There are 650 incredible illustrations in Book Cover Design in Japan 1910-40, which is currently selling for up to $400 online, but thankfully the rare book maestro behind website 50 Watts has uncovered a copy to share with us. The most-wanted title is in Japanese only, but if you’re not up to par on East Asian dialects, fear not. You’ll only need your eyes in this instance, and our gallery past the break proves why. The colorful, bold, early 20th-century artworks show a range of typography and illustration styles, from modernist-savvy reads to children’s periodicals. In many cases, they are indistinguishable from contemporary designs. Click through for a closer look, and visit 50 Watts for more gorgeous, vintage, Japanese magazine covers.
Courtesy of 50 Watts
Courtesy of 50 Watts
Courtesy of 50 Watts
Courtesy of 50 Watts
Courtesy of 50 Watts
Courtesy of 50 Watts
Courtesy of 50 Watts
Courtesy of 50 Watts
Courtesy of 50 Watts
Courtesy of 50 Watts