Meiji Tables
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 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 Tables
Materials
Wood, 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 Tables
Materials
Oak, Pine
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 Tables
Materials
Wood
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 Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Tenjin Desk, Meiji Era (1868-1912), Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This antique Tenjin Desk was crafted in the Late Meiji Era (1868-1912).
Made of keyaki (Japanese zelkova), it features stunning wood grain that enhances its character.
Designed as...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Simplicity Black Side Table 1860s-1920s / Bench Wabisabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old side table made in Japan.
This furniture is from the Meiji period (1860s-1920s).
It is made of cedar wood.
It has a well-honed desig...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Japanese antique wooden sofa table/Late 19th century/Wabi-sabi low table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a board and a wooden box that were used in Japan from the Meiji period to the early Showa period.
These two can be combined to make a low table.
The tabletop is made of eithe...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Paper-covered Box 1900s-1920s / Kakishibu
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old storage box covered in washi paper.
It was made in the Meiji period (1900s-1920s).
The old washi paper is painted with persimmon tannins.
Painting with persimmon ...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Paper
Japanese Antique Rustic Table 1860s-1900s / Dining Table Wabi Sabi Mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a very old Japanese Rustic table.
It has a simple style with a wooden board on top of the "Usu".
The "Usu" was used for crushing nuts and kneading rice for mochi.
Generally,...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This low table was loved by craftsmen as a "workbench" during the Meiji period.
The wood grain, which has deepened with age, is reminiscent of the warm lifestyle of that time.
A cu...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Long Low Table 1860s-1920s / Sofa Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account consists of five companies,
As for me, I specialize in Japanese antiques and select carefully selected items.
With my 20 years of experience, I propose new Japanese anti...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
We will introduce a low table that exudes the charm of the Meiji era.
The low table was loved by craftsmen as a "cutting stand" during the Meiji era.
Cherry wood with a rich textur...
Category
Early 20th Century Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Long Side Table 1860s-1900s / Exhibition Stand Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Very old Japanese long side table.
The furniture dates from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s).
Made of cedar.
It has been fumigated to a black colour.
The design is very beautiful...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Japanese antique wooden low table/1868-1920/Wabi-sabi coffee table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This item is a stately Wabisabi wooden low table with a wooden box from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period (1800-1912) in Japan as the table base, combined with an old oak...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Oak
Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Exhibition Stand, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
Introducing our exquisite low table, a masterpiece crafted from the finest materials. The tabletop is a single slab of cherry wood, while the legs are made from high-quality oak, bot...
Category
Early 20th Century Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
Introducing our exquisite low table, a stunning example of the beauty found in wabi-sabi and traditional craftsmanship. Originally used as a sewing workbench, this piece carries a ri...
Category
Early 20th Century Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Wooden Display Stand, Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is a wooden antique low table from the Meiji era.
It was used as a working table for woodworkers of the time.
It is made of high quality Japanese cherry wood.
It has a beautif...
Category
Early 20th Century Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Meiji Period Carved Desk Circa 1900
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
A Japanese Meiji period writing desk dating from the late 19th century, exquisitely hand-carved, lacquered hardwood. An enchanting array of intricate carvings, including high-relief ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Japanese antique wooden small low table/1868-1920/coffee table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an antique wooden low table that was used in rural areas and shops in Japan.
In Japanese, this is called "fu-zukue."
Farmers used it to study, and shops used it to keep track...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Elaborate Flying Dragon Table
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent antique Japanese powerfully carved center table with dragons from the Meiji period.
The growth of urban centers and spread of wealth during the Meiji Restoration period in Japan ushered in an era that reveled in the aesthetic qualities of objects and actions in everyday life. This ornately carved figural table from the late 19th century / early 20th century demonstrates the level of pleasure and luxury pursued by the wealthy.
