Three Titles on Japanese Modernist Architecture

Collection of three slim volumes collecting architectural projects and competition entries regarding housing and post-war reconstruction. Octavos (10 x 7 inches). Original printed cardstock wrappers. Some toning and chipping to covers, light scattered toning and foxing to interiors, one volume with a small Japanese stamp to front cover, one with a small area of dampstaining at bottom of volume, overall good. Tokyo: various publishers, 1934-1949. This collection comprises:
- Kenchiku Gakkai. Jutaku Kenchiku Kensho Sekkei Zuanshu. Tokyo: Kenchiku Gakkai, 1934. Brief introductory text followed by 40 pp. of plates depicting award-winning designs for residential architecture. This collection of drawings is a compendium of the best of many proposals which were submitted in accordance with the "housing" theme of the Kenchiku Gakkai's annual architectural exhibition. Almost all were created by young architects. Starting in 1929, the Kenchiku Gakkai organized an exhibition to showcase the work of its members. This volume was compiled and edited by Mikitaro Takasugi. The 40 pages of plates showcase designs in various modes including views, floor plans, elevations, and sections.

- Tanabe, Yasushi (editor). Shinjidai Jutaku Zushu. Tokyo: Shokokusha, 1947. 64 pp. of illustrations depicting projects by 19 young architects in whom the publisher has "the greatest confidence", with the goal of this volume being used in the reconstruction of the new Japan. The images include façades, floor plans, interiors, and elevations.

- Jutaku Sekkei Sakuhinshu: Kensho Tosen. Tokyo: Shokokusha, 1949. Brief introductory text preceding approximately 55 pp. of illustrations depicting award-winning residential designs entered in a competition for post-ward reconstruction, submitted by architects from all over Japan. The illustrations include ground plans, façades, mock-ups, elevations, and interior views.

A scarce collection of works on Japanese domestic architecture; as of December 2024, OCLC locates two of these works in only one North American library each, and one volume only at the National Diet Library. (Inventory #: 53363)