IMPERIAL HOTEL BRIEF HISTORY BOOKS BROCHURES CERAMIC DOCUMENTS FABRIC KEYS LABELS LETTERHEADS MAPS MATCHES MENUS MODELS PHOTOGRAPHS POSTCARDS POSTERS SILVERWARE STUDY THERMOMETERS For additional information see our Wright Study on The Imperial Hotel
Imperial Hotel History: In 1887, the Imperial Household along with other public figures took steps to build the first Imperial Hotel. A three story wooden structure opened for business in 1890. This facility proved inadequate. Wright was commissioned and began designs in 1915. (Early preliminary drawings are dated 1913, Renderings, V 12, plate 61 & 62.) Construction began in 1917 and on July 4, 1922 the first section of Wright’s Imperial Hotel opened. In August 1923 the hotel was complete. On September 1, 1923 a major earthquake destroyed Tokyo. The Imperial Hotel stood. A Tribute to Wright. On December 1, 1952 the first annex was opened (top left behind Imperial Hotel). Construction on the second annex (top right behind Imperial Hotel) began on January 21, 1957 and was completed on July 31, 1958. On November 15, 1967 the doors were closed and Wright’s Imperial Hotel was demolished.
THE FIRST IMPERIAL HOTEL, 1890 Imperial Hotel (Hand tinted postcard 1905). The first Imperial Hotel opened for business in November 1890 and was also called Teikoku Hoteru (Imperial Hotel). The 1890 hotel was designed in the French Second Empire style by a Japanese student of the Rokumeikan's architect, Englishman Josiah Condor. This was replaced by the Imperial Hotel that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. On April 16, 1922 this building caught fire and burned to the ground..
BOOKS Date: 1967 Publication: The Wise Bamboo (Published by the Charles E. Tuttle Company, Rutland, Vermont and Tokyo.)
Author: Morris, J. Malcolm
Description: Originally published in 1954. This special edition for sale in Japan, okinawa and Korea only, being a complete and unabridged reproduction of the first American Edition. Six hectic, funny and exciting years as manager of Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel. Portions of this book were first published as an article in "The Saturday Evening Post" 1952 in an article entitled "My Six Fantastic Years at the Imperial Hotel." Original cover price ¥540 or $1.50. (Fourteenth Edition)
Size: 4.75 x 7.1
Pages: 253
S#: 1720.10.0810
Date: 1964 Publication: The Imperial Hotel Story (Soft Cover) (Published by The Imperial Hotel, Japan)
Author: Tiltman, Hessell
Description: (See Sweeney 1814) (First Edition)
Pages: 62
S#: 1571.01.0399
Date: 1970 Publication: The Imperial Hotel Story (Soft Cover) (Published by The Imperial Hotel, Japan)
Author: Tiltman, Hessell
Description: Revised edition. See #1571.01. (Sweeney 1814)
Pages: 80
S#: 1814.00.0800
Date: 1968 Publication: The Imperial Hotel: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Architecture of Unity (Published by the Charles E, Tuttle Company, Inc. Rutalnd, Vermont and Tokyo, Japan) (Hard Cover DJ)
Author: James, Cary
Description: As destruction of Wright’s Imperial Hotel loomed, Cary documents the condition of the structure in 1965. Includes 46 numbered pages of text, 63 photographic plates and six illustrations and floor plans in fold out spreads. Original HC List Price $7.50. Two copies. (First Edition) (Sweeney 1725)
Size: 7.75 x 10.5
Pages: 140
S#: 1725.00.1198, 1725.01.1106
Date: 1988 Publication: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel (Published by Dover Publications, Inc., New York) (Soft Cover)
Author: James, Cary
Description: As destruction of Wright’s Imperial Hotel loomed, Cary documents the condition of the structure in 1965. Includes 46 numbered pages of text, 63 photographic plates and six illustrations and floor plans in fold out spreads. Original SC List Price $7.95. (First Soft Cover Edition)
Size: 8 x 10.5
Pages: 140
ST#: 1988.05.0900
Date: 1972 DJ Publication: Frank Lloyd Wright in Imperial Hotel (Hard Cover - DJ, Boxed slip cover, Custom Cardboard Packing Box)
Author: Akashi, Nobumichi
Description: The most complete photographic record I have seen. Before and during destruction. In Japanese. Boxed slip cover. Original HC List Price ¥18,000. (First Edition) (Sweeney 1882)
Pages: 183
S#: 1882.00.0902
Frank Lloyd Wright in Imperial Hotel (Boxed slip cover 1972) Date: 1973 Publication: America: An Illustrated Diary of Its Most Exciting Years (Hard Cover - DJ)
Author: Wright, Frank Lloyd
Description: Ch. 6: Why the Japanese Earthquake Did Not Destroy the Hotel Imperial. One Chapter by Frank Lloyd Wright, includes six photos. (First Edition)
Pages: Cover 46-55
S#: 1927.01.0402
Date: 1990 Publication: The Imperial. The First 100 Years. 1890 - 1990. (Soft Cover, Dust Jacket) (Copyright by the Imperial Hotel, Ltd. Tokyo. Produced by ADEX Ltd., Japan, Tokyo. Printed by Toppan Printing Company.)
