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Geishas playing the shamisen and koto, Japan, circa 1880s. Date: circa 1880s
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Geishas playing the shamisen and koto, Japan, circa 1880s. Date: circa 1880s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 20954943
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
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This photograph captures a moment in time from the late 1800s in Japan, as two geishas gracefully perform on traditional instruments, the shamisen and koto. The shamisen, a three-stringed instrument played with a plectrum, is held delicately in the left hand of the geisha on the right, while her right hand skillfully plucks the strings. Her companion, seated to the left, deftly plucks the strings of the koto, a 13-stringed zither, with both hands. Their concentration is palpable as they lose themselves in the music, their elegant kimonos adorned with intricate patterns adding to the enchanting scene. The geishas' expressions are serene and focused, their makeup and elaborate hairstyles reflecting the refined beauty and grace expected of them in Japanese culture. The muted colors and soft lighting of the photograph further emphasize the tranquility and artistry of the moment. This image offers a glimpse into the world of geishas during the Meiji period (1868-1912), a time of great cultural and social change in Japan. The geisha tradition, which had been in decline due to the influence of Western culture, experienced a resurgence during this period as it was redefined and romanticized as a symbol of Japanese tradition and beauty. The photograph also serves as a reminder of the rich artistic heritage of Japan and the enduring allure of its cultural traditions, which continue to captivate and inspire people around the world.
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