Description
Striking Blue Cloisonne Enamel Vase
From our Japanese collection, we’re pleased to offer this cloisonné enamel vase by the Ando Company, dating to the late Showa period, circa 1945.
The vase is of large globular form with a softly rounded body and narrow neck, finished in a delicate pastel blue enamel ground. The central design features a series of deep blue tulips in full bloom, their petals rendered in fine cloisonné wirework and shaded enamels. The simplicity of the composition, combined with the quality of materials, allows the floral motif to stand out in high contrast against the pale ground. The base is signed with the Ando Company mark, one of the most respected cloisonné studios of the 20th century, based in Nagoya. The silver rim is stamped with the Jungin mark, denoting pure silver used in the mount, a standard practice for high-grade cloisonné produced during the period. This example dates to the Showa period (1926-1989) and reflects the heavy influence of early 20th-century design Meiji period in Japanese enamel work, where minimal floral motifs and soft backgrounds were favoured for their decorative clarity and balance.
A finely executed cloisonné vase by the Ando Company, combining traditional technique with a modern aesthetic suited to both collectors and contemporary interiors.
Provenance
Private UK single owner collection.
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.
For further information see our makers and retailers page on the Ando Cloisonné Company (安藤七宝店).
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.
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.
For further information see our article on The Shōwa Period in Japan: From Turbulence to Transformation.
JUNGIN 純銀
meaning “pure silver” was used predominantly during the Meiji Period to identify the objects made from pure silver.
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
32cm High x 26cm Diameter ( 12.6 x 10.24 Inches )
Condition
Very Good Condition, very minor roll to silver rim.
With every purchase from Jacksons Antique, you will receive our latest product guide, certificate of authenticity, full tracking information so you can monitor your shipment from start to finish and our personal no-hassle, money-back policy giving you that extra confidence when purchasing. Don’t forget to sign up to our free monthly newsletter for 10% off your first online purchase.