Author: Osano, Masakuni; Inumaru, Ichiro
Description: "The year 1990 marks the one hundredth anniversary of the opening of the Imperial Hotel. Includes a comprehensive history of the pre-Wright Imperial Hotel, the Wright designed Imperial Hotel, the demolition, partial reconstruction and preservation of the Wright Imperial Hotel in the Meiji Mura Architectural Park, and the modern Imperial Hotel. Note: No author is indicated, the forward is written by Masakuni Osano, Chairman of the Board, and Ichiro Inumaru, President and General Manager. (First Edition)
Size: 8.5 x 11
Pages: 316
ST#: 1990.76.0510
Date: 2004 Publication: Tokyo, City and Architecture (Published by Universal Publishing, A division of Rizzoli International Publications, Inc. New York. Originally published in Italy in 2004 by Skira Editore S.p.A., Milano, Italy)
Author: Anonymous
Description: "Tokyo is one of the largest and most complex cities in the world and represents an intriguing proving ground for new ideas on architecture and urbanism. This book presents Tokyo as seen through its growth and design from the 19th century onward with a special focus on highlighting the deep roots of contemporary trends in Tokyo architecture." (Publisher’s description.) One section devoted to Wright’s public work in Japan, including the Imperial Hotel (S.194) and the Jiya Gakuen School (S.213). Includes five photographs and three illustrations (pages 7, 49, 51, 124-134). Original list price $29.95. (First edition)
Size: 6.5 x 8.25
Pages: 249
ST#: 2004.53.1209
Date: 2006 Publication: Burton Holmes Travelogues. The Greatest Travelor of His Time, 1892-1952 (Hard Cover) (Published by Taschen GmbH, Hohenzollernring, Germany)
Author: Holmes, Burton; Edited by Caldwell, Genoa
Description: "In a time before air travel or radio, on the brink of a revolution in photography and film making, Burton Holmes (1870-1958) set upon a lifelong journey to bring the world home. From the grand boulevards of Paris to China’s Great Wall, from the first modern Olympics in Athens to the 1906 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Holmes delighted in finding ‘the beautiful way around the world’ and made a career of sharing his stories, photographs, and films with audiences across America." Publisher’s Description. Includes full page photograph of the Imperial Hotel in 1922, page 210-211. Original cover price $59.99. (First edition.)
Size: 12.25 x 10.5
Pages: 368
ST#: 2006.29.1006
BROCHURES Date: 1952 Restaurant Guide Description: Imperial Restaurant Guide. This guide has a photo of the silverware in a place setting. Restaurant Guide: Imperial Hotel. Includes map, color photos of Cafe Terrace, Imperial Viking, Main Dining Room, Grill Room, Prunier Room, Imperial Theater Restaurant, Sukiyaki, Tempura, Phoenix Lounge, Skoal Bar, Garden Bar and the Grill Bar. Gold cover, silver back cover. Printed in 1952 after the opening of the new annex.
Size: 7 1/8" wide x 5" high
Pages: 16
S#: 1952.01.0400
1952 Restaurant Guide (Inside) Left: Detail from image above. (Low quality of photo due to scanning printed photo.)
Detail of Silverware. If you notice the top end of the knife, you will be able to specifically notice the unique shape of the crook at the top of the knife. See photo of silverware. Date: 1953-1956 (#1) Description: (IH Brochure #1) “Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan” Includes four photographs of the Wright designed Imperial Hotel, and three photographs of the first annex completed 1953, built directly behind Wright’s building, but before construction on the second annex began in 1957.
Size: 16 x 9.5 folded to 4 x 9.5
Pages: 8
S#: 1205.24.0407
1953-6 Back (#1) 1953-6 Front (#1)
1953-1956 Flap (#1)
1953-1956 Inside (#1)
Date: 1953-1956 (#1) Description: Imperial Hotel Price Guide. Accompanied brochure. Rice Paper.
Size: 3.75 x 7.75
Pages: 1
S#: 1205.25.0407
Date: 1957 Description: Imperial Hotel Directory of Services Imperial Hotel Directory includes Restaurants, Bars, Services, and a color foldout layout of the motel.
Pages: 20
S#: 1205.23.0205
- Imperial Hotel Directory Map Foldout
Date: 1958-1960 (#2) Description: (IH Brochure #2) “Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan”. Includes two photographs of the Wright designed Imperial Hotel, and five photographs of the two new buildings completed 1958, built directly behind Wright’s building.
Size: 16 x 9.5 folded to 4 x 9.5
Pages: 8
S#: 1205.21.0105
1958-60 Back (#2) 1958-60 Front (#2)
1958-1960 Flap (#2)
1958-1960 Inside (#2) Date: 1958-1960 (#2) Description: Imperial Hotel Price Guide Imperial Hotel Accompanied brochure. Rice Paper.
