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, Le Bronze Errant Coree, is a faithful reworking of the larger version known by the same title. It is surprising that Jacoulet elected to rework such an intricate design, as the fine lines throughout the design as well as the silver mica embellishments in the background, 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 on 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. 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 displayed them with the original larger-size designs. Regardless, these surimono works are stunning woodblock prints suitable for the novice or seasoned collector.