Ando Jubei: Master of the Shippo-Yaki Style in Japanese Cloisonné

Ando Jubei (1876–1956) was a renowned Japanese cloisonné artist from Nagoya. He was born into a family of cloisonné makers and began his training in the craft at an early age. Throughout his career, Jubei developed a reputation for his exquisite designs and skillful execution of the cloisonné technique. Today, his works are highly valued by collectors and are considered important examples of Japanese cloisonné art.

Cloisonné is an ancient decorative technique that involves creating designs on metal objects by filling in the spaces between wire or metal strips with colored enamel. The technique was first developed in the Middle East and later spread to Asia, where it was perfected by Japanese artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ando Jubei was one of the most skilled practitioners of the craft.

He began his training in the craft at an early age, learning the techniques of wire drawing, soldering, and enamel application from his father. Jubei quickly demonstrated a talent for the craft, and by the time he was in his twenties, he had established his own workshop.

One of Jubei's most significant contributions to the field of cloisonné was his development of the Shippo-Yaki style. This style is characterized by a distinctive color palette and the use of subtle shading techniques to create depth and texture. Jubei's Shippo-Yaki works were highly sought after by collectors and helped establish him as one of the leading cloisonné artists of his time.

Jubei's designs were often inspired by traditional Japanese motifs, such as flowers, birds, and landscapes. He was known for his attention to detail and his ability to create intricate designs that were both beautiful and technically impressive. Jubei's works were also notable for their use of gold and silver wire, which added a level of depth and luminosity to the finished pieces.

Throughout his career, Jubei received numerous awards and accolades for his work. He participated in several international exhibitions, including the 1900 Paris Exposition and the 1910 Brussels Exposition. In 1933, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest honors.

Today, Jubei's works are highly valued by collectors and are considered important examples of Japanese cloisonné art. His legacy lives on through the Ando Cloisonné Company, which was founded by his son and continues to produce high-quality cloisonné works to this day.