Rare Set of Five Dames Chinoises et Madchoues Woodblock Prints Paul Jacoulet

A rare complete suite of five Dames Chinoises et Madchoues, from the Bat Series, created in 1942 by Paul Jacoulet (French, 1896-1960). These woodblock prints (dai-oban) were perhaps the most elaborate and complex design by the artist and also the most expensive and enduring work among his repertoires.
The set comprising: The Confidant (La Confidente); The Bowl of Red Fish (Le Bocal de Poissons Rouges); In the Official Box (Dans la Loge Officielle); The Favorite (La Favorite); and Before the Audience (Avant l'Audience). All from the same edition 141 out of 150.
The prints are attached to the original mats as shown. Each signed in pencil: Paul Jacoulet, with artist's red ink bat seal and seal of the carver Maeda and printer Fuji (under the mat). Each print is marked with edition 141/150 verso and the mat has the hand-written title in French likely by Jacoulet himself.
Provenance:
Property from An American collection, purchased directly from Paul Jacoulet, and thence by descendants. The collector was on assignment in Japan with press credentials post war and became friends with Jacoulet and remained pen pals for life.
Reference: For the extensive writing by Paul Jacoulet on this series, see page 63-65 of The Prints of Paul Jacoulet by Richard Miles. (Plate 81-85).