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Geisha: A Photographic History, 18721912,Used
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Japanese geisha and courtesans intrigue and fascinate Westerners. During the midnineteenth century, Japan opened its doors to the world and became an essential destination for travelers. Tourists desired images of landscapes and traditional Japanese culture, which Japanese photographers provided. They created souvenir albums consisting of handcolored photographs individually chosen by the tourist. Many are so beautifully painted that they challenge modern sensibilities familiar with color photography. The photographic conventions were inspired by the aesthetics of the noted colored woodblock print medium of ukiyoe and the privately published surimono. These works depicted the floating worldcourtesans, geisha, and entertainmentswhich also were intriguing subject matter for tourists.In the seventeenth century, the social category of entertainer, or more exactly hostess and companion for men, was establishedthe geisha, Japanese for artist. Geisha are professional hostesses who train in the art of pleasing men, by performing traditional dance, playing instruments and singing, and intelligent conversation and humor. They were experts in tea ceremony and all aspects of dining. Their aim was to simulate the ambience and impression of Feudal Japan. It took years for an apprentice geisha (maiko) to learn the art, but the result was wealth, renown, and celebrity.This book, Geisha: A Photographic History, 18801910, documents the intimate life and culture of the nineteenthcentury geisha. It portrays these artists in a cultural reality created by staged studio photography, private scenes, and rare outdoor images. The geisha is pictured performing her daily rituals and various artsbathing, dressing, hair styling, dining, dancing, and playing instruments. Images of courtesans and other working women are presented alongside the geisha to show all sides of this enchanting aspect of Japanese culture.Completing the story are insightful essays on the history of nineteenthcentury Japanese photography, the social history of the geisha, and the history of the opening of Japan.
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