage / 1868-1912s Wabi-Sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old black cabinet in Japan, which is called a "tansu" in Japan. It seems to be around the Meiji period, and the material is made of cedar. The drawers are wide on the si...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Large Tansu / Cabinet Sideboard / 1868-1912s Wabi-sabi
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese cabinet. It is estimated that it was around the Meiji period, and the main parts are all made of zelkova. It is speculated that everything made of zelkova wa...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Large Pottery Vase 1860s-1900s / Mashiko
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This large ceramic vase was made in Mashiko, Japan. Mashiko is a traditional and famous region for pottery. It dates from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is generally black in co...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Antique Japanese Meiji Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, Ginbari enamel over copper vase. The urn shaped vase is enameled with a polychrome image of blossoming flowers on the light blue ground made in t...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Japanese Antique Tansu 1860s-1920s / Chest of Drawer Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account is operated by four different companies. I, on the other hand, specialize in Japanese antiques and selected items. With 20 years of experience, I am re-proposing Japanes...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Chestnut, Cedar

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese small drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). This is a "Shonai chest" chest made in the Tohoku region of Japan. It is chara...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique BK Middle Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu Storage Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese black drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is probably from the Tohoku region of Japan. The material is mainly cedar w...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Large Tansu 1860s-1920s / Sideboard Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account is operated by five 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...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Chest of Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account is operated by five different companies. I, on the other hand, specialize in Japanese antiques and selected items. With 20 years of experience, I am re-proposing Japanes...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Large Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a historically significant Japanese tansu (chest) from the Meiji era (1860s–1900s), crafted from cedar wood. Its minimalist and refined design embodies traditional Japanese ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Large Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a historically significant Japanese tansu (chest) from the Meiji era (1860s–1900s), crafted from cedar wood. Its minimalist and refined design embodies traditional Japanese ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Tansu / Drawer Cabinet / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese drawer. It has been used in stores since the Edo period in the Tohoku region, and it is estimated that it was made around the Meiji period. The material is ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese antique wooden low table covered with washi paper / Wabi-sabi workbench
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This wooden low table is a wonderful item with the charm unique to Japanese antiques. It was originally used as a work board and was probably used for a long time as a tool for cutti...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Hand Painted Lotus And Blue Waters Screen Vibrant Colors
Located in South Burlington, VT
From our recent Japanese Acquisitions- Hard to Find Lotus Flowers A stunning Japanese Antique Hand Painted six panel byobu screen on silk executed with lovely lotus flowers and vib...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

A Massive Japanese Patinated Bronze Sculpture of a Tiger, Meiji Period
Located in New York, NY
A Massive Japanese Patinated Bronze Sculpture of a Tiger, Meiji Period. Signed. Measuring an impressive 44 inches in length, this extraordinary sculpture is a striking example of t...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Rare Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Silver Thread Embroideries on Silk Velvet
Located in Milan, IT
A rare and exquisite pair of antique Japanese embroideries woven during the Meiji period (1868-1912), at a time when the Japanese arts and crafts had been discovered by a selected fe...
Category

1870s Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Silver Leaf

Late Meiji Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest Display Cabinet Cupboard 45"
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique Meiji era Cha Tansu Tea Cabinet. Features a burled frame. Features a central display portion with etched glass covering shelves and upper and lower cupboard with sliding...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Burl

Japanese Antique Medicine Chest / Drawer Tansu / 1868-1912s / Wabi-Sabi Mingei
Located in Iwate-gun Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture
This is an old Japanese chest called "medicine chest" in Japan. It is believed that it was originally used as a chest used by doctors and pharmacists to hold medicines and Chinese h...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Japanese Antique Large Tansu 1860s-1900s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a historically significant Japanese tansu (chest) from the Meiji era (1860s–1900s), crafted from cedar wood. Its minimalist and refined design embodies traditional Japanese ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Meiji Era Wireless Cloisonne Pink Crane Enamel Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with wireless cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji era, before 1912. Round shape with pronounced base. The piece is decorated with a stork or crane bir...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account is operated by five different companies. As for me, I specialize in Japanese antiques and carefully selected items. With 20 years of experience, I re-propose Japanese an...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

Large Pair Of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Wireless Vases Mt Fuji Sun Set
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Japanese Meiji Era wireless cloisonne or musen shippo vases. The vases have a light blue ground with a landscape depicting Mount Fuji on one vase and a landscape wi...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Two Section Mizuya (Kitchen) Tansu, Meiji Period
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Two Section Mizuya (Kichen) tansu, Meiji period. Handmade with Japanese hinoki (cypress), sugi (cedar) and zelkova (keyaki) wood with handforged metal handles. Top section has four ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique Drawer 1860s-1900s / Storage Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese small drawer storage. The furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is made of cedar wood. The handles are made of iron. The design is ultimately simple...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

