Photography & Ephemera

[WORLD WAR II]. Important collection of aerial photographs of Japan, including Hiroshima. 1945. 52 aerial photographs, all gelatin prints, comprising: 20 prints approx. 20 x 10”; 27 prints approx. 5 x 7”; and 5 prints 10 x 9 7/8”. Of the largest prints, six are aerial views of Hiroshima dated 11 August 1945, five days after the detonation of an atomic bomb over the city; three depict Kumamoto, Kyushu; four are views of Kyushu in the vicinity of the Amikake and Hikiyama rivers; one view of the Mimitsu railroad over Tsuno River; and others identified with coordinate locations. The medium-size prints depict Izumi, Kadogawa, Kumamoto, and Otake. The smallest prints are generally photographs taken at minimum altitude and show coastlines, bridges and rivers, buildings, residences, and other terrain, taken from bombers, some with rising plumes of smoke and debris visible in frame. Most prints with location, coordinates, and other notations in the negative, some dated (July/August 1945), and many marked “restricted.” Scattered moderate wear including some creases through image, spotting, and old stains. Provenance: Private collection, Chicago, IL; the owner reports that his father was an American serviceman stationed in the Pacific and obtained the prints during the war.