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c. 1880s Japan - geishas playing musical instruments
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c. 1880s Japan - geishas playing musical instruments
c.1880s Japan - geishas playing the shamisen and koto musical instruments
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Media ID 23418178
© Mary Evans / Pump Park Photography
Geishas Instruments Koto Meiji Negative Occupation Orient Shamisen Albumen Musical
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This photograph, taken in the late 1880s, captures a moment in time as two geishas gracefully perform traditional Japanese music for an esteemed audience. The geishas, dressed in their elegant kimonos, sit cross-legged on tatami mats, holding the intricately designed shamisen and koto musical instruments. The shamisen, a three-stringed instrument played with a plectrum, is held in the left hand of the geisha on the right, while her right hand skillfully plucks the strings. The koto, a 13-stringed zither, is delicately strummed and plucked by the geisha on the left. The setting for this performance is likely a teahouse or a private residence in Japan during the Meiji Era (1868-1912). The Meiji Period marked a significant transition in Japanese history, as the country opened its doors to the Western world and underwent modernization. Despite these changes, traditional Japanese arts, including geisha culture, continued to thrive. Geishas were highly skilled entertainers, trained in various arts such as music, dance, and calligraphy. They were also expected to be knowledgeable in literature, poetry, and tea ceremony. Their primary occupation was to provide entertainment and companionship for their clients, who were often wealthy businessmen, politicians, and members of the imperial court. This photograph is an exquisite example of the rich cultural heritage of Japan during the late 19th century. The albumen print, with its intricate details and vibrant colors, transports us back in time, allowing us to witness a moment of beauty and grace from a bygone era.
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