 okyo, July 25 (Special Correspondence)—A type of architecture new not only to Japan but to the
world has been brought to life here in Tokyo by Frank Lloyd Wright, Chicago architect, who designed the new Imperial Hotel which takes the place of the old building recently burned down. Every far eastern traveler was acquainted with the hostlery that was destroyed, for it formed the hub of social life in Japan.
One would be safe in saying that. there is not another structure in the world that could be compared to the new hotel, for the architect has worked both ancient arid modern types of expression into the great mass of brick, stone and steel. Most modern buildings in Tokyo are bald imitations from American architecture; but Mr. Wright has tried to create a building that would typify the Far East, yet would be conveniently and practically modern. He has worked Western, Japanese and even a bit old Egyptian architecture into one mass, and the surprise of it all is its uncommon unity. The brick building is trimmed with native lava rock and green copper, with the interior finished exactly like the exterior. Where woodwork would be used inside, he has used this peculiar lava rock, and Japanese craftsmen have carved it into every utility.
What strikes one most about the building—and every foreigner stands in mute admiration of it—is the mass of details it represents, yet every detail conforming into a graceful oneness. Mr. Wright has worked for seven years, and has designed every detail including the magnificent Chinese rugs, murals decorations, and intricate lighting system that lends a subdued Oriental atmosphere, and even the designs on the silver and China ware.
The building, or one wing of it, to be exact, was rushed to completion it order to accommodate Secretary of Navy Denby and the party of graduates of 1881 of Annapolis, who held their annual class reunion a short time ago in Tokyo. Even though the hotel was but partly finished, and service and other comforts had to be quickly organized, the Denby party was impressed by such a structure. One does, not expect to find such modern comfort in Japan, yet once it is seen it does not jar one’s sensibilities as to what should be Oriental.
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