Style Guide: Influence of Japan - People

The arts of Japan had a profound influence on British culture in the second half of the 19th century. For a long time only the Dutch had been allowed to trade with Japan, but in the 1850s the country opened her ports to other foreign powers, including Britain. Large numbers of Japanese objects were subsequently imported into Britain. Japanese art was very different from anything being produced in this country. It provided a major source of inspiration for many artists and designers in the period from 1850 to 1900.

  • Christopher Dresser



    Toast rack
    Christopher Dresser (designer)
    Hukin and Heath (maker)
    About 1880
    Electroplated nickel silver
    Museum no. M.14-2005

  • Edward William Godwin



    Design
    Edward William Godwin
    1872-1883
    Pen and ink and water-colour on paper
    Museum no. E.482-1963

  • Arthur Lasenby Liberty



    Teapot
    Konoike
    1890-1895
    Yokohama, Japan
    Silver repoussé
    Museum no. M.32-1973

    Konoike was specially commissioned to make this teapot by Liberty and Company. The design of chrysanthemums is a traditional Japanese one, but the form of the vessel is western.

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