Size: 3.75 x 7.75
Pages: 2
S#: 1205.22.0105
Date: 1960-1962 (#3) Description: (IH Brochure #3) “Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan” Includes two photographs of the Wright designed Imperial Hotel, and five photographs of the two new buildings completed 1958, built directly behind Wright’s building.
Size: 16 x 9.5 folded to 4 x 9.5
Pages: 8
S#: 1259.12.0307
1960-62 Back (#3) 1960-62 Front (#3)
1960-1962 Flap (#3)
1960-1962 Inside (#3)
Date: 1960-1962 (#3) Description: Imperial Hotel Price Guide Accompanied brochure. Rice Paper.
Size: 3.75 x 7.75
Pages: 1
S#: 1259.13.0307
Date: 1963-1964 (#4) Description: (IH Brochure #4) “Imperial Hotel Tokyo”. Imperial Hotel Brochure. Front & Back Cover has an illustration with gold ink. Inside has two photographs of the original Wright Building and seven of the new buildings. Includes Price Guide.
Size: 16 x 9.5 folded to 4 x 9.5
Pages: 8
S#: 1565.20.1007
1963-1964 Back (#4) 1963-1964 Front (#4)
1963-1964 Flap (#4)
1963-1964 Inside (#4)
Date: 1963-1964 (#4) Description: Imperial Hotel Price Guide. Left side in Japanese, right side in English. Was includes with Brochure. Rice paper,
Size: 7.5 x 8.5 folded to 4 x 8.5
Pages: 2
S#: 1565.21.1007
Date: 1965 (#5) Publication:
Author:
Description: (IH Brochure #5) “Imperial Hotel Tokyo” Imperial Hotel Imperial Hotel Brochure. Front & Back Cover has an illustration with gold ink. Inside has one illustration of original Wright Building and seven of the two new buildings. Includes Price Guide. "...the Imperial's 75-year history..." This would date this brochure at 1965.
Size: 16 x 9 folded to 4 x 9
Pages: 8
1965 Back (#5) 1965 Front (#5)
1965 Flap (#5)
1965 Inside (#5)
Date: 1965 (#5) Description: Imperial Hotel Price Guide Imperial Hotel Left side in Japanese, right side in English. Was includes with Brochure. Rice paper,
Size: 7.5 x 8.5 folded to 4 x 8.5
Pages: 2
S#: 1377.31.0400
CERAMIC Date: 1990 Description: Imperial Hotel Tea Service. 1990. "The commission for the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan, c. 1912-1923 (demolished 1968) provided Wright with the opportunity to create a total unified design that included all the decorative details, from the furnishings and carpets to ceramics and silver. For the hotel’s main dining room, the porcelain china was rimmed with an elegant checkerboard pattern of matt and gilt gold. Wright also utilized the motif for the windows, which had narrow bands of gold-leaf checkerboard alternating with clear glass. Our china is fine white porcelain with 22 karat gold detail. Made in Japan." (Manufacturer’s Description). Includes Tea Pot and four Cups and Saucers. Produced by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
ST#: 1990.81.1010
Detail of the Imperial Hotel Tea Pot. The china was rimmed with an elegant checkerboard pattern of matt and gilt gold. The Monogram incorporates a thin "IH" within the hanging checkerboard pattern. Wright also utilized the motif for the windows, which had narrow bands of gold-leaf checkerboard alternating with clear glass. Fine white porcelain with 22 karat gold detail. Detail of the Imperial Hotel Saucer. The china was rimmed with an elegant checkerboard pattern of matt and gilt gold. The Monogram incorporates a thin "IH" within the hanging checkerboard pattern. Wright also utilized the motif for the windows, which had narrow bands of gold-leaf checkerboard alternating with clear glass. Fine white porcelain with 22 karat gold detail. Detail of the identification mark on the bottom of the Imperial Hotel Tea Pot. Fine white porcelain with 22 karat gold detail. Date: 2000 Description: Imperial Hotel Cup & Saucer, Noritake, Frank Lloyd Wright Collection
ST#: 2000.21.1202
DOCUMENTS Date: 1956 Description: Imperial Hotel Receipt - 6/20/1956
Size: 6 x 7
Pages: 1
S#: 1956.00.0904
- Detail of Imperial Hotel Illustration
Date: 1958 Description: Imperial Hotel Christmas Card. Front: Metal etched or stamped plate, hand tinted or plated (4.5 x 3), mounted to a decorative cloth backing (7 x 5). Text printed on Rice paper. Text on back: “With Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.” T. Inumara, President. Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan. 1958-1959.
Size: Plate: 4.5 x 3; Framed: 7.5 x 5.5
Pages: 2
S#: 1377.24.0406
Front
Back
FABRIC Date: Circa 2000 Title: Imperial Hotel Handkerchief from the Meiji-Mura Village Museum.
