Shomei Tomatsu - Ruinous Gardens - 1987-1987

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Felipe Abreu
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"Ruinous Gardens" by Shomei Tomatsu, first edition published by PARCO in 1987, a 105-page softback monograph with Japanese and English text, original jacket and Obi, in good condition.

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Description from the seller

Management Number: BOOK-260807-02

Details:
- Title: Ruinous Gardens
- Photographer: Shomei Tomatsu
- Selection and Text: Toshiharu Ito
- Book Design: Hitoshi Suzuki
- Publisher: PARCO Publishing
- Date of Publication: July 10, 1987
- Edition: First Edition, First Printing
- ISBN: 4-89194-150-2
- Language: Japanese and English
- Binding: Softcover with original clear jacket and Obi band
- Pages: 105 pages
- Dimensions: Approx. 25.8 x 21.0 x 1.0 cm
- Number of Items: 1

About the Photographer:
Shomei Tomatsu (1930-2012) was one of the most influential figures in post-war Japanese photography. A key member of the legendary VIVO collective, Tomatsu established an international reputation through his powerful documentary series on post-war Japan, American military bases, Okinawa, and the nuclear legacy of Nagasaki. His work is held in major museum collections worldwide, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Tate Modern, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

About the Text Author:
Toshiharu Ito (born 1953) is a distinguished Japanese art and photographic critic. He has authored numerous authoritative books on visual culture, photography, and contemporary art, and has served as Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University of the Arts.

Description & Condition:
"Ruinous Gardens" is a compelling monograph showcasing Shomei Tomatsu's photography, compiled and featuring commentary by Toshiharu Ito, with book design by Hitoshi Suzuki. Published by PARCO Publishing in 1987, this first printing captures Tomatsu's distinctive vision of urban decay and postwar landscapes.

Condition: Good
- Cover & Jacket: Complete with the original clear plastic jacket and publisher's Obi band. The clear plastic jacket exhibits creasing and minor damage/tears at the top corner near the spine.
- Binding & Pages: The binding shows inner gutter wear and strain. The pages display age-appropriate toning, light foxing, and minor soiling.
- Overall: A well-preserved first edition complete with original jacket and obi, exhibiting normal age-related wear.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
The item will be securely packed for shipment.

Important Notice for International Buyers:
Import duties, import VAT, customs charges, and carrier handling or clearance fees may apply depending on the destination country. These charges are generally the buyer’s responsibility unless they are collected by Catawiki at checkout or paid in advance through the selected shipping method.

For shipments from outside the European Union to an EU address, new customs rules have applied since 1 July 2026. The previous customs duty exemption for goods valued below €150 has been removed. During the transitional period, a flat-rate customs duty of €3 may apply to each distinct tariff category contained in a parcel valued below €150.

The carrier or customs authority may contact the buyer before delivery to request payment or additional information. The parcel may not be released for delivery until the required charges and customs procedures have been completed. Buyers should check the latest rules with their local customs authority before bidding.

Seller's Story

Based in Japan, we source and curate a rotating selection of unique items for collectors worldwide. Our focus shifts based on availability and market trends, currently including vintage items and photo books, but we're always on the lookout for interesting pieces that stand out. Every item is carefully inspected before shipping, and we're happy to answer any questions about condition or provenance.

Management Number: BOOK-260807-02

Details:
- Title: Ruinous Gardens
- Photographer: Shomei Tomatsu
- Selection and Text: Toshiharu Ito
- Book Design: Hitoshi Suzuki
- Publisher: PARCO Publishing
- Date of Publication: July 10, 1987
- Edition: First Edition, First Printing
- ISBN: 4-89194-150-2
- Language: Japanese and English
- Binding: Softcover with original clear jacket and Obi band
- Pages: 105 pages
- Dimensions: Approx. 25.8 x 21.0 x 1.0 cm
- Number of Items: 1

About the Photographer:
Shomei Tomatsu (1930-2012) was one of the most influential figures in post-war Japanese photography. A key member of the legendary VIVO collective, Tomatsu established an international reputation through his powerful documentary series on post-war Japan, American military bases, Okinawa, and the nuclear legacy of Nagasaki. His work is held in major museum collections worldwide, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Tate Modern, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

About the Text Author:
Toshiharu Ito (born 1953) is a distinguished Japanese art and photographic critic. He has authored numerous authoritative books on visual culture, photography, and contemporary art, and has served as Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University of the Arts.

Description & Condition:
"Ruinous Gardens" is a compelling monograph showcasing Shomei Tomatsu's photography, compiled and featuring commentary by Toshiharu Ito, with book design by Hitoshi Suzuki. Published by PARCO Publishing in 1987, this first printing captures Tomatsu's distinctive vision of urban decay and postwar landscapes.

Condition: Good
- Cover & Jacket: Complete with the original clear plastic jacket and publisher's Obi band. The clear plastic jacket exhibits creasing and minor damage/tears at the top corner near the spine.
- Binding & Pages: The binding shows inner gutter wear and strain. The pages display age-appropriate toning, light foxing, and minor soiling.
- Overall: A well-preserved first edition complete with original jacket and obi, exhibiting normal age-related wear.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
The item will be securely packed for shipment.

Important Notice for International Buyers:
Import duties, import VAT, customs charges, and carrier handling or clearance fees may apply depending on the destination country. These charges are generally the buyer’s responsibility unless they are collected by Catawiki at checkout or paid in advance through the selected shipping method.

For shipments from outside the European Union to an EU address, new customs rules have applied since 1 July 2026. The previous customs duty exemption for goods valued below €150 has been removed. During the transitional period, a flat-rate customs duty of €3 may apply to each distinct tariff category contained in a parcel valued below €150.

The carrier or customs authority may contact the buyer before delivery to request payment or additional information. The parcel may not be released for delivery until the required charges and customs procedures have been completed. Buyers should check the latest rules with their local customs authority before bidding.

Seller's Story

Based in Japan, we source and curate a rotating selection of unique items for collectors worldwide. Our focus shifts based on availability and market trends, currently including vintage items and photo books, but we're always on the lookout for interesting pieces that stand out. Every item is carefully inspected before shipping, and we're happy to answer any questions about condition or provenance.

Details

Number of books
1
Subject
Photography
Book title
Ruinous Gardens
Author/ Illustrator
Shomei Tomatsu
Condition
Good
Publication year oldest item
1987
Publication year youngest item
1987
Height
26 cm
Edition
1st Edition
Width
21 cm
Language
Japanese
Original language
Yes
Publisher
PARCO
Binding/ Material
Softback
Number of pages
105
JapanVerified
10
Objects sold
pro

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