The Works of Iwamiya Takeji: Beauty and Shapes

Takeji Iwamiya (1920–1989) is notable for his depiction of Japanese gardens, architecture, temples, and traditional crafts. A master photographer of the Showa era, he left behind an expansive archive of images. As a young man, Iwamiya joined the Tanpei Photography Club in Osaka and learned the basic skills of taking pictures. After serving in mainland China during the Pacific War, he returned to Osaka in 1945 and started a photo shop.

More than 400 images were selected for this monograph, establishing Iwamiya as one of Japan’s greatest post-war photographers. He is said to be the first to truly fathom the intrinsic beauty of Japanese culture after the desolation of the war.

[publishers’ note]