Description: The Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, was completed in 1923, and demolished in 1967. The Entrance and Lobby were dismantled and moved to the Meiji-Mura Architectural Park where it is on display. It reopened in March, 1976.
Size: 16.5 x 16.5
ST#: 2000.63.0611
HOTEL KEY Date: Circa 1923 Description: Original Imperial Hotel Key for Room #52
S#: 1923.00.0600
LABELS Date: 1920s Description: Imperial Hotel Luggage Label, 1920s (Printed by The Imperial Hotel)
Size: 4.5 x 4.5
S#: 0228.04.0305
Date: Circa 1930s Description:
1) Imperial Hotel Luggage Labels (15 Labels) (5.25 X 3")
2) Imperial Hotel Luggage Labels (2 Large (5.25 X 3"), 3 Small (4 X 2.4")
3) Imperial Hotel Luggage Sticker (5.25 X 3")S#: 1) 1930.15.1299
S#: 2) 1930.05.0400
S#: 3) 1930.01.1199Date: 1930s (Triangle) Description:
1) Imperial Hotel Luggage Label (Triangle - Large 5" Long) Red & Black
2) Imperial Hotel Luggage Label (Triangle - Small 4 1/8" Long) Red & BlackS#: 1) 1930.01.0400
S#: 2) 1930.01.0500
LETTERHEADS Date: Circa 1930s Description: Imperial Hotel Letterhead
S#: 1930.00.0400
Date: Circa 1957 Description: Imperial Hotel Letterhead. Part of a package which included Brochure, Price list, 11 Letterhead plus a few other items. Rice paper.
Size: 11 x 6.75 folded to 5.5 x 6.75
S#: 1957.02.0105
MAPS Date: 1947 escription: Imperial Hotel. Very large Map of Tokyo, Printed by the Imperial Hotel in 1947. It also offers additional information.
S#: 1947.00.0501
MATCHES Date: Imperial Hotel Match Box, Tel #(591) Description: Imperial Hotel Match Box, Tel #(591) 3141 (Theatre Restaurant) (Cardboard Box) (Date Unknown)
Size: 2.25 x 1.5
S#: 0000.00.0200
Date: Imperial Hotel Match Box, Tel #(59) 3151 Description: Imperial Hotel Match Box, Tel #(59) 3151 (Wooden Box) (Date Unknown)
Size: 2.25 x 1.5
S#: 0000.00.0606
- Imperial Hotel Match Box, Tel #(59) 3151 (Back)
Date: Date Unknown Description: Imperial Hotel Match Box, Cardboard Box, Wooden sticks. "IH" logo on front and back. Side: Tel. Tokyo 504-1111. (Two Copies)
Size: 1.5 x 2.25
S#: 1458.38.0501, 1458.39.0511
MENUS Date: 1946 Description: Imperial Hotel Dinner Menu, Jan 23, 1946
S#: 1946.00.1001
Date: 3-6-1955 Description: Imperial Hotel Wine List, Dated 3-6-1955. Wine list including two maps of the Bordeaux and Burgundy areas. 20 Pages including Cover.
S#: 1955.00.0602
MODELS Date: 30's Truck Description: Imperial Hotel Model 30's Truck, Manufactured by Lledo (#4308 of 7500) (Not Dated)
S#: 0000.00.0600
PHOTOGRAPHS Date: Circa 1930 Description: Imperial Hotel, Circa 1930s. Front View with reflecting pool in the foreground. Part of a set of at lease seven images. This is image number seven. Acquired from Japan, and was part of a scrap book.
Size: Original 3.8 x 2.7 B&W print
S#: 0249.22.1110
Date: 1945 Description: Imperial Hotel, 1945. Photographed after the end of the war, while the Americans occupies the Imperial Hotel. The Imperial Hotel resumed normal business on April 1, 1952.
Size: 6 x 4.5
S#: 0647.03.0307
Date: Circa 1945 Description: Imperial Hotel, Circa 1945. Pool, Entry and Lobby. Photographed after the end of the war, while the Americans occupied the Imperial Hotel. The Imperial Hotel resumed normal business on April 1, 1952. Possibly produced as a postcard, but it is not printed on the back. It is the same size other RPPCs produced during that time period. It could have possibly been part of a Souvenir Pack. Gift from Randolph C. Henning. To order "At Taliesin".
Size: 5.3 x 3.3
S#: 0647.11.0109
Date: 1946 Description: Imperial Hotel. Package of eight photographs one of which is the Imperial Hotel, including envelope. Verify date through other photographs, Ernie Pyle Theater. Photographed after the end of the war, while the Americans occupies the Imperial Hotel. The Imperial Hotel resumed normal business on April 1, 1952.
Size: 4.75 x 3.2
S#: 0685.03.0107Imperial Hotel 1946 Envelope Date: 1946 Description: Imperial Hotel. Package of eight hand tinted photographs one of which is the Imperial Hotel, including envelope, (Published by Fukuda Hobundo, Yokohama, Japan) Verify date through other photographs, Ernie Pyle Theater used by Allied Personnel. Photographed after the end of the war, while the Americans occupies the Imperial Hotel. The Imperial Hotel resumed normal business on April 1, 1952.
