ASAHI


 

HIROSHIMA--The conceptual drawing of the Atomic Bomb Dome has been discovered, showing the original structure before it was destroyed in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Drawn by the Czech architect Jan Letzel (1880-1925), the watercolor painting of the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall went on display at the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower near the Atomic Bomb Dome on July 24.

“I hope the picture will help viewers imagine the former splendor of the Atomic Bomb Dome,” said Hidekazu Tanaka, 68, chairman of Tanaka Electric Industries Co. here, who donated the painting, at a ceremony held on the same day.

The Atomic Bomb Dome, a symbol of the horrors of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima, was completed in 1915.

 

The conceptual drawing, measuring 87 centimeters by 53 cm, was reportedly painted by Letzel to show the details of his design to the then Hiroshima prefectural governor.

After the hall’s name was changed to the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall in the 1930s, the drawing was on display at the VIP lounge on the building’s second floor.

As the picture was transferred elsewhere by an official of the promotion hall in spring 1944 with Japan involved in fierce fighting during World War II, it was not destroyed in the Aug. 6 atomic bombing the following year.

While a relative of the official had long kept the painting, Tanaka purchased it through an art gallery last year and donated it to the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower in the hopes of “contributing to peace promotion.”