Description
This Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase by Ando Jubei dates to the Meiji period (1868 to 1912), circa 1900. Of petite squared and tapered form, the vase rises with rounded shoulders and a waisted neck, standing on a circular foot.
The dark blue enamel ground is framed by cicada lappet borders to the upper and lower rims. The main body is worked in silver wire of varying gauge, depicting two roosters standing before bamboo screens beneath flowering cherry blossom branches. The scene is further enriched with seasonal flowers including hanashōbu (Japanese iris) and kosumosu (cosmos), with a flowing river completing the landscape.
The vase is finished with silver mounted rims and bears the Ando Cloisonné Company mark to the base, confirming its manufacture by one of Japan’s foremost cloisonné workshops.
View the full Japanese collection.
Measurements
12cm High x 6cm Wide x 5cm Deep (4.7 x 2.35 x 2 Inches)
Condition
Excellent
Who Was Ando Jubei (1876-1956)?
Ando Jubei was a renowned Japanese cloisonne artist from Nagoya, Aichi prefecture, Japan. Jubei was considered the Meiji periods most prolific creator of presentation cloisonne, that of which were commissioned by members of the Imperial family for gifts to foreign dignitaries. Jubei alongside another artist named Hayashi Kodenji dominated Nagoya’s enamelling industry in the late Meiji era. Jubei, Namikawa Yasuyuki, and Namikawa Sosuke are considered the three artists whose technical innovations brought in the “Golden Age for Japanese cloisonné” in the late 19th century. Jubei along with his brother in law Ando Juzaemon went on to form the Ando cloisonne company in the late 19th century lead by cloisonne artist Kawade Shibataro (1856–1921).
For further information see our makers and retailers page on the Ando Cloisonné Company.
Who were the ANDO CLOISONNE COMPANY?
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.
For further information see our makers and retailers page on the Ando Cloisonné Company.
WHAT IS 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.
For further information see our article The Art of Japanese Cloisonné: History, Craftsmanship, and the Golden Age.
WHAT IS THE JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)?
The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences. Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art.
For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation.
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At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide.
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