<b>CHAGRIN D'AMOUR: KUSAI</b> / Paul Jacoulet1948$550</em>
ARTIST: Paul Jacoulet (1896–1960)
TITLE: Chagrin d’Amour: Kusai
EDITION: Surimono Postcard
MEDIUM: Woodblock print
DATE: c. 1948
DIMENSIONS: 6 1/4 x 4 3/8 inches
CONDITION: Excellent—no problems to note
LITERATURE: Miles, Richard, Prints of Paul Jacoulet
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$550.00
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Details
In 1948, Jacoulet produced a series of postcard-size prints he described as surimono. These prints were faithful reworkings of his designs but on a much smaller scale. Jacoulet selected the designs to be reworked based on their popularity at the time.
This design, Chagrin d'Amour: Kusai, is a faithful reworking of the larger version known by the same title. It is surprising that Jacoulet elected to rework such an intricate composition, as the fine lines and intricately printed colors throughout the design would have certainly posed an immense challenge to Jacoulet's woodblock print carvers and printers. Despite the many pitfalls in the production, the impressions of his surimono work compare quite favorably with Jacoulet's main body of work, as these designs in miniature illustrate all the intricacies and printing embellishments found in the larger works.
Connoisseur's Note
Jacoulet initiated his surimono prints in 1948 and continued their production for a short period. It's unknown how many impressions were made as they were not as popular as his regular-sized prints. Regardless, these surimono works are stunning woodblock prints suitable for novice or seasoned collectors. Over the years, these prints' desirability has surged, and they are now quite sought after by collectors. Due to the high production standards of Jacoulet's team of artisans, these surimono are often acquired by collectors who display them with the original larger-sized designs.
