Ando Cloisonne Company (安藤七宝店)
Owari province was a prominent center for enamel production in Japan. During the Edo period, the Ando family ran a pipe shop known as “Murata-ya.” Ando Jubei (Jusaburo), born in 1876 in Nagoya, was the youngest of four children. His mother passed away in May 1877 shortly followed by his father in September of the same year, leaving him orphaned before his first birthday. According to his father’s wishes, he was raised by the shop’s staff. His eldest sister married Ando Juzaemon, originally named Matsukichi, and together they helped build the family’s cloisonné empire.
Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase by Ando Jubei sold by Jacksons Antique
In 1893, Ando Juzaemon attended the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, marking his first trip abroad, where he took the chance to explore international markets. In 1901, Ando Jubei embarked on his own overseas journey to the Glasgow International Exhibition, staying in Britain for two years to further understand market trends. Upon returning to Japan, the Ando family brought on Kawade Shibataro (1856–1921) as studio head, who played a pivotal role in advancing the plique-à-jour technique. The demand for cloisonné saw significant growth around the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1900, with Japanese enamelware gaining popularity in Western markets, particularly from the Owari region. By 1918, over fifty cloisonné artisans were working in Owari. The Ando company earned an Imperial Warrant of Appointment to supply cloisonné to the Japanese court and also provided state gifts. One such gift was a vase presented to Manchukuo (Japanese puppet state in Manchuria 1932–1945) Prime Minister Zheng Xiaoxu (1860–1938), who wrote a calligraphic inscription in praise of the piece.
Close up of the Ando Cloisonne Company Mark led by Ando Jubei
In 2018, Ando partnered with Seiko to craft the enamel dial for the limited edition “Presage” watches. Today, it remains one of the few surviving traditional cloisonné producers in Japan. The company’s main shop in Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan includes a small museum showcasing works from Ando and other renowned artists like Namikawa. Collections from Ando can also be found in the Walters Art Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.