Ebisu, Dieu Du Bonheur Personnifie Par Une Courtisane Du Shimabara. Kyoto, Japon - Paul Jacoulet

A 1941 woodblock print by Paul Jacoulet depicting a Kyoto courtisan as the deity Ebisu, set against a bold yellow background.

Paul Jacoulet, a French artist who lived most of his life in Japan, produced this woodblock print in 1941. The work depicts a courtisan from the Shimabara district of Kyoto, adopting the persona of Ebisu, the Japanese deity of luck and commerce. Traditionally, Ebisu is shown holding a large sea bream, a symbol of good fortune. Jacoulet adapts this iconography by placing the fish in the lap of the figure, who is dressed in elaborate, layered kimono robes.

The composition is defined by a striking, saturated yellow background, which serves to flatten the pictorial space and draw attention to the figure. The artist employs a refined line quality, typical of the Shin-hanga movement, which sought to revitalise traditional ukiyo-e techniques through modern sensibilities. The courtisan is adorned with numerous hairpins, and her expression is one of serene detachment. The fish is rendered with soft, pinkish tones, contrasting with the bold yellow field and the red accents of the garment.

Jacoulet was known for his meticulous approach to printmaking, often collaborating with master carvers and printers to achieve a high level of detail. This print is part of his broader exploration of Japanese cultural archetypes, filtered through his unique perspective as a Westerner deeply immersed in the local aesthetic. The background features subtle, ghost-like patterns of traditional motifs, adding a layer of visual texture without distracting from the central subject. This piece demonstrates the technical precision and stylistic synthesis that defined Jacoulet's career, bridging the gap between historical Japanese art forms and twentieth-century printmaking practices.