Fine Pair of Meiji Cloisonné Enamel Vases, Attributed to The Ando Jubei Company

An exceptional and highly decorative pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel vases from the Meiji period, attributed to the Ando Jubei Company—among the most important and technically accomplished producers of cloisonné enamels in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Japan.

Each vase is richly composed with an intricate arrangement of shaped panels enclosing mythological and ornamental motifs, including phoenix, dragons, and stylized foliate forms. These reserves are set against densely worked grounds, creating a layered and visually dynamic surface that reflects both artistic ambition and technical control.

The palette is particularly striking, incorporating deep cobalt blue, iron red, and shimmering aventurine-style grounds that produce a subtle, gold-flecked brilliance. The successful execution of such surfaces required careful control of firing and polishing, underscoring the high level of craftsmanship associated with leading Nagoya workshops of the period.

The precision of the cloisonné wirework, combined with the complexity of the panel arrangement, demonstrates a disciplined and highly refined approach to design. The symmetry of the compositions and the clarity of the decorative program further support attribution to the Ando workshop, whose works are celebrated for their balance, richness, and technical sophistication.

Although unsigned, it is well documented that many works produced by the Ando studio were originally accompanied by paper or foil labels affixed to the base rather than permanent signatures. Over time, these labels were often lost or deteriorated, and today attribution is frequently made through close stylistic and technical comparison. The present pair aligns closely with known Ando examples in both construction and decorative vocabulary, particularly in the use of aventurine grounds, elaborate panel reserves, and finely articulated mythological imagery.

Works associated with the Ando Jubei Company represent the pinnacle of Meiji period cloisonné production, when Japanese enamelists achieved extraordinary levels of technical mastery and decorative refinement for both domestic appreciation and international exhibition.

Offered as a true pair, these vases present a commanding and highly decorative presence—objects of scale, richness, and significance, ideally suited for an important collection or refined interior.

7" high x 5" diameter

Good condition. No damage noted.