Size: 4.25 x 2.9
S#: 0685.04.1007Imperial Hotel Hand Tinted 1946 Envelope Date: 1946 Description: “Souvenir Views of Tokyo. Selected Photographs, Coloured By Hand.” Package of eight hand tinted photographs one of which is the Imperial Hotel, including envelope, 1946. Verify date through other photographs, Ernie Pyle Theater used by Allied Personnel. Photographed after the end of the war, while the Americans occupies the Imperial Hotel. The Imperial Hotel resumed normal business on April 1, 1952
Size: 4.25 x 2.9
S#: 0685.05.1007
Imperial Hotel 1946 Envelope Date: 1959 Description: Imperial Hotel and the Guggenheim Museum 1959 (two photographs). Caption: "(NY15-April 9) Wright Structures - Two of the late architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s structural designs are exemplified in Tokyo’s famed Imperial Hotel and the still uncompleted Guggenheim Museum on New York’s upper Fifth Avenue. Wright, who died today in Phoenix at the age of 89, designed the Tokyo hotel 40 years ago as an earthquake-proof building to withstand the frequent seismological disturbances. The museum, built to house the Solomon Guggenheim collection of priceless modern art, has excited considerable comments - both criticism and praise. (AP Wire photo)" Stamped on verso: "April 9, 10:16pm and April 10, 1959. Associated Press Wirephoto." Acquired from the archives of The Baltimore Sun.
Size: Original 10 x 8 B&W print.
S#: 1377.41.0910; 1377.42.0910
- Detail Imperial Hotel 1959
Date: 1998 Title: Fallingwater. "Frank Lloyd Wright. A film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick."
Description: Photograph includes Fallingwater, Imperial Hotel, S.C. Johnson Wax Company Administration Building, Unity Temple. Label on verso: Frank Lloyd Wright. A film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings: (top left) Fallingwater in Bear Run, Pennsylvania; (top right) the Imperial Hotel in Japan which has since been demolished; (bottom left) the S.C. Johnson Wax Company Administration Building in Racine, Wisconsin; (bottom right) and the Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois, are examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. The brilliant and controversial architect, who revolutionized American architect, is the subject of a new film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novack. ‘Frank Lloyd Wright’, which interweaves Wright’s extraordinary career with his equally tempestuous personal life, will be broadcast on PBS as a ‘General Motors Mark of Excellence Presentation, "Tuesday, Nov, 10 and Wednesday, Nov, 11, 1998. Photo credits: Fallingwater, Courtesy of James Reber and the Frank Lloyd Wright Archives. Imperial Hotel, S.C. Johnson and Unity Temple, Courtesy of the Frank Lloyd Wright Archives." Stamped on verso: "Nov 1998".
Size: Original 10 x 8 B&W photograph. Individual images 4.75 x 3.
ST#: 1998.67.1011
POSTCARDS Date: 1922 Description: “Imperial Hotel, Tokyo” Front View of reflecting pool. July 4, 1922, the first section of the Imperial Hotel opened. August 1923 the hotel complete. This is a very early image, possibly before completion. The sculptures on either side of the reflecting pool have not been installed, as well as the spires atop the towers of the entry way. I believe this to be an early hand tinted collotype printing process or photogravure. This printing process was used with postcards until the late twenties. Back: “Union Postale, Universelle. Carte Postale.”
Size: 5.5 x 3.6
S#: 0147.01.0807
Date: C 1922-23 Description: "The Imperial Hotel, Tokyo" C1922-23. Front View of reflecting pool. July 4, 1922, the first section of the Imperial Hotel opened. August 1923 the hotel complete. This is a very early image. Same style and back as S.0147.01. The sculptures on either side of the reflecting pool have been installed, but the Sphere Sculptures above the Entrance have been removed. I believe this to be an early hand tinted collotype printing process or photogravure. This printing process was used with postcards until the late twenties. Back: "Union Postale, Universelle. Carte Postale.".
Size: 5.5 x 3.6.
S#: 0147.04.0611
Date: C 1922-23 Description: "Teikoku Hotel, Tokyo" C1922-23. Front View with reflecting pool. On July 4, 1922, the first section of the Imperial Hotel opened. August 1923 the hotel was complete. This is a very early image. The sculptures on either side of the reflecting pool have been installed, as well as the spires atop the towers of the entry way. But it is missing the two taller sphere sculptures that are set higher and further back above the entry way. I believe this to be an early hand tinted collotype printing process or photogravure. This printing process was used with postcards until the late twenties. Back: "Carte Postale. Postkarte - Cartolina Postale - Post Card. OTKPbITOE IINCbMO. Made in Japan."
Size: 5.5 x 3.6.
