Japanese Taishō Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Change
October 2nd 2025
Japanese Taishō Period: Art, Collecting, and the Rise of Modern Culture
Introduction
The Japanese Taishō Period (1912-1926), lasting only fourteen years, represents one of the most intriguing moments in modern Japanese history. Bridging the reforms of the Meiji era and the militarisation of the early Shōwa era, it is remembered as an age of democratic reform, cultural experimentation, and artistic innovation. For collectors today, the Taishō period offers a fascinating window into Japan’s adaptation of Western influences while maintaining strong traditional roots, producing a diverse legacy of objects, artworks, and design.
Historical Background
The Taishō era began on 30 July 1912, following the death of Emperor Meiji, with Crown Prince Yoshihito ascending the throne as Emperor Taishō. The name “Taishō” means “Great Righteousness,” symbolising hopes for moral and political renewal. However, the emperor’s poor health meant that political power gradually shifted to the Japanese Diet and the democratic parties, leading to what became known as “Taishō Democracy.”
During this time, Japan saw an increase in political parties, universal male suffrage (granted in 1925), and greater public participation in politics. This democratic experiment was short-lived but influential, setting the stage for later developments in Japan’s modernisation.
Japan in the World: War and Diplomacy
The First World War (1914-1918) had a significant impact on Taishō Japan. Fighting alongside the Allies, Japan seized German territories in China and the Pacific, and by the end of the war it was recognised as one of the major world powers at the Paris Peace Conference. However, Japan’s demands in China (the Twenty-One Demands of 1915) caused international criticism and resentment within China, highlighting the complexities of Japan’s rise.
Despite its growing power, Japan also faced challenges: economic downturns, inflation, and social unrest such as the Rice Riots of 1918. These events revealed both the opportunities and instability of the period.
Culture and Society in the Taishō Era
The Taishō years are often described as Japan’s own “Roaring Twenties.” Cities such as Tokyo and Osaka thrived with new fashions, cafés, theatres, and popular magazines. A new class of independent young women, known as moga (modern girls), became a cultural phenomenon, reflecting the changing roles of women in urban society.
Literature and philosophy also flourished, with writers like Akutagawa Ryūnosuke and Tanizaki Jun’ichirō experimenting with modernist styles, while intellectuals debated socialism, Marxism, and democracy.
Art and Collecting in the Taishō Period
For collectors of Japanese antiques, the Taishō era is a particularly rich field.
- Visual Arts: The Taishō period witnessed the rise of Shin-hanga (new woodblock prints), which revived traditional ukiyo-e techniques but introduced Western-inspired realism and modern subject matter. Artists such as Kawase Hasui and Hashiguchi Goyō remain highly collectable today.
- Nihonga and Sōsaku-hanga: Nihonga painters like Yokoyama Taikan continued to refine Japanese painting traditions, while Sōsaku-hanga (creative prints) emerged, emphasising individual expression and self-carved prints.
- Decorative Arts: Cloisonné artists such as Gonda Hirosuke, Hattori Tadasaburō, and the Ando Jubei company produced enamel works of outstanding quality during this period. Metalworkers like Fujii Yoshitoyo and the Komai company carried on traditions from the Meiji era while adapting designs to new markets.
- Collectible Pieces: Items from the Taishō period often reflect both Western Art Deco and Japanese aesthetics. Lacquerware, silver, ceramics, and enamel boxes from this era remain highly desirable to collectors today, especially when linked to named workshops or artists.
IMPORTANT JAPANESE LACQUER PRESENTATION BOX FROM THE TASHIO PERIOD A GIFT FROM THE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER DURING THE TAISHO PERIOD available in our japanese collection at Jacksons Antique
The Great Kantō Earthquake and Social Change
A pivotal moment of the Taishō era was the devastating Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923, which destroyed much of Tokyo and Yokohama. The disaster not only reshaped Japan’s urban landscape but also intensified social and political change, weakening confidence in Taishō Democracy and setting the stage for the militarisation of the Shōwa period.
Legacy of the Taishō Period
Although short, the Taishō era left a lasting mark on Japanese history and culture. For collectors, it is a period where objects embody both tradition and innovation, making them particularly appealing for anyone interested in Japan’s transition into the modern world. From Shin-hanga prints to cloisonné enamel, Taishō period antiques reflect the creativity and cultural change of an age defined by experimentation and democratic ideals.
Owner at Jacksons Antique
I am an antique dealer and owner of Jacksons Antique, specialising in fine antiques with a particular focus on Japanese art and European decorative objects. With over a decade of experience in the antiques trade, I source and curate pieces for collectors across the UK, the United States, and the international market.
Working primarily online alongside select exhibitions, I am part of a newer generation of dealers helping to modernise the way antiques are researched, presented, and acquired. My approach is built on careful attribution, transparent descriptions, and historically grounded research so clients can buy with confidence.
Through Jacksons Antique, I aim to make important historic objects accessible to both established collectors and those developing their collections.
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