Photo Albums of the Design and Construction of the Soviet Embassy in Japan

Chertok, Isaac

Published by n.p., [Japan], 1955

About this Item

Chronological and beautifully unified photo album detailing the construction and interior design of the now-lost Soviet embassy in Tokyo. Built during the tenure of Alexander Antonovich Troyanovsky as head of mission in Japan, the new embassy was designed to be earthquake-resistant, its concrete foundation set on a site on Mamiana Hill in the center of Tokyo. This album offers a look at the technicalities of building a new concrete structure during a period in Japanese history when heavy machinery was sometimes operated by men wearing hanten coats and pith helmets. The 24 larger format photos show interior (16) and exterior (7) views of the building as it was near or at completion, as well as an architectural model of the embassy. The smaller format photos that introduce the album depict the earlier stages of construction, including laying the foundation, building the main structure, and laying roof tiles. The clean lines and open spaces of the new embassy combine pre-Stalinist Soviet architecture with Art Deco and Japanese architectural leitmotifs (reminiscent of and likely influenced by the Japanese work of Frank Lloyd Wright). Isaac Chertok (1889-1964), chief builder and architect for the embassy, is visible in several photographs supervising and observing construction. Chertok had worked as chief builder for the Ministry of Trade in Moscow before joining the embassy staff in Tokyo in the late 1920s. When a visiting Soviet official warned him that he was to be arrested and sent to Gulag as a Japanese spy should he return home to the Soviet Union, he fled to Palestine and subsequently emigrated to the United States. Also present here is a smaller album of and other assorted personal documents from Chertok's time in Japan, as well as his later life. Chertok's Soviet Embassy was largely destroyed during American air raids the spring of 1945 (a remaining portion was demolished after the Japanese surrender). An important record of a lost architectural landmark, the building's ambitious ultramodern design reflecting the political optimism of the early years of the Soviet and Showa eras. 2.5'' x 2.25'' to 8.5'' x 11'' (loose photographs and portfolios); 6.25'' x 8'' (one album); 11'' x 13'' (another album). Main album: original brown cloth boards, string-bound. 192 small and 6 larger black-and-white photographs tipped onto black paper; 15 photographs apparently perished. One large portrait, with names of those pictured, loosely laid in. [30] leaves. Second album: original floral cloth boards, string-bound. 51 black-and-white photographs tipped onto black paper; eight have come loose. [24] leaves. Also included: 10 stiff card studio portfolios with black-and-white photographs, two identical. 42 loose black-and-white photographs and photo postcards, some written on, including six copies of one group photo in various orientations and sizes; one loose color photograph, plus other assorted personal documents. Albums with mild to moderate edgewear and occasional chipping. Photos with occasional residue to rear from removal from album; studio portfolios with some edgewear and occasional cracking. Overall clean and bright. 2.5'' x 2.25'' to 8.5'' x 11'' (loose photographs and portfolios); 6.25'' x 8'' (one album); 11'' x.

Seller Inventory # 47136

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Photo Albums of the Design and Construction of the Soviet Embassy in Japan
• Publisher: n.p., [Japan]
• Publication Date: 1955
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Very good plus overall.
• Seller catalogs:
  • Japan
  • Architecture & Design