S#: 0156.09.1110
Date: Circa 1923 Description: "Imperial Hotel, Tokyo" C1923. Front View of reflecting pool. July 4, 1922, the first section of the Imperial Hotel opened. August 1923 the hotel was completed. This is a very early image, the growth of the landscaping around the reflecting pool is consistent with the 1922 view. But it is missing the two taller "Sphere Sculptures" that are set higher and further back above the entry way. I believe this to be an early collotype printing process or photogravure. This printing process was used with postcards until the late twenties. Back: "Union Postale, Universelle. Carte Postale." and is exactly the same as the 1922. 5.5 x 3.6. Gift from Randolph C. Henning.
S#: Size: 0156.05.0809
Date: Circa 1923 Description: "Imperial Hotel Auditorium (Theater), Tokyo" Circa 1923. View of seating and balconies. July 4, 1922, the first section of the Imperial Hotel opened. August 1923 the hotel was completed. This is a very early image, as Wright intended. The two taller sphere sculptures and large vases were removed as well as later renovations. These "Sphere Sculptures" match the two that appeared briefly above the main entryway, (See Sphere Sculpture note). Back: "Post Card. Correspondence. Address. Postage. ½ Sen Domesic. 8 Sen Foreign."
Size: 5.5 x 3.65
S#: 0156.08.0710
Date: Circa 1923 Description: "Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan" C1923. View of Bedroom Suite. July 4, 1922, the first section of the Imperial Hotel opened. August 1923 the hotel was completed. This is a very early image, as Wright intended. Of interest are the prairie styled elements seen in the furniture and trim. The tall lamp is reminiscent of the one Wright designed for the Hollyhock House Living Room. Part of a set of early color postcards. Published at the same time as 156.08 and 156.12. Back: "Post Card. Correspondence. Address...."
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0156.11.0511
Date: Circa 1923 Description: "Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan" C1923. View from North Bridge of inner Court Garden and Pool in the foreground. The Main Dining Room is on the far right. Part of a set of early color postcards. Published at the same time as 156.08 and 156.11. Back: "Post Card. Correspondence. Address. Postage. 1½ Sen Domestic. 8 Sen Foreign."
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0156.12.0511
Date: Circa 1923 Description: "Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan," C1923. View of seating and balconies. On August 1923 the hotel was completed. This is a very early image, which includes the two taller sphere sculptures and large vases in the balcony, as Wright intended. The two taller sphere sculptures and large vases were removed, possibly due to fears of damage from earthquakes. These "Sphere Sculptures" match the two that appeared briefly above the main entryway. (See Sphere Sculpture note). Back: "Post Card." Postal square includes three overlapping letters. "T O S CO." (Real photo postcard.)
Size: 5.25 x 3.3
S#: 0156.10.0311
Note: Detail of the left and right sphere sculptures and large vases that were removed, possibly due to fears of damage from earthquakes. These "Sphere Sculptures" match the two that appeared briefly above the main entryway. (See Sphere Sculpture note).
Date: September 1, 1923 Description: Imperial Hotel
Date: 1923 Description: PC Imperial Hotel (1923) Imperial Hotel (Front View) (Real photo PC) This is one of just a few photographs that include the two taller "Sphere Sculptures" that are set higher and further back above the entry way. They are not visible in the 1922 postcard, and are not seen in later postcards or images. What remains on the top of the left column are the two spheres that are actually part of he column itself. Each side is different. There was a matching set in the front of the balcony inside the Theatre. They are visible in a number of photographs and drawings in "Frank Lloyd Wright in Imperial Hotel" Akashi, 1972, pages 170-171, 190-191, 202, 215, 219, 271, 287, 335. All that is visible in Cary James' "The Imperial Hotel" 1968, are the remnants of the two spheres that are part of he column itself (Plate 10). Both sets were removed, the set at the Entry and the set in the Theatre. One possible explanation is that they were damaged or fell during the earthquake, or because of their height, the fear that they might fall.
Size: 3.25 x 5.5
S#: 1920.03.0405
1923 Front View Detail of Sphere Sculptures
Detail of Left Sphere Sculpture Detail of Right Sphere Sculpture Sphere Sculptures. This is one of just a few photographs that include the two taller "Sphere Sculptures" that are set higher and further back above the entry way. They are not visible in the 1922 postcard, and are not seen in later postcards or images. What remains on the top of the left column are the two spheres that are actually part of he column itself. Each side is different. There was a matching set in the front of the balcony inside the Theatre. They are visible in a number of photographs and drawings in "Frank Lloyd Wright in Imperial Hotel" Akashi, 1972, pages 170-171, 190-191, 202, 215, 219, 271, 287, 335. All that is visible in Cary James' "The Imperial Hotel" 1968, are the remnants of the two spheres that are part of he column itself (Plate 10). Both sets were removed, the set at the Entry and the set in the Theatre. One possible explanation is that they were damaged or fell during the earthquake, or because of their height, the fear that they might fall. Date: 1920's Description: PC Imperial Hotel (1920's) Imperial Hotel (Peacock Alley) (Real photo)
Size: 3.25 x 5.5
S#: 1920.04.0405
Date: 1926 Description: "Imperial Hotel, Tokyo Japan." Postcard Cover for set of four postcards (Next four postcards). (Note, have verified date as 1926.)
