Mid 20th Century Japanese Woodblock Print 159 Les Lotus Noir, Chine by Paul Jacoulet

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A Japanese Woodblock print by Paul Jacoulet (French, 1896-1960) entitled Les Lotus Noir (Black Lotus Chinese). Created in 1959, this … Read more A Japanese Woodblock print by Paul Jacoulet (French, 1896-1960) entitled Les Lotus Noir (Black Lotus Chinese). Created in 1959, this is the most popular and recognizable print by the artist. It depicts a Manchurian Man holding an opium pipe.
This print was marked in plate by Jacoulet's signature and the Peony seal. On the right lower margin, is the carver Maeda / Honda and printer Onodera's seal. Bottom right margin is the printed title.
Framed, the image size is 11.75" x 15.5". and the frame size is 25.5" x 22".
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 159 "The Prints of Paul Jacoulet: A Complete Illustrated Catalog by Richard Miles.
Provenance: The Collection of Lucille Arnold Blanch, friend of Paul Jacoulet, and thence by descendants.

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