The mythical dragon-inspired shape echoes throughout the elaborately hand carved ebonized hardwood; with an unadorned inset polished circular rich rosewood colored top with attractive wood graining; scalloped border and edge with ornate running ornamentation between; rises over the profusely carved and stylized skirt with carvings of whimsical dragon mask and spread wings in high relief and open scrollwork; raised on four spoon carved...
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Meiji Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Wooden Low Table, Japanese Antique, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is a wooden antique low table from the Meiji era.
It was used as a working table for woodworkers of the time.
It is made of high quality Japanese zelkova wood.
The grain of zel...
Category
Early 20th Century Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Wooden Low Table, Display stand, Japanese Antique, Primitive, Wabi-Sabi, Mingei
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique wooden low table from the Meiji period.
Made from high-quality domestic zelkova wood.
There are two recesses on the side that can be used as handles, making it e...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Taishō Meiji Coffee or Low Table
Located in Hudson, NY
Japanese Taishō Meiji Coffee or Low Table
Wonderful natural patina. Single board top on perfectly carved and sculpted legs. Wabi-sabi
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Elm
A Japanese Nagasaki Export Lacquer & Mother Of Pearl Inlaid Center Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Striking 19th century lacquered and mother of pearl inlaid circular top above a baluster form standard with three scalloped legs. The table with intricate floral, cherry blossoms, tr...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Shell, Wood
Japanese Antique Low Table, Wabi Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This is an antique wooden low table from the Meiji period (1986-1912).
The curved legs are beautiful.
It was used as a workbench by craftsmen at the time.
The material is high-qual...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Rustic Wabi Sabi Meiji Period Japanese Tea/Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
A simply constructed 19th C. Japanese cedar tea/coffee table.
Heavily patinated due to hundreds of years of use.
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Antique Black Wooden Box 1860s-1900s/Sofa Table Tansu Mingei Storage
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese black wooden box. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). The material is cedar. This is black and beautiful. Afte...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Wabi-Sabi Meiji Taisho Street Vendors Stools Side Bedside Tables
Located in London, GB
Sold separately.
A collection of Meiji and Taisho era street vendor stools, constructed from a combination of heavily patinated elm, pine and cedar timbers. Japanese, c. 1870-1920....
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Elm, Cedar, Pine
Antique Japanese 'Shou Sugi Ban' Low Cedar Coffee Table, 19th Century
Located in Coronado, CA
An extraordinary 19th century antique Japanese low table constructed from an incredible and substantial, old growth cedar plank, with 4 out ...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Antique Japanese lacquered glass table/19th-early 20th century/center table
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a tool used by lacquerware craftsmen from around 1868 to 1950.
Lacquerware craftsmen used wooden barrels to mix lacquer by putting vermilion...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Glass, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Meiji Period Japanese Export Center Table with Dragons
Located in Austin, TX
A powerfully carved Japanese export dragon center table, Meiji Period, early 20th century.
Made for the export market, the rectangular table features a...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Softwood
Japanese Antique Tree Root Stand 1860s-1900s / Pedistal / Side Table / Sculpture
Located in Buffalo, NY
This display stand is made from the roots of a very old Japanese tree.
It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). Art / Sculpture
You can feel the strength of natural wood that you...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Meiji Period Red Lacquer Octagon Low Table or Plant Stand, 3 Available
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered individually are three red lacquer octagon low tables that could also be used as plant stands. We believe they're from the Meiji period. With carved manji symbols around thei...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Trunk Coffee Table with Charred Pitch Pine Top, Meiji Period
Located in London, England
Charred pitch pine top, paired with a Meiji period painted trunk base.
