Description
Large Sized Ovoid Vase
From our Japanese collection we are pleased to present this large Japanese cloisonné enamel vase by the Ando Company.
The vase is of impressive ovoid form with a softly rounded body and narrow neck, finished with silver-plated rims. Its surface is decorated with a delicate pastel grey ground that highlights a large yellow rose in full bloom, surrounded by shaded grey foliage rendered in fine cloisonné wirework.
The base of the vase carries the Ando Company mark in wire, together with two later stickers, one noting the maker and period, and another from a previous antique collection. The generous size and subtle colour palette make this piece a striking focal point well suited for display.
This cloisonné vase dates to the early Showa period, circa 1950, and is a fine example of mid-20th century Japanese enamel art by one of the country’s most respected makers.
ANDO CLOISONNE COMPANY (安藤七宝店)
The Ando Cloisonné Company, founded in Nagoya in 1880, is one of Japan’s leading cloisonné enamel workshops. Known for pioneering techniques such as musen (wireless) cloisonné and plique-à-jour, Ando earned Imperial patronage and international acclaim. Today, the firm continues to produce exceptional cloisonné, preserving Japan’s rich enamel tradition while showcasing its artistry worldwide. See our makers and retailers page on the Ando Cloisonné Company (安藤七宝店)for further information.
CLOISONNE
Cloisonné is a traditional decorative art that involves applying thin metal wires to form compartments (cloisons) on a metal surface, which are then filled with colourful enamel. After multiple firings and polishings, the result is a vibrant, glass-like finish with intricate designs. The technique has roots in ancient China but was perfected in Japan during the Meiji period (1868–1912), often referred to as the Golden Age of Cloisonné. Japanese artists developed advanced methods such as musen shippō(wireless cloisonné) and shōtai shippō (plique-à-jour), creating seamless, naturalistic, and even translucent effects. Highly prized for its precision, artistry, and beauty, Japanese cloisonné is regarded as one of the finest forms of enamel craftsmanship in the world and remains highly collectible today. See our post The Art of Japanese Cloisonné: History, Craftsmanship, and the Golden Age for further information.
Showa Period (1926–1989)
The Showa era, under Emperor Hirohito, was a time of dramatic change in Japan. Spanning pre-war militarism, post-war recovery, and the “Japanese Economic Miracle,” the period reshaped both culture and craftsmanship. In the arts, traditional skills such as cloisonné, ceramics, and lacquerware adapted to modern tastes, balancing heritage with new design influences. Today, Showa-period works are valued for their blend of tradition and innovation, offering collectors a direct link to Japan’s transformation in the 20th century. See our post The Shōwa Period in Japan: From Turbulence to Transformation for further information.
ENAMEL
(vitreous enamel) also known as porcelain enamel, is a material made by fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 °C. The powder melts, flows, and then hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating. The word vitreous comes from the Latin vitreous, meaning “glassy”.
Measurements
38cm High x 22.5cm Diameter (15 x 8.9 Inches)
Condition
Excellent Condition
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