<b>TAISHO EARTHQUAKE AND FIRE</b> / 1923<b>SOLD</b></em>

Details

The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, a catastrophic event in Japanese history, profoundly impacted the realms of photography and printmaking. In its aftermath, photographers documented the widespread destruction, capturing haunting images of the devastation and human resilience, reflecting a new era of social consciousness and realism in Japanese photography. The disaster also played a pivotal role in revitalizing traditional woodblock printmaking, inspiring artists to create powerful and emotionally charged prints that depicted the earthquake's aftermath, offering a bridge between the past and present by blending traditional techniques with contemporary subject matter. This seismic event thus left an indelible mark on Japanese art, pushing it towards greater social engagement and a fusion of modern and traditional artistic sensibilities.

This book contains first-hand accounts and various photos and mechanical reproductions of documenting photos of the devastation caused by the earthquake.

Connoisseur's Note

Dozens of publications were produced highlighting the devastation caused by the earthquake and the ensuing fires. As works of ephemera, the vast majority of these publications have been lost to time. This publication is also noteworthy for the striking color illustrations on its front and back covers. Its fine state of preservation makes this publication quite scarce and an important historical artifact.