W 97cm x H 34cm
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood, Pine
Japanese Meiji Period Low Table with Recessed Legs and Open Carved Cutout Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese Meiji period low table from the early 20th century, with recessed legs and open carved cutout design. Created in Japan during the Meiji era where is was used as a low writing table, this piece features a rectangular top overhanging two recessed legs showcasing pierced motifs. Boasting a nicely distressed patina throughout, this Japanese Meiji period early 20th century low table...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Japanese Zitan Wood Carved Stand in the Form of a Table
Located in Stamford, CT
An Zitan wood low table / stand. Late 19th century Japanese Meiji Period. Zitan is an extremely dense wood which sinks in water. It is a member of the rosewood family. The wood is bl...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Zitan
Japanese Maki-E Lacquered Oval Wood Tray on Stand, c. 1850-1900
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Japanese standing rim, Maki-e lacquered oval wood tray of the Meiji Period. The tray features fine gilt decoration in the form of two small birds, possibly sparrows, fluttering among peony branches. The tray is fitted to a custom rim on a Chinese rosewood stand...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Rosewood, Lacquer
Japanese Simplicity Storage Box 1860s-1900s / Side Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a wooden storage box made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and has a long-standing taste and quiet presence.
The material is cedar wood. This wood ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Japanese Black Wooden Box 1860s-1900s / Side Table Night Table Wabisabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is a black wooden box made in Japan.
It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and is made of light and strong cedar wood.
It is a beautiful storage box with a simple sh...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar
Japanese small wooden antique low table with paper pasting/1868-1920
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
I would like to introduce you to a rare Japanese low table.
This is a small wooden table made from the Meiji period to the Taisho period (1868-1920).
The wood material is cedar.
This is finished by pasting washi paper on top and applying persimmon tannin.
I don't know why they put paper on it to cover it all...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Cedar, Paper
Japanese Pine and Bamboo and Lacquered Side Table
Located in Stamford, CT
An exceptionally minimal yet playful Japanese side table having a circular Pine top rising on two detachable bamboo legs from a square Pine. base. The edges of both the top and base ...
Category
1910s Japanese Vintage Meiji Tables
Materials
Bamboo
Japanese Meiji Driftwood and Decorated Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Japanese stained Driftwood and Decorated Side Table in great antique antique condition.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Meiji Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Pair Japanese Red and Black Lacquer Side Tables With Etched Brass Mounts
Located in Stamford, CT
Great looking pair of late Meiji Period Japanese black and red lacquers side tables with etched brass mounts. Each with two doors that open for storage, this stunning pair with reall...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Lacquer
Late 19th or Early 20th Century Japanese Hexagon Shape Marquetry Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here is a late 19th or early 20th century Japanese marquetry table, with a hexagonal shape top.
Variety of woods was used, and fine detailed c...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Fine and Large Antique Asian Altar Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique Japanese altar table. Dark brown stained wood tall narrow altar table with a small drawer on each end, the apron in front with roughly carved panels and scrolled ends. The en...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
19th Century Japanese Meiji Porcelain Garden Seat or Table
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Japanese Meiji Porcelain garden seat or table.
Stunning 19th century Japanese Meiji period hand decorated porcelain garden seat, garden stool or table. This antique Japanese garden seat...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Japanese Meiji Porcelain Garden Seat or Table
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning 19th century Japanese Meiji period hand decorated porcelain garden seat, garden stool or table. This antique Japanese garden seat is bea...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Meiji Tables
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Red Lacquer Tea Tray, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered serving tray dates to the early 20th century and exemplifies the refined style of Japanese tea ceremony objects. The tray is elevated...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Lacquered Altar Table, Showa Period, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A Japanese lacquered altar table, Showa period, 1937. Teak and Cedar, lacquered in read and black on the outside. Exquisitely carved dragon design in the front and back. The top is ...
Category
1930s Japanese Vintage Meiji Tables
Materials
Wood
Japanese Antique Low Table with Wheels 1860s-1900s / Sofa Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This account is operated by four different companies.
As for me, I specialize in Japanese antique furniture and objects.
With 20 years of experience as a buyer, I am leading Japanese...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tables
Materials
Iron
Meiji tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Meiji tables 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 tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, asian art and furniture, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, cedar and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji tables 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 tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $475 and tops out at $10,500 while the average work can sell for $1,491.