Hobbies And Interests
Significance
Representative of Japan's culture and history, the country's antiques are widely studied, collected and appreciated by museums and antique collectors. Japanese antiques are prized for their level of detail and craftsmanship found in pieces such as hand-carved wooden furniture and chiseled jade decorations.
Types
Some of the most popular types of Japanese antiques include traditional dolls, textiles, porcelain, weaponry and furniture (tansu).
Japanese antique art includes a variety of hand-crafted works such as origami, paintings and pottery. Antique weapons from Japan include the swords and armor that Japanese soldiers and civilians once used to defend their lives and property. Meanwhile, a wide range of antique Japanese wooden furniture, such as benches, room dividers and cabinets can also be found.
Time Frame
Eighteenth- to 20th-century Japanese antiques are the more commonly available variety on the market today. Relics from Japan dating back to this time period reflect the country's former isolationism as well as the nation's swelling pride in its own rich heritage. Typical Japanese paintings from this time period focus on specific national themes such as life in geisha houses, Buddhist temples and landscapes featuring the country's natural beauty.
Twentieth-century Japanese antiques reveal the country's gradual modernization as well Japan's growing militarization and widened influence throughout the world. Paintings and sculptures found from this era put an increasing emphasis on sporting events, vehicles and new styles of hair and clothing.
Identification
Authentic Japanese antiques are often highly detailed pieces that are hand-painted or carved, and inscribed with scenes of daily life or characters. These antiques are frequently made of wood, metal or porcelain, and some original pieces are lacquered to give a more refined, artistic touch. Wood-block prints and screen paintings are also commonly found among antique Japanese art pieces.
Considerations
Japanese antiques are available for purchase online as well as within specialty antique shops throughout the world. Collectors should be aware that genuine antiques from Japan are pricey, as their age and traditional artistry make these works increasingly hard to come by. Prices at top Japanese antique retailers run from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.