Japan: Land, People, Art, Culture, and Industry by Tatsuo Shibata, 3 Volumes

Japan: Land and People, Art and Culture, Industry by Tatsuo Shibata

First Edition, First Printing, 1964

Rare Complete Set – Clamshell Box with Ivory Clasps and 3 Volumes

Featuring Photography by Shihachi Fujimoto, Ken Domon, Yoshio Watanabe, Shoji Ueda, Taikichi Irie, Jun Miki, Kiyoshi Sonobe, Yasuhiro Ishimoto, and Many Others.

Exceptional Condition

This is a very rare and beautiful production entitled, “Japan: Land and People, Art and Culture, Industry” published by the Japanese Government in 1964 to introduce Japan to the English speaking world. The author was Tatsuo Shibata and the art director for the project was Hiromu Hara, the very famous editorial designer of “The Front Magazine”. Each volume in the set has a brief historical essay followed by numerous large photographs. The photography in the 3 volumes is spectacular and features the work of photographers who in later years would produce some of the greatest photobooks ever published. The set consists of three books which are housed in an elegantly designed folding clamshell box with ivory clasps. The three books in the set are:

Japan : Art and Culture (Red Cloth Book)
Japan : Industry (Blue Cloth Book)
Japan : Land and People (Yellow Cloth Book)

Measuring approximately 14” x 10.5”, the books are bound in cloth covered boards with each volume being a different color. The overall condition of the set is Near FINE+ with minimal wear to the books and clamshell box. The label on the clamshell box has some puckering. Overall, this is an exceptional copy of a very rare title that showcases the early work of some of the greatest photographers of the past 50 years.  

Photographs of the clamshell box, the books, and several photographs contained in the books appear below. Please note that although the photographs appear digitized as thumbnails, they are viewable in the photo viewer by running your mouse over the thumbnail.