Jean Cocteau - L’Aigle à Deux Têtes - Original Japanese B2 First Release Poster – 1953

Rare original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s first Japanese release on 24 June 1953.

A remarkable example of early post-war Japanese cinema advertising, produced for the original Japanese release of Jean Cocteau’s L’Aigle à Deux Têtes (The Eagle Has Two Heads), released in Japan under the title 双頭の鷲.

Directed by the celebrated French poet, artist and filmmaker Jean Cocteau, this 1948 film stars Edwige Feuillère, Jean Marais, Silvia Monfort, Jean Debucourt and Jacques Varennes.

Adapted from Cocteau’s own stage play, the film tells the story of a widowed queen and Stanislas, an anarchist poet sent to assassinate her. Their encounter transforms political intrigue into an intense and tragic romance.

Exceptional Japanese graphic design

This original 1953 B2 poster features a magnificent Japanese photomontage, combining French theatrical elegance with the dramatic visual language of Japanese cinema advertising.

The original French title appears across the upper section in crimson lettering, while the monumental Japanese title dominates the lower composition in bold white characters.

At the centre, a dramatic close-up captures Jean Marais and Edwige Feuillère in an intimate moment.

The composition also incorporates an elaborate court scene in the upper left, a standing portrait of Jean Marais in the lower right and a striking horseman vignette in the lower left.

Traditional Japanese vertical typography runs along the right margin, while the original Japanese distributor’s credit, 新外映配給 (Shin Gaiei), remains visible at the bottom.

The result is a particularly sophisticated example of the Japanese reinterpretation of European cinema during the early 1950s.

Historical and collector significance

This poster represents the film’s first Japanese theatrical release in 1953, rather than a later reissue.

Its appeal extends across several collecting fields:

* Original Japanese film posters from the 1950s
* Jean Cocteau and Jean Marais memorabilia
* Classic French and European cinema
* Post-war Japanese graphic design
* Vintage photographic and typographic poster art

The combination of its historical context, distinctive artwork and original Japanese release makes it a compelling collectible.

Condition and conservation

Original vintage poster, approximately 73 years old.

The poster shows genuine signs of age and historical use, including creasing, several tears, minor edge wear and age-related discolouration. Staining and additional signs of ageing are visible on the reverse.

The tears, particularly those affecting the large Japanese lettering in the lower section, have been carefully stabilised on the reverse using acid-free, water-reversible conservation repair tape.

These repairs were carried out to stabilise the original paper. The tape can be removed with water, and the poster has not been linen-backed.

The tears and repairs remain visible and are fully documented in the accompanying photographs.

Despite its age and imperfections, the poster retains its strong photographic composition, striking typography and impressive display presence.

Please examine all photographs, including the close-up views and reverse, for an accurate assessment of its condition.

Details

Film: L’Aigle à Deux Têtes / The Eagle Has Two Heads
Japanese title: 双頭の鷲
Director: Jean Cocteau
Original film release: 1948
Japanese theatrical release: 24 June 1953
Country: Japan
Edition: First Japanese theatrical release
Format: Japanese B2 – approximately 51.5 × 72.8 cm
Period: 1953
Type: Original theatrical advertising poster
Backing: Unbacked, with reversible repairs

An evocative piece of French cinema history interpreted through the artistic language of 1950s Japan — an original first-release poster of considerable visual and historical interest.

The poster will be carefully protected, gently rolled and shipped in a strong, rigid, crush-resistant postal tube to ensure safe transportation.