S#: 0531.06.0107
Date: 1926 Description: "Peacock Alley, Imperial Hotel, Tokyo." (Part of set of four.) Not dated. (Two cards, one is part of the set of four.)
Size: 5.375 x 3.3
Pages:
S#: 0531.07.0107, 0531.05.0602
Date: 1926 Description: "Imperial Hotel, Tokyo" (Exterior Main Building). (Part of set of four.) Not dated.
Size: 5.375 x 3.3
S#: 0531.09.0107
Date: 1926 Description: "Main Dining Hall, Imperial Hotel, Tokyo." (Part of set of four.) Not dated. (Two copies)
Size: 5.375 x 3.3
S#: 0531.08.0107, 0531.17.0307
Date: 1926 Description: "Imperial Hotel, Tokyo" (Exterior Wing). (Part of set of four.) Not dated. I have seen this same image as a Real Photo PC which I would date in the 1920's. (Two cards, one is part of the set of four.)
Size: 5.375 x 3.3
S#: 0531.10.0107, 0531.04.1006Date: 1927 Description: "Imperial Hotel, Tokyo" C1927. Front View with reflecting pool. The two taller sphere sculptures that are set higher and further back above the entry way are missing. Hand written of face: "Feb 21 - 28". Back: "Post Card. Correspondence. Address.". Postmarked Feb 22, 1928
Size: 5.25 x 3.4
S#: 0198.05.1110
Date: 1930 Description: "Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan. (Japanese characters)" Front View of reflecting pool. Circa 1930. Back: "Post Card. Correspondence. Address. Postage, 1 ½ Sen Domestic, 6 Sen Foreign. (Japanese characters left and right.)" Very similar to S#300.04, but an earlier date. Concrete panel in foreground has not been added. Missing the two taller "Sphere Sculptures" that are set higher and further back above the entry way. Printed with a standard four-color dot pattern. Very unusual paper not seen on other postcards. When magnified, the front side has small uneven round indents or impressions pressed into the surface, giving it a canvas look when reflecting light on the surface. Have verified 1935 PM.
Size: 5.6 x 3.6
S#: 0249.06.0402
Same image as postcard below, but slight differences to the postcard. Japanese characters on the front bottom right are positioned differently. Very unusual paper not seen on other postcards. When magnified, the front side has small uneven round indents or impressions pressed into the surface, giving it a canvas look when reflecting light on the surface. This version has Japanese characters on the left and right side on the back. Date: 1930 Description: "Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan. (Japanese characters)" Front View of reflecting pool. Circa 1930. Back: "Post Card. Correspondence. Address. Postage, 1 ½ Sen Domestic, 6 Sen Foreign. (This version missing Japanese characters left and right.)" Very similar to S#300.04, but an earlier date. Concrete panel in foreground has not been added. Missing the two taller "Sphere Sculptures" that are set higher and further back above the entry way. Printed with a standard four-color dot pattern. Very unusual paper not seen on other postcards. When magnified, the front side has small uneven raised embossed squiggles on the surface, giving it a canvas look when reflecting light on the surface. Have verified 1935 PM.
Size: 5.6 x 3.6
S#: 0249.19.1209
Same image as postcard above, but slight differences to the postcard. Japanese characters on the front bottom right are positioned differently. Very unusual paper not seen on other postcards. When magnified, the front side has small uneven raised embossed squiggles on the surface, giving it a canvas look when reflecting light on the surface. This version does not have Japanese characters on the left and right side on the back. Date: C 1930 Description: "Imperial Hotel (Greater Tokyo)." Circa 1930. View of front pool and entrance. Of interest is the lamp post in the foreground, on the left side. Not seen in the early postcards, it appeared in the 1930s. Verso: Top left: Paragraph in Japanese. Right: "Post Card". Within stamp box: Globe, "Made in Japan". Five Japanese characters down the right side.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0249.23.0611
Date: C 1930s Description: "The Imperial Hotel, Tokyo" Circa1930s. View from North Bridge of inner Court Garden. The Main Dining Room is on the far right. Refer to 0156.12 (C1923) and 0531.09 (1926). Awning has been removed, lower right. Verso: "B54". Real Photo Postcard or possibly part of a photo package. Gift from Randolph C. Henning.
Size: 5.8 x 3.5
S#: 0249.25.1111
Date: Circa 1930 Description: Koshien Hotel by Arata Endo, Circa 1930. "Koshien Hotel (Midway between Osaka-Kobe), Koshien Hyogoken Japan." Arata Endo was Wright's assistant on the Imperial Hotel. The Koshien Hotel was designed in 1930 and was commissioned by the former Imperial Hotel manager Aisaku Hayashi. Gift from Randolph C. Henning.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0249.18.0809
- (L to R) John Lloyd Wright, Arata Endō, Frank Lloyd Wright and
- Aisaku Hayashi Circa 1917
Date: Circa 1931 Description: "Imperial Hotel Tokyo Japan. (Japanese characters.)" Front View of reflecting pool. Circa 1931. Back: "Post Card. Correspondence. Address. Postage, 1 ½ Sen Domestic, 6 Sen Foreign." Very similar to S#249.06, but at a later date. Concrete panel in foreground has been added. Missing the two taller "Sphere Sculptures" that are set higher and further back above the entry way. Printed with a standard four-color dot pattern. Have verified 1931 PM. Gift from Randolph C. Henning.
Size: 5.6 x 3.6.
S#: 0300.04.0809
Date: Circa 1940 Description: "Imperial Hotel, Tokyo" C1940s. Front View, cars in drive. Design printed on right side. Hand tinted B&W image, but printed in four-color dot pattern. Back: "Post Card.". Acquired from Japan.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 0531.27.1110
Date: 1950s Description: Imperial Hotel of Tokyo. Part of a set of eight post cards of Tokyo. “Inperial” typo. (1950 Ford in foreground.)
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
0831.08.0506
Date: 1950 Description: "Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan". Circa 1950. View of front pool and entrance. Short bamboo fence in foreground. Possibly American flags flying above either side of the entrance. The car on the far left appears to be a 1950 Ford, see 831.08. Verso: "Post Card, Correspondence, Address.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5.
S#: 0831.23.0611
Date: Circa 1958 Description: "Main Building Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan." Front View across reflecting pool. Circa 1958. Back: "Post Card. Imperial Hotel Correspondence. Cable Address "Impho" Tokyo. Address.
Size: 5.7 x 4.1
S#: 1259.16.1209Date: 1958 Description: "Imperial Hotel" C1958. Front View, reflecting pool in foreground. 1958 Annex (second) can be seen in the background above the roof line. Printing process on face is one I have never seen before. It is not a collotype or photogravure, but almost a mix of the photogravure and a diagonal hatch mark process. Back: "Post Card.". Stamp box has illustration of the Eiffel Tower (Paris). Acquired from Japan
Size: 5.5 x 3.5
S#: 1259.20.1110
Date: 1960s Description: Imperial Hotel (1960s) “Main Building” (Three copies)
Size: 5.6 x 4
S#: 1458.12.0400, 1458.13.0400, 1458.14.0400
Date: 1960s Description: Imperial Hotel (1960s) “Bird’s-Eye View” (Three copies)
Size: 5.6 x 4
S#: 1458.15.0400, 1458.16.0400, 1458.17.0400
1960s Bird’s-Eye View
POSTERS Date: 1969 Publication: Films on Burnham, Sullivan, Wright, Mies, van derRohe & The Imperial Hotel. June 22-26, 1969. Film Festival at Fullerton Hall, Art Institute of Chicago.
Author: A.I.A. Chicago Chapter and The Art Institute of Chicago
Description: Two films on Wright. “Frank Lloyd Wright” and “The Imperial Hotel, Tokyo - 1921 to 1967".
Size: 11 x 11
Pages: 1
S#: 1803.02.0606
SILVERWARE Date: 1937 - 1964 Description: Imperial Hotel Silverware. 26 Pieces. Dated from 1937 with the last piece dated 1964. The logo and date are stamped on the back of each piece of silverware. According to Thomas A. Heinz in The Vision of Frank Lloyd Wright: A complete guide to the designs of an architectural genius., page 412, there are no known examples in drawings or in actuality of any silver sets of knives, forks and spoons made for the hotel or other locations. If you take a look at the Imperial Hotel Restaurant Guide Detail, you will be able to specifically notice the unique shape of the crooked end of the knife. This silverware was purchased this from a woman who picked it up at a garage sale in New Jersey. Additional information on The Imperial Hotel Silverware...
The Imperial Hotel silverware collection is comprised of 26 pieces. From left to right. 1) Two butter knives. 2) Three salad forks. 3) Four forks. 4) Four large knives. 5) One small knife. 6) Four soup spoons. 7) Three spoons. 8) Four dessert spoons. 9) One sugar spoon.
S#: 1937.26.1200
- Back of Silverware.
- Each piece has the Imperial Hotel Logo and is dated
For additional information on The Imperial Hotel Silverware see our Wright Study.
THERMOMETERS Date: 1950-60's Description: Imperial Hotel Thermometer 1950-60's, (No Date)
Size: 1 5/8 x 9 1/4"
S#: 1960.02.0303
HOME ARTIFACTS AUDIO BOOKS PERIODICALS PHOTOS POSTCARDS POSTERS STAMPS STUDIES ASSISTING COLLECTING
SEARCH WEB SITE To donate or pass on information, comments or questions: info@wrightlibrary.com ©Copyright 2001, 2012
