Paul Jacoulet Japanese Woodblock Print Le Tabouret De Porcelaine Chinese Woman
Item History & Price
PAUL JACOULET (1896 -1960) Original woodblock print. Pencil signed with red barrel / hammer / bundle / good luck sealImage size approx 14" wide x 18 1/2" highTITLE: "Le Tabouret de Porcelaine" DATE: 1936PAUL JACOULET (#33) Woodblock Print, "LeTabouret de Porcelaine. Mandchoukuo. (The Porcelain Garden Seat). Signed inpencil lower right above the seal.Image depicts a confident seated figure dressed in aflamboyant costume seated on a porcelain Lion Dog stool. Understated... blackheaddress. Purple silk jacket and black silk pants with cloud designs andlovely sky blue trim with more traditional designs. Holding a sprig of wisteria behind his / herback. Like many of Jacoulet’s images, this print is enigmatic, portraying a gender neutral subject. The mystery of costume, dress, presence… defines the personality of the subject, regardless of gender.Condition. Good color and impression. Very clean and bright, with no stains, tears, foxing or other damage. Problems - Trimmed and mounted on board with water solubleadhesive. Print number (verso) and edge sealsare not visible without removing mat and backing, and may have been cut awaywhen print was trimmed for framing.Condition note: This was a tough print to photograph. The yellow background is coated with a gloss layer, that separates the background from the subject, creating some glare when photographing. It is another example of Jacoulet's willingness to try new things to make his works truly exceptional.Provenance - From a grouping of four works from a WashingtonDC / San Francisco private collection. Originally framed in a faux bamboo frameunder glass. Frame removed for closerexamination of the print to determine condition. Backing paper labeled “Cohen’sPicture Shop, 1227 G St NW Washington D.C.” Small label at bottom edge with title.Interesting historical note, Cohen’s Popular Price PictureStore was located at 1227 G Street NW, the location of the influential artorganization WPA Washington Project for the Arts, founded in 1975 by AliceDenney. The building was demolished circa1982, and is now the location of Macy’s department store. According to on-line business records, Cohen’swas founded in 1908. Our best guessbased on materials and framing techniques is that the print was framed circa1960. Why the owner and/or framer choseto trim and mount them without preserving the seals is a mystery, and points toignorance regarding the value of the work.Offered by... Williams Gallery West, 40982 Hwy 41, Oakhurst CA 93644
