A Japanese Cloisonne Covered Jar by Ando Jubei

Japanese cloisonné enamels are known as shippo-yaki and the mid-19th century saw the production of very high quality wares in the early centres Nagoya. One of the most renowned workshops was the Ando Cloisonné Company, founded by Ando Jubei (1876-1953). The cloisonné work from the workshop was considered the finest during the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
This cloisonné covered box is of a very intriguing color, form and design, likely made to use as a tea caddy during Chado ceremony. The surface is of a brilliant and unusual aubergine color. It is sparsely but superbly decorated with a cloud-like abstract pattern by using a network of small individual wire cells filled with multi-colored enamels. To create the subtle palette of colors that appears optically drifting, misty, and translucent, great care was taken to control and balance the placement and the application of the wired cells and enamels. The result is a very poetic piece of art work that invites a visual meditation. The jar was fitted with sterling silver lips and foot ring (stamped as pure silver in Kanji) and marked with Ando cipher logo.
Based on the production style, we date the piece to 1910-20s, the Taisho Period (1912-1926). Purportedly purchased from Christie's in 1980s.