Paul jacoulet biography

Paul Jacoulet, a French-born artist who grew up in Japan, is known for his exceptional Japanese woodblock prints. His works fuse traditional ukiyo-e techniques with innovative methods he pioneered himself. Paul Jacoulet’s prints are renowned for their fine quality, with each piece often involving up to 60 individual blocks, demonstrating his mastery of the woodblock printmaking process.

Biography of Paul Jacoulet

Paul Jacoulet was born in Paris in (although some sources suggest ) and passed away on March 9, At just four years old, Jacoulet moved to Japan with his mother, while his father worked as a professor at Tokyo University. Despite fragile health during his early years, Paul showed a natural talent for drawing, music, and languages, becoming fluent in Japanese, French, and English.

His passion for art began at the age of eleven, leading him to pursue a career in painting.

In , Paul Jacoulet began working as an interpreter for the French Embassy in Tokyo. During this time, he developed a strong fascination for Japanese culture and became a regular at Noh and Kabuki theaters, further deepening his connection to Japan’s traditional arts.

In Paul Gauguin's Footsteps

In , Jacoulet traveled to the South Seas, where he sketched and photographed a variety of scenes that would later inspire his woodblock print designs. His travels also took him to Korea, Manchuria, and Japan, where he gained a rich source of material for his prints. Jacoulet’s works typically feature portraits of people, capturing them either in small groups or as individuals, with a style that evolved from realism in the pre-war period to more imaginative and colorful depictions in the post-war years.

Paul jacoulet biography wikipedia Want to know when art works by Paul Jacoulet are in our auctions? Pouh-zan, Coree. Jacoulet's creative period was from to Paul Jacoulet is famous for his intricate and luxurious woodblock prints, which often incorporated embossing, lacquers, mica, and metal pigments.

Despite some critical reception questioning his portrayal of a lost South Seas world, Jacoulet remained confident in his artistic vision, continuing to produce prints that would earn him fame worldwide.

Paul Jacoulet created his first woodblock print in , collaborating with highly skilled engravers and printers.

His prints were known for their technical precision, which required working only with the finest carvers and printers.

Jacoulet self-published his prints using a subscription model, with the number of prints produced determined by the number of subscribers.

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This method ensured that each of his prints remained rare and highly collectible.

Difficult Times during World War II

During World War II, the market for foreign art in Japan suffered as many Westerners left the country, and demand for Japanese art imports declined. This left Paul Jacoulet with limited opportunities to sell his work.

Despite these hardships, Jacoulet chose to stay in Japan, relocating to the countryside in Karuizawa.

Paul jacoulet woodblock print: Auction Calendar. He died in from diabetes. Jacoulet developed a profound interest in the arts from an early age. The British Museum.

There, he survived by growing vegetables and selling poultry on the black market, demonstrating his resilience during challenging times.

The Japanese Frenchman of the Woodblock Print

Paul Jacoulet is famous for his intricate and luxurious woodblock prints, which often incorporated embossing, lacquers, mica, and metal pigments.

He also experimented with innovative materials like powdered semi-precious stones, creating works of exceptional richness and texture. Jacoulet's choice of paper also set him apart, as he used special watermarked papers from Kyoto rather than traditional washi paper, adding another layer of exclusivity to his prints.

While Jacoulet once claimed to have used up to blocks for some of his prints, this is likely an exaggeration.

According to one of his assistants, up to 60 blocks were used in some designs, which is still an impressive number.

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Paul jacoulet prints

His prints typically feature a large format, further highlighting the intricate details of his work.

There are known Paul Jacoulet prints, making each one a rare and valuable collector's item.

Paul Jacoulet’s work gained international recognition after World War II, with collectors including high-profile figures like General Douglas MacArthur, Greta Garbo, Pope Pius XII, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Some sources suggest that Jacoulet sent unsolicited prints to these celebrities in an effort to increase his visibility and boost sales.

In his later years, Jacoulet adopted eccentric habits, including wearing kimonos, applying makeup, and powdering his lips.

Paul jacoulet biography Jacoulet refrained from collaborating with print publishers, and there is little documentation of significant interactions with fellow woodblock artists. Toggle the table of contents. Shin Hanga Masterpieces. Both novice and seasoned collectors are advised to prioritize the condition of these prints, as it significantly influences their value.

These behaviors, while acceptable in the post-cultural revolution era of the s, seemed out of place in post-war Japan under US occupation.

Despite his declining health, Jacoulet continued to create woodblock prints until his death in at the age of 58, succumbing to diabetes.

Collecting Paul Jacoulet Prints

Paul Jacoulet’s woodblock prints have remained highly sought after, with prices ranging from US$1, to 3, for prints in good condition.

Factors influencing price include the print's condition and subject matter. Notable works such as the Parisian Lady from have sold for upwards of US$25, at auction, reflecting their enduring appeal to collectors.

In recent years, prices for Jacoulet prints have declined somewhat, though many prints still fetch high prices at auction.

The s and s saw a surge in popularity for Jacoulet’s prints as office and home decor, which led to an influx of "consumer prints" that are now found on the market in various conditions, ranging from acceptable to severely damaged.

Paul jacoulet biography death These prints are indeed authentic works by the artist. Title The Gamblers - Chinese. French printmaker — He is considered one of the few western artists to have mastered the art of woodblock printing sufficiently to be recognized in Japan.

In , some prints by Jacoulet appeared without signatures or numbering, which are believed to have come from printer hoards. While prints lacking these features are not common, the occurrence of counterfeit Jacoulet prints is unlikely due to the considerable effort required to replicate his style and the limited demand for forgeries.

The Prints of Paul Jacoulet, by Richard Miles

A comprehensive catalog of Paul Jacoulet's complete works, titled "The Prints of Paul Jacoulet" by Richard Miles, provides invaluable insight into the artist’s oeuvre. Published by Robert G. Sawyers, ISBN: , this catalog is currently out of print but can still be found through antique book dealers online, typically priced around $ (as of ).

For collectors of Paul Jacoulet prints, this catalog is an essential resource, containing a concise biography of the artist, detailed illustrations of all his prints, and a table listing the various seals Jacoulet used. Though not a coffee table book, it is a must-have reference for anyone interested in Jacoulet's works.

Woodblock Prints by Paul Jacoulet from our Archive

All images are from our archive of sold Japanese prints.

Paul jacoulet prints for sale The war drove him from Tokyo to the mountain resort of Karuizawa where he adopted a child and lived for the rest of his life. In the years following his death, it became fashionable to adorn offices or private residences with Jacoulet prints. Despite these hardships, Jacoulet chose to stay in Japan, relocating to the countryside in Karuizawa. He also achieved some recognition in his lifetime including an exhibit sponsored by the US Fifth Air Force in according to Time magazine.

Author:
Dieter Wanczura, revised by AI
First Publication: 3/11/
Latest Update: 11/22/

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