Paul Jacoulet -  Born in France, Paul Jacoulet moved to Japan with his parents as a young child. He began creating woodblock prints in 1934, specializing in romantic, exotic portraits, many of which were inspired by his travels in the South Seas. He hired the best carvers and printers to produce his woodblocks, working as his own publisher and personally overseeing each image. Produced in small limited editions, his works were lavishly printed with mica, gold, silver, and powdered semi-precious stones, and some involved up to 300 blocks to create one image. His rare and exquisite shin-hanga designs are highly regarded and prized by collectors.

Comments - Fantastic portrait of an aristocratic Chinese beauty holding a delicately carved jade ornament. She is beautifully adorned with all manner of jade jewelry, including a headband, earrings, and bracelet, plus a broach at her neck and a circlet around the base of her tall hat. The black of her robe and hat creates a bold contrast with the red and rose background of a dragon and graceful, swirling clouds. An incredible image and Jacoulet's most popular print. A terrific choice to collect or display.

French title - Les Jades, Chinoise
English title - Jade Lady, Chinese
Date - February 2, 1940
Signed - Pencil signed Paul Jacoulet in subject at center right, with red artist's "Boat" seal
Carver - Maeda
Printers - Onodera, Fujii
Edition - 350, fewer than 180 impressions

Artist - Paul Jacoulet (1896 - 1960)

Image Size - 15 3/8" x 12 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. A couple small holes in top margin, repaired. Light toning, a few spots, including on face. Please see photos for details.