<b>PHOTOS OF THE AFTERMATH OF THE GREAT KANTO EARTHQUAKE</b> / Unknown c. 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 astonishing album contains 93 black and white photographs illustrating the devastation of the earthquake and the ensuing fires. These photos are not merely shots taken of the destruction--they illustrate the strong artistic eye of a professional photographer, revealing an aesthetic stance while also highlighting the shocking reality of the catastrophe. These photos have not been previously published. Each photograph has been annotated by the photographer in a stylized hand that appears more calligraphic than utilitarian.

Connoisseur's Note

This exceedingly rare album of previously unpublished photography is of important historical importance. The photos not only document the destruction but also serve as a record of the documentarian work produced at the time as well as the artistic response to this tragedy.