Antique
Japanese Carved Okimono Geisha
Holding Shamisen
Signed: unsigned. Circa: early 20th
Century H 6.75 in.(17cm), W 2.5 in.(6.3cm), D 1.5 in.(4cm)
Condition: hairlines, minor crack, o.a. good A
geisha stands in a slightly curved pose, the material of her kimono making for
complexly carved through angles and beautifully rounded shapes. While her taiko
obi sports a faint pinkish stain over the stylized chrysanthemum pattern, her
kimono is etched with a sophisticated and realistic chrysanthemum flower, providing
an interesting contrast between the two depictions. Her hair is stained black,
and done in a momoware (split peach) like style. Two tabi wearing feet remain
hidden by the folds of her dress, visible only from the bottom of the piece. The
okimono has a naturally aged gold patina. With only a few hairline cracks, this
older piece is remaining good condition.
Private Collection
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the elongated neck of the shamisen, this working geisha prepares for her performance,
she appears to be mindful... perhaps with the comfort and ease of her clients
at the forefront. Like a guitar but slimmer, the shamisen features strings made
of silk played in a plucking style similar to the banjo. All geisha are trained
in the instrument, and play it as an accompaniment for dance, in both public and
private spaces. In present day Japan, where the role of the geisha has been obