With the typical horizontal and vertical center folds, a small paper loss at the extreme right sheet tip, a short crease in the black area of the central figure's right sleeve, otherwise in very fine condition with strong, fresh colors linen backed. Toulouse-Lautrec drew Divan Japonais on stone at the studio of Edward Ancourt in January 1893, but he had been working on the theme since the previous year. It was to mark the opening of the café-concert of the same name in the Rue des Martyrs. Exploring the vogue for Japanese style and taste the cafe was decorated with oriental themes and furnished with lacquer work. Unfortunately, despite an initial success with Yvette Guilbert, it only remained open for some six months. In the composition Yvette Guilbert can be seen in the background with her characteristic elbow length black gloves bathed in yellow light, but the figure in the audience in the foreground is Jane Avril whose beauty, style and amazing red hair weretaking Paris by storm. The man accompanying her is Edouard Dujardin, a Wagnerian critic. The inclusion of these figures was intended to illustrate the exclusive nature of the establishment and its celebrity clientele. Lautrec used a deliberately Japanese atmosphere in his treatment of the bold silhouette and space to create perhaps the most famous image in his graphic oeuvre.

Commissioned by Ed. Fournier, owner of Divan Japonais; printed by Edward Ancourt, Paris, with his credit line on the stone lower right.

Signed on the stone with the artist's script signature lower right T-Lautrec.

A fine impression of the only state.

Bibliography: Delteil 341; Adhémar 11; Wittrock P11; Adriani 8

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