LA FONTAINE Jean de - BARBOUTAU Pierre. Choix de fables de La Fontaine illustrées par un groupe des meilleurs artistes de Tokio

Under the direction of Pierre Barboutau, Tokio, E. Flammarion Éditeur. 1894.

Printing of Tsoukidji-Tokio. S. Magata. Director.

2 volumes In-8 of 184x251mm, accordion leaves and bound in Japanese style with 2 green cords. The 2 covers are identical and illustrated in color. They are distinguished by the number of stars on the upper left corner.

Unnumbered edition of the current print run.

Japanese-inspired box in green canvas with bone clasp was custom-designed by the artist Julie Auzillon (https://julieauzillon.com/). It opens in three panels releasing 2 compartments, preserving the volumes as best as possible.

Each volume is composed of 14 fables by La Fontaine illustrated by 14 woodcut prints by Japanese artists met by Pierre Barboutau. Among others, we have Kawa-nabé Kiyo-Soui who illustrates the fable of the Crow and the Fox, Kamo Tono-Nobou for The Frog and the Rat as well as The Rooster and the Pearl, Eda Sad-Shiko for The Rat and the Oyster as well as Kadji-ta Han-ko who did the honor of illustrating The Cicada and the Ant.
The text pages are also decorated with black and white plant and animal motifs.

Pierre Barboutau, the director of this edition, a lover of Japan, an actor in Japonism in France, signs here a most remarkable cultural association.
No one will remain indifferent to this reinterpretation of a monument of French culture by artists whose artistic finesse fascinated an entire generation of Westerners.
Only 350 luxury copies were printed, the total number of prints of the current edition is unknown, but considering all those that are still found today, the print run must have been substantial and continued to interest the general public.

As it is emphasized in the preface, it was difficult for Barboutau to make the meaning of the Fables understood, he did not have a good command of Japanese (Les Peintres populaires du Japon. Pierre Barboutau. 1. VII. https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k1163957w/f5.item), despite everything, the prints accompany the texts very well.

Indeed, in addition to the pleasure of (re)reading La Fontaine's Fables, you will be rewarded each time with an original print of great artistic value.

In addition to the quality of the print, the details, colors and drawing styles will impress neophytes.

Condition: the covers are a little rubbed, the upper left corners of volume 1 and the lower left corners of volume 2 are worn. This type of book being very fragile, these two copies are in remarkable condition compared to what is generally found in stores. Box in perfect condition.