Mid 20th Century Japanese Woodblock Print Une Histoire Tres Drole by Paul Jacoulet

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A Japanese Woodblock print by Paul Jacoulet (French, 1896-1960) entitled Une Histoire Tres Drole, Mongols (A Very Funny Story, Mongols). … Read more A Japanese Woodblock print by Paul Jacoulet (French, 1896-1960) entitled Une Histoire Tres Drole, Mongols (A Very Funny Story, Mongols). Created in 1949, based on an earlier painting from 1935 called "A Dirty Story", this is a narrative print that was much admired for its humors caught in a fleeting moment. Grey and silver mica powder provide a background where the silouette of a pavilion indicates the twilight time of the day. Urushi was prominently used for the hairs as well as the boots of the listener. The composition is an unusually dimensional, reflecting a western perspective in the original painting.
This print was carved by Maeda and printed by Uchiwaka, whose seals are on the lower right margin. Signed in plate by the artist and stamped with his red Ivy seal. It was marked 289/350 verso indicating that it belongs to the second edition of 350, although in reality less than 150 impressions were made. The image size is 11.75" x 15.5". Visible JP watermark in the paper on the margin
It should be noted that Jacoulet did not pulled the prints in the order of his edition number due to his complicated and eccentric numbering system.
Reference: No 105 "The Prints of Paul Jacoulet: A Complete Illustrated Catalog by Richard Miles.

An eccentric artist of his time, Paul Jacoulet was born in France but lived most his life in Japan. He is considered as one of the few western artists who have mastered the art of woodblock printing sufficiently to be recognized in Japan. Largely rooted in traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques and ukiyo-e style, the artist developed a unique and recognizable style infused with his own aesthetic vision and technical approaches that set himself apart from Japanese artists. Nearly all portraits, Jacoulet depicted a wide range of people he encountered in his extensive travelling in the Far East as well as South Pacific. Often in their traditional outfits and surrounded by endogenous flora and props, his models often convey a more western sense of pose, with some directly confronting the viewers. Jacoulet occupies a special place in the world of ukiyo-e, the artist formed a bridge between the East and West. See less