1860s-1910s Japanese antique large display shelf, wabi sabi, organic
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
This antique display shelves had been used as shop storages. Product of Meiji era (estimate 1860s-1910), estimate from the style & conditions. Made of thick, quality Hinoki (Japanes...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cypress

Japanese Antique BK Large Cabinet 1860s-1900s / Tansu Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account consists of 5 companies. I specialize in selecting and carefully selecting Japanese antiques. With 20 years of experience, I will re-propose Japanese antiques from a new...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Antique Small Drawer 1860s-1920s / Tansu Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account consists of 5 companies. As for me, I am a selector specializing in Japanese antiques. With 20 years of experience, we can offer you new Japanese antiques from our uniqu...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

Japanese Satsuma Vases, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous pair of Japanese earthenware Satsuma vases, hand-painted, Meiji period, circa early-20th century, Japan. Vases' beautiful decoration is high-quality, hand-painted, and ext...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Japanese Antique Paper-Covered Large Pottery Vase 1860s-1900s / Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old, large, paper-covered Pottery vase made in Japan. It dates from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). This large Pottery vase was used to transport and store tea leaves. It...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Pottery, Paper

Japanese Antique Wabisabi Small Drawer 1860s-1900s / Tansu
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account consists of 5 companies, About me, I am a selector specializing in Japanese antiques. With 20 years of experience, I will propose new Japanese antiques from my unique po...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cedar

1860s-1910s Japanese antique cabinet, wabi sabi tansu medicine chest of drawers
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
This large shop cabinet, tansu chest of drawers, is in the vein of Kusuri dansu (Medicine / apothecary chest). Product of Meiji era (1860s-1910), es...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Cypress

Japan Tall Antique Kasuga Stone Lantern
Located in South Burlington, VT
An antique beauty with all original pieces. Japan, a tall and stone lantern with engraved designs, carefully crafted in six pieces for ease of portability. Dimensions: 65 inches ta...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Stone

Antique Embroidered Landscape Scene, Japanese Needlepoint Panel, Victorian Art
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a charming antique Victorian period embroidered artwork, showcasing delicate Japanese craftsmanship, circa 1870. This delightful silk cotton panel captures a serene landscape...
Category

1870s Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Glass

1860s-1910s Japanese antique 2 tier Large Mizuya tansu chest wabi sabi organic
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
This large 2 tier Mizuya tansu / side board, is a product of 1860s - 1910s (Meiji period), estimate from the style & conditions. Originally made with traditional wood joinery without...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Japanese Rare Antique Pair Hand Painted Birds And Blue Waters Wedding screens
Located in South Burlington, VT
A lovely antique pair (2) Japanese hand-painted six-panel folding screens byobu- each conceived in an attractive birds, trees, and blue waters motif. Likely given as a wedding gift...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

An Imperial Japanese Meiji Shibayama Tea Cabinet by The Tokugawa Samurai Clan
Located in New York, NY
An Imperial Japanese Meiji Shibayama Tea Ceremony Cabinet by The Tokugawa Samurai Clan. This extraordinary Meiji-period shibayama cabinet, attributed to the Tokugawa samurai clan, s...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer

Japanese antique wooden low table/"Fuzukue"/19th century/Meiji to Taisho period
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This writing desk is an antique piece from the Meiji to Taisho periods of Japan, crafted using the luxurious wood of keyaki (zelkova). The desk features the signature "takenoko-moku"...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Drawer 1882s / Sideboard Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a drawer storage made in Japan. It was made in the Meiji (1882s), and the year is left in writing on the back. Warm cedar wood is used for the material, and heavy iron is use...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th Century Japonese Imari Vase
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Japonese Imari Vase. Height / 8.5 inches.
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Signed Ando Jubei Green Baluster Cloisonné Vase
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful pristine condition Ando Jubei wireless cloisonné vase in baluster form. In his signature green enamel, portraying an intricate arabesque design of a blooming clematis vin...
Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Metal

Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Green Enamel Dragon Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese late Meiji era enamel metal vase. The amphora shaped vase with a narrow fluted neck. The vase is adorned with a polychrome ima...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Meiji furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Satsuma, Kinkozan, Ando Jubei, and Makuzu Kozan. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $190,804 while the average work can sell for $2,112.

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