IDENTIFY [[]] CLOISONNE

Alphabetical List of JAPANESE Cloisonne MARKS page 1 of 2:

     This page will attempt to document Japanese cloisonne marks with a few published reference books as sources: 'Japanese Cloisonne' by Coben & Ferster, published by Weatherhill in 1982 and 1991,  'Japanese Cloisonne' by Gregory Irvine, published by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2006, Gary Yoshino's 'Japanese Cloisonne Enamels', privately published in 2007, and the latest large hardcover in-depth publication 'The Art of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel' by Fredric T. Schneider, published by McFarland & Company in 2010. Only 5 % of Japanese cloisonne items are marked, and out of these 5% not all marks have been identified.

     Coben & Ferster's book started as a Master's thesis for Dorothy C. Ferster. The siblings travelled to Japan many times, and conducted extensive research while there, as well as visit many museums and galleries worldwide. They discussed Japanese cloisonne pieces and collections with the descendants of some of the more famous Japanese master craftmen, such as Hayashi Kodenji and Ando Jubei. They were able to assemble first hand knowledge about Japanese cloisonne marks, that was not available before their book's first publication in 1982. In spite of this newly found information, they were assiduous in their attributions, and only published the marks of craftsmen they had confirmed, by a second unimpeachable source. Because of this, I chose them as my primary source.

     Gregory Irvine is the senior curator in the Victoria and Albert Museum's Asian Department in London England, he specializes in Japanese metalwork. His smaller book is mostly based on a catalogue of the Edwin Davies cloisonne collection, with a first chapter discussing the history and the technique of Japanese cloisonne, using the museum collection. Mr. Irvine included images of the marks with the catalogued items, a very useful approach when identifying Japanese cloisonne. One that I also believe in and promote on this page.

     Gary Yoshino is a USA cloisonne collector and accredited financial consultant of Japanese descent, based in California. Early on, he focused on signed Japanese cloisonne pieces for his collection, and made a great effort to identify these pieces. He had the advantage of understanding Japanese Kanji script and symbols, and combined his findings with the knowledge of other Japanese Kanji experts, as well as previous publication's information. His book contains the most comprehensive list so far. Many of his mark identifications have not been verified and are strictly based on the Japanese Kanji phonetic translation, which can vary slightly depending on the context and reader. There were hundreds of Japanese cloisonne enamelers during the period of 1850 to 1975, the Coben book list 239 by name. As you can imagine, we are not even close to identifying them all.

Mr. Schneider's book adds more identified marks to what we had documented so far, and mostly agrees with previous information. He is an American scholar with degrees from Yale University.

     The original center for cloisonne production in Japan was Nagoya. A nearby village called Toshima, became known as Shippo-Mura (the cloisonne village), the initiator there was Hayashi Shogoro, in 1856, an early student of Kaji Tsunekichi (1808-1883) and instructor to Hayashi Kodenji. In the following decades, several cloisonne master-craftsmen had their workshops or studios located in or near the city of Nagoya: Hattori Tadasaburo, Ota Tameshiro, Hayashi Kodenji and Ando Jubei. 

     Namikawa Yasuyuki, a high status samurai, studied the art of cloisonne in Nagoya, then established his own studio and workshop in Kyoto. He instructed Inaba Nanaho (or Shichiho), a textile engineer, who moved on to create his own cloisonne in a Kyoto workshop in 1888, calling it the Inaba Cloisonne Company. When Japanese cloisonne became a sought-after collectible by the upper class Europeans, Ando Jubei opened a shop in the Ginza district of Tokyo, in 1887, while keeping his workshop in Nagoya.

     Namikawa Sosuke, a businessman, had no training in the art of cloisonne, he bought the Nagoya Cloisonne Company who had a branch in Tokyo, moved the whole operation there, and hired the most experienced and talented craftsmen he could find.

     During this golden era of Japanese cloisonne: 5 workshops-studios and their master craftsmen were HIGHLY valued and recognized, they had the honor of being the official purveyors to the Meiji imperial palaces and their court gentry.

     They were:

• NAMIKAWA YASUYUKI
• NAMIKAWA SOSUKE
• ANDO JUBEI
• HAYASHI KODENJI
• HATTORI TADASABURO

The site analysis shows that this page is the most popular by far. I plan to publish an Ebook with appropriate software, containing the information here, designed for an easy read and view on your hand held readers. This is a 2011 project that will be available for sale by next fall.

