Rare and Large Meiji period Ginbari Cloisonne Vase by Ando Jubei

This stunning Ginbari style cloisonné enamelled vase attributed to Ando Jubei (1876-1956) is one of the best pieces of enamelwork we have come across recently. With a goldstone-coloured body and intricate dragon & phoenix motifs, this is a stunning and large piece of cloisonné art. During our research we came across an almost identical piece (insofar as possible given the unique nature of cloisonné work) which was signed by Ando Jubei, one of the greatest Meiji period artists whose innovations helped usher in the “Golden Age for Japanese cloisonné”. While this piece is unsigned, the goldstone-coloured enamel and dragon and phoenix design are almost identical.

He along with Hayashi Kodenji was one of Nagoya’s great cloisonné artists. During the late Meiji period, the innovation, elegance and beauty of his work meant that he was often commissioned to make presentation ware; pieces that displayed the very best of Japanese artistry to be gifted by members of the Imperial household to foreign diplomats and dignitaries. He also exhibited at the Japan-British Exhibition of 1910.

His works are in the Walters Art Museum, the Ashmolean Museum and in the Khalili Collection of Japanese Art. Pieces by the Ando Cloisonné Company who continue his work are also in the V & A Museum,

Ando Jubei’s works, as well as those by Jubei’s successors the Ando company, are known for their stylistic complexity. The Ando company does not currently produce vases, but their larger and more complex plates retail for over 150,000 yen or $1570AUD.

Price for this vase is marked at AU$1600.

Measurements are approx 26 cm high with base diameter of 8.5 cm.

Some tarnish to the signature nickel silver rims, particularly to the top as pictured. One minor blemish to the size (difficult to picture due to reflective nature of enamel, please inquire if more pictures needed).