[Architecture. Japanese Imprints]

(Russian Architecture).  Ose, Keishi.  Shin roshi gakan / Siluet novoi Rossi [New Russian Silhouette].  Tokyo: Ars, 7 September 1930



8vo (7 1/2  x  6 3/4 in.; 190 x 172 mm).  Typographically-designed title-page in Russian and Japanese fonts with photographic vignette, text in Japanese, profusely illustrated with photographic images of Russian architects, architecture, views, and documents; light foxing to title-page.  Publisher's boards with vivid designs in red, yellow, blue, and with typographic and photographic elements, blue endpapers; minimal wear, spine slightly faded, some slight soiling.  Publisher's slipcase with photo-collages and typographic design in red and black; some wear, but remarkably well-preserved.

8vo (7 1/2 x 6 3/4 in.; 190 x 172 mm). Typographically-designed title-page in Russian and Japanese fonts with photographic vignette, text in Japanese, profusely illustrated with photographic images of Russian architects, architecture, views, and documents; light foxing to title-page. Publisher's boards with vivid designs in red, yellow, blue, and with typographic and photographic elements, blue endpapers; minimal wear, spine slightly faded, some slight soiling. Publisher's slipcase with photo-collages and typographic design in red and black; some wear, but remarkably well-preserved.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Scarce. A very desirable copy of the book documenting Keishi Ose's trip to the Soviet Union in 1927 to study its architecture.  The outstanding design of the book and slipcase, fusing Russian and Japanese avant-garde elements, is by Onichi Koshiro.  The book and slipcase were printed 3 September 1930 by Miyage Momotaro.

Among the documents reproduced in the book are the letter of recommendation of the Soviet Ambassador to Japan and the Soviet visa issued to Keishi Ose.  The striking red and black frontispiece depicts smokestacks, banners, and fireworks in all their glory over a Russian industrial metropolis.  The Lenin Mausoleum is one of the architectural features on the lower cover of the book.