AKAGI Japanese Export Company Post WWII in production 1945-50	Similar Motif Floral Vase Signed AKAGI SHOTEN Similar Motif Floral Vase Signed AKAGI SHOTEN	Modern Cloisonne Vase AKAGI SHOTEN EXPORTERS	Modern Post 1950 Vase AKAGI SHOTEN Exporters Modern Post 1950 Vase AKAGI SHOTEN Exporters
ANDO Master craftsman, Ando Jubei established his shop in Nagoya in 1881. Instrumental in several cloisonne innovations such as: clear enamel over repousse base, and opaque cloisonne moriage enamel motifs over opaque base, as well as plique-a-jour inspired by a French artist. His chief foremen for workshop production were Kaji Sataro, grandson of Tsunekichi from 1881 to 1897, and in 1897 Kawade Shibataro (1856-1921?), who was innovative and highly skilled. His mark is a gourd inside the ANDO 4 petal round mon or 'maltese cross'. Still in operation today, the longest lasting of all the Japanese cloisonne companies.
Koi Fish Wireless Ground Vase Signed ANDO In Wire Koi Fish Wireless Ground Vase Signed ANDO In Wire Fake 1920 ANDO CLOISONNE Signed Similar Ando Mark FAKE 1920 ANDO CLOISONNE Signed Similar ANDO Mark FAKE 1920 ANDO CLOISONNE Signed Similar ANDO MARK Akasuke Ball Vase Flying Cranes Signed ANDO Mark Akasuke Ball Vase Flying Cranes Signed ANDO Mark Akasuke Ball Vase Flying Cranes Silver Rim Marked	Rare Pink Wireless Censer Kanji Signed ANDO Made Rare Pink Wireless Censer Kanji Signed ANDO Made Ando Vase Modern Mid-20th Century Ando Vase Modern Mid-20th Century Wireless Ando Vase Signed & Boxed Wireless Ando Vase Signed & Boxed Modern Smoking Set ANDO Label for GUMPS Modern Smoking Set ANDO Label for GUMPS	Small Scholar's Box Signed ANDO 1900 Small Scholar's Box Signed Ando Ando Cobalt Blue Vase Signed 1920s Ando Cobalt Blue Vase 1920s Presentation Vase & Box Signed ANDO Presentation Vase & Box Signed ANDO Presentation Vase & Box Both Signed Ando Green Prunus Box Ando Signed 1920s	ANDO MARKED VASE OLDER SILVER CLOISONNE MARK 1930 ANDO MARKED VASES 1920-30 Modern Monochrome Vase Signed ANDO Modern Monochrome Vase Signed ANDO Modern Monochrome Vase Pure Silver Rim Mark ANDO ANDO Commission Imperial Mon Vases Green Prunus Box Ando Signed 1920s
GONDA 1865-1937 Gonda Signed Vase Meiji Late Period Gonda Signed Vase Meiji Late Period GONDA HIROSUKE GOURD VASE CIRCA 1890 GONDA HIROSUKE GOURD VASE CIRCA 1890 Moriage Fish Bowl Planter Signed GONDA In Enamel Moriage Fish Bowl Planter Signed GONDA In Enamel	HAYASHI Hayashi Kodenji, lifespan 1831-1915, student of Tsukamoto Kaisuke (1828-1887), who was intructed by Hayashi Shogoro, a Kaji student. First cloisonne produced in 1863, in Nagoya area. He walked to the port of Yokohama to sell his wares. Following in his footsteps, his son Hayashi Kodenji II(1859-1922), and his son Hayashi Kodenji III (1879-1944), with Hayashi Kodenji IV, born 1903, an important contributor to the Coben & Ferster book, at age 75. He generously provided familial knowledge, experience and his personal cloisonne collection for review. Other Yayashi craftsmen listed here may be related or not, I have no detailed information about them. Magnificent Pair Feather Vases Signed HAYASHI TANIGORO Magnificent Pair Feather Vases Signed HAYASHI TANIGORO Large Black Floral Vase HAYASHI YOJIRO Large Black Floral Vase HAYASHI YOJIRO Unusual Figural Harvest Vase Signed Bandana HAYASHI	Pair Deep Blue Floral Vases Signed HAYASHI (Kodenji) Pair Deep Blue Floral Vases Signed HAYASHI (Kodenji) Bright Meiji Ginbari Vase HAYASHI KIHYOE CLAN C1910 Bright Meiji Ginbari Vase HAYASHI KIHYOE CLAN C1910 Black Dragon Ginbari Vase Hayashi Hachizaemon Black Dragon Ginbari Vase Hayashi Hachizaemon signed PRETTY MEIJI VASE HAYASHI, CHUZO C1900 PRETTY MEIJI VASE HAYASHI, CHUZO C1900 Unusual Figural Harvest Story Vase Bandana Signed HAYASHI	Gorgeous Green Figural Box Hayashi Tanigoro 1910 Gorgeous Green Figural Box Hayashi Tanigoro 1910 Beautiful LARGE Floral Vase Signed HAYASHI KODENJI Beautiful LARGE Floral Vase Signed HAYASHI KODENJI Silver Rim Blue Bird Vase Signed HAYASHI KODENJI Silver Rim Blue Bird Vase Signed HAYASHI KODENJI Rare Massive Meiji Tray Signed Hayashi Kodenji Rare Massive Meiji Tray Signed Hayashi Kodenji Wireless Fall Color Vase HAYASHI, KANAME C1950 Wireless Fall Color Vase HAYASHI, KANAME C1950
INABA Workshop established mid-Meiji period by Inaba Nanaho (or Shichiho) a textile engineer, in 1887 in Kyoto, called 'The Inaba Cloisonne Company'. Apprentice to  Namikawa Y. and known to the Namikawa's of Tokyo. Succeeded by his son of the same name, then succeded by Inaba Katsumi during the 20th century. This company was not in the league of the top earlier companies, did not win prizes, Imperial patronage, or was recognized as a producer of high quality cloisonne pieces. They excelled in making fine export items for the West and ensured their longevity in this way. The company closed it's doors in the late 1980s, making it the 2nd longest lasting cloisonne enterprise after Ando. They created colorful and dense floral cloisonne motifs on white ground, and elaborate cloisonne scenes with peacocks and foliage. Boxes, vases, dishes, plates and table screens were typical items, with some commissioned utilitarian items bearing the owners initials such as ashtrays, coasters etc.
INABA SIGNED CLOISONNE BOX Late 20TH CENTURY INABA SIGNED CLOISONNE BOX EARLY 20TH CENTURY Traditional Black Floral Plate Signed Inaba Circle Mark Traditional Black Floral Plate Signed Inaba Circle Mark Akasuke Translucent Floral Vase Presentation Signed INABA? Akasuke Translucent Floral Vase Presentation Signed INABA? Superb Silver Rim Censer INABA C1910 Superb Silver Rim Censer INABA C1910	INABA FLORAL CLOISONNE COASTER LATER PRODUCT 1930 - NICKEL BASE INABA FLORAL CLOISONNE COASTER LATER PRODUCT 1930 - NICKEL BASE Post 1960 INABA Blue Box Signed Inaba Base & Interior Post 1960 INABA Blue Box Signed Inaba Base & Interior Post 1960 INABA Blue Box Signed Inaba Base & Interior White Multi Floral Music Box Signed INABA On Base White Multi Floral Music Box Signed INABA On Base Dark Blue Autumn Vase Signed INABA Mark 1920s	Traditional Temple Container Signed INABA Floral Lid Box 1946-52 INABA Signed CPO Floral Lid Box 1946-52 INABA Signed CPO Floral Lid Box 1946-52 INABA Signed CPO (Central Purchasing Office) Sage Green Column Vase Signed INABA Mark Dark Blue Autumn Vase Signed INABA Mark 1920s	Rare Meiji Crane Vase Signed Early INABA Rare Meiji Crane Vase Signed Early INABA Recent Inaba Box Black Base Recent Blue Inaba Box Inside Box Mark Inaba Recent Inaba Box Inside Box Mark Inaba Four Sided Pictorial Vase Signed INABA Four Sided Pictorial Vase Signed INABA
KUMENO TEITARO 1865-1939 Nagoya TEITARO GINBARI GEISHA VASE CIRCA 1915-20 TEITARO GINBARI GEISHA VASE CIRCA 1915-20 Pretty Floral Ginbari Vase Signed Kumeno Teitaro	Fine Koi Tsuiki Vase Meiji Kumeno Teitaro Fine Koi Tsuiki Vase Meiji Kumeno Teitaro Tsuiki Koi Waterfall Vase Signed KUMENO Teitaro Tsuiki Koi Waterfall Vase Signed KUMENO Teitaro	TEITARO AKASUKE ENAMEL VASE CIRCA 1900 TEITARO AKASUKE ENAMEL VASE CIRCA 1900 Pretty Floral Ginbari Vase Signed Kumeno Teitaro	Exotic Meiji Egret Vase Kumeno in Gourd Reserve Exotic Meiji Egret Vase Kumeno in Gourd Reserve Squat Akasuke Meiji Vase Signed Kumeno Teitaro Squat Akasuke Meiji Vase Signed Kumeno Teitaro
MING, FUKU Etc. Chinese archaic marks and symbols, used by early Japanese cloisonne craftsmen, pieces usually heavily influenced by Chinese designs. Used 1860-1890. MING INFLUENCED EARLY JAPAN 1880 MAT ENAMEL CLOISONNE MING INFLUENCED EARLY JAPAN 1880 MAT ENAMEL CLOISONNE Pair Early Japanese Jars Archaic Base Ming Mark Early Japan Jars Signed GREAT MING Early Floral Blue or Orange Vase Signed 'Great Ming' 1890 Early Floral Blue or Orange Vase Signed 'Great Ming' 1890 Early Mat Enamel Vase Signed FUKU Early Mat Enamel Vase Signed FUKU Pheasant On a Rock Motif Meiji 1890 Signed MING Pheasant On A Rock Motif Meiji Signed MING Blue Handled Lotus Motifs Vase Signed FUKU Symbol Blue Handled Lotus Motifs Vase Signed FUKU Symbol	Rare White Enamel Vase Elaborate FUKU Mark Rare White Enamel Vase Elaborate FUKU Mark Rare Early Figural Vase 'Great Ming' Mark Rare Figural Early Vase 'Great Ming' Mark Round Kyoto Dragon Box Signed FUKU Round Dragon Box Signed FUKU Small Chinese Dragon Vase Meiji Archaic 'Great Ming' Mark Black and White Daisy Vase Signed THE GREAT MING Black and White Daisy Vase Signed THE GREAT MING Small Chinese Dragon Vase Meiji Archaic 'Great Ming' Mark Large Dragon Vase Meiji 1890 Ming Signed Large Dragon Vase Meiji 1890 Signed Ming Trumpet Handled Meiji Ming Signed Vase Elegant Early Meiji Vase Signed GREAT MING	Japan Bowl Early Ho Birds Signed GREAT MING Japan Bowl Early Ho Birds Signed GREAT MING White Early FangHu Vase FUKU Mark White Early Fanghu Vase FUKU Mark 1870 Busy Peacock Design Plate Signed 'Great Ming" Busy Peacock Plate Signed 'Great Ming' Orange Version Floral Vase Signed GREAT MING Orange Version Floral Vase Signed GREAT MING Fancy Scholar's Desk Box 1890 Meiji Signed FUKU Fancy Scholar's Desk Box 1890 Meiji Signed FUKU Mixed Wire Footed Bowl Signed FUKU Mixed Wire Footed Bowl Signed FUKU Lotus Censer Fuku Symbols Signed FUKU Early Meiji Lotus Censer FUKU Symbols Signed FUKU Mark Elegant Early Meiji Vase Signed GREAT MING Mark	Chinese Style Bronze Dish Mandarin Hat MING COPY Chinese Style Bronze Dish Mandarin Hat MING COPY Yellow Lotus Motif Jar 1860 Japanese FUKU signed Japanese jar note Chinese lotus form decorations Rare Japan FUKU Bowl Signed Elaborate Ming Mark Rare Japan FUKU Bowl Signed Elaborate Ming Mark Reptile Handle Taoist Vase Archaic 'Great Ming' Mark 1880 Reptile Handle Taoist Vase Archaic 'Great Ming' Mark Early Floral Censer Archaic 'Great Ming' Mark Early Floral Censer Archaic 'Great Ming' Mark High Chinese Influence Vase Archaic Great Ming Mark High Chinese Influence Vase Archaic Great Ming Mark

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