Paul Jacoulet (1896-1960) was a French-born artist who became one of the few Western printmakers to master the traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique. Born in Paris, he moved to Japan at the age of four. Immersed in Japanese culture from childhood, Jacoulet became fluent in Japanese and developed a deep appreciation for the country's artistic traditions. Following the devastating 1923 Great Kantō earthquake, Jacoulet decided to pursue art professionally, developing a distinctive style that blended Western artistic sensibilities with traditional Japanese techniques.Unlike many Western artists who merely imitated Japanese aesthetics, Jacoulet fully embraced the collaborative ukiyo-e process, working with skilled Japanese carvers and printers to create his woodblock prints. His subjects often featured the people and landscapes of Japan, Korea, China, and the islands of Micronesia, which he visited frequently during his travels throughout the Pacific.Jacoulet's prints are characterized by their exquisite detail, vibrant colors, and sensitive portrayal of his subjects. Jacoulet often incorporated materials like mica, gold, and silver into his prints, creating a distinctive shimmer effect that set his work apart from traditional ukiyo-e. This innovative technique became one of his artistic signatures. He continued creating art until his death in 1960.