Scarce JAPAN TODAY A Portfolio Of Sketches WWII Art Book 1945-46 8th US Army
Item Description:
1st LT. Miller, Albert T., T. SGT. Hoffmaster, Paul R., T/4 Wolsky, Milton L., T/4 Mackenzie, Warren, T/SGT Donnelly, Donald, T/3 Cowen, Ben J.
A rare art print book published by the U.S. Army in Yokohama in 1946:
A Portfolio of Sketches, Tokyo-Yokohama Area, 1945-1946 prepared under the direction of the Engineer, Eighth U.S. Army.
From the title page: "Original Paintings by Staff of the Eighth U.S. Army Printing Plant; 1st LT. Albert T. Miller, Commanding; T/SGT Paul R. Hoffmaster; T/4 Milton L. Wolsky; T/4 Warren MacKenzie; T/SGT Donald Donnelly; T/3 Ben J. Cowen." And, from the Foreword by Lieutenant General Robert L. Eichelberger:
Oblong folio. 15 x 10.75 in. [21 leaves (unnumbered).], with colour-illustrated title, colour-illustrated preface, and 24 illustrations (several in colour) tipped-in on 18 leaves, all retaining tissue guards.
Original blue boards, white & black lettering on front cover, punch-sewn in Japanese style at gutter margin w/ white silk braid (minor scuffing, edgewear, some staining to front cover), still a nice copy.
First edition of this well-executed series of brush & ink paintings, watercolours, wash drawings, and ink sketches of occupied Japan following World War II by American G.I. artists. While opening with a decidedly jingoistic preface (no longer the slant-eyed, many-headed, yellow monster. . . bespectacled, buck-toothed enigma. . .) the sketches reveal a quiet sympathy and influence of Japanese art techniques. The artists included Hoffmaster was a longtime commercial artist and illustrator for US News & World Report, National Geographic, and art instructor at the Corcoran School of Art who often contributed covers and illustrations to the Changing Times; MacKenzie (1924-2018) noted American craft potter who was heavily influenced by the aesthetic of Shoji Hamada and Korean ceramics, often referred to as the "Mingei-sota style;" and Wolsky (1916-1981), noted commercial artist who later became noted illustrator with Woman's Home Companion, Collier's, McCall's, Redbook, Esquire, Time, and Life, and noted collector of Modernist art.
Of Milton L. Wolsky there are 9 prints and in the back there are 6 prints (3 prints each page) from both Wolsky and MacKenzie.
During his time in the U. S. Army during World War II, his art training was utilized by the government when he and other illustrators depicted the rebuilding of Japan through pictorial representations.
This portfolio depicts the Engineer soldier meeting this challenge in providing those essential facilities required by the Army in servicing its men and machines. In a large measure, the successful accomplishment of the occupational mission of the Eight Army can be attributed to the effort, ingenuity, and devotion to duty of the individual Engineer soldier."
Army engineers in the immediate postwar months in the Tokyo-Yokohama area, and the incredible damage that affected this part of Japan.
Book measures approximately 10 5/8" x 15" x 9/16".
Photos shown are of the exact item you will receive; see photos for condition details.
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This rare art book, titled JAPAN TODAY A Portfolio Of Sketches, is a fascinating collection of sketches from post-World War II Japan. Created by the 8th US Army, this book offers a unique glimpse into the country's landscape, culture, and people at a time of significant change. The sketches are beautifully rendered and provide a historical window into the era.
The book is in excellent shape and a must-have for collectors of militaria and historical artifacts. It offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history and is sure to be a treasured addition to any collection. Buy it now to own a piece of history!