Original Japanese Woodblock Print Paul Jacoulet Hokkan-zan Seoul Korea 18"W

Vintage Japanese woodblock print depicting a scholar smoking a kiseru at Hokkan-zan (北漢山)

Japan, Shōwa period, published 6 December 1937
Image size approx.: 18″W × 23″H (45.7 × 58.4 cm)

This finely printed work by Paul Jacoulet depicts a seated scholar smoking a long kiseru pipe, set against the mountains of Hokkan-zan (北漢山) near Seoul. The figure is rendered with Jacoulet’s characteristic sensitivity to line and color, combining delicate facial modeling with broad, modern color fields and carefully balanced negative space.

A notable technical feature appears in the scholar’s robe, where gauffrage—the French term for blind embossing—is employed to create subtle raised textures in the fabric without the use of pigment. In Japanese printmaking this technique is known as karazuri (空摺) and was used here to suggest the soft folds and tactile weight of the garment, adding quiet dimensionality and visual depth that rewards close viewing.

The palette—soft mineral blues, pale yellows, and saturated reds and greens in the foliage—reflects Jacoulet’s synthesis of Japanese ukiyo-e technique with modern European aesthetics. The composition shows clear influence from Western modernism, particularly in the simplified planes of color and spatial restraint, while remaining grounded in traditional Japanese woodblock craftsmanship.

This print was carved by Maeda and printed by Honda, two of the most accomplished craftsmen working with Jacoulet during the 1930s. The publisher’s red tea-jar seal (茶壺印) is present, confirming an authorized lifetime impression. The subject and setting reflect Jacoulet’s deep engagement with Korea during the Japanese colonial period, a theme central to his early mature work.

Jacoulet produced this design in two editions, each printed on different paper stocks and in different quantities, making edition identification important to collectors. Based on close examination of facial line work, surface embossing (karazuri), and color handling—features known to vary between Jacoulet editions—this impression is most consistent with examples attributed to the earlier, smaller edition.

Condition:
Very good vintage condition with light toning consistent with age. Colors remain fresh and well balanced. No visible losses or repairs.

An important early Shōwa-period work by Paul Jacoulet, combining refined technique, cross-cultural subject matter, and strong collector interest.