CONDER (Josiah, 1852-1920, Architect, Best known for his many buildings in Japan)

Fine Autograph Letter Signed to Mrs North sending her "samples of the dyed fibre paper which were supplied to me a few years ago. The undyed stuff can be got through any paperhanger but the dyed is, I believe, only made at a place called Kakegawa in Enshin. It is not cheap. 1 roll about 3 ft. wide and 24 feet long used to cost 3 yen and probably it is dearer now. If I were ordering I should do so through an ordinary 'kyoji ya' (paperhanger) giving him a sample of the colour and telling him to get it, and then trusting to Providence that I got it right and within two of three months! Nothing of the kind is stocked in Japan, and samples simply mean that they can make if you wait! I have never dealt with the makers direct and have only ordered through my paperhanger. I could send him to you if you wish ...", 2 sides 8vo., 25 Mikawadai Machi, Azabu, tokio, 11th May 1908

He was hired by the Meiji Japanese government as a professor of architecture for the Imperial College of Engineering and became architect of Japan's Public Works. He became a part-time lecturer until he set up his own practice in 1888. Some of his former students set up the Architectural Institute of Japan and made Conder its first honorary president. He was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasures (3rd class) in 1894.

Item Date:  0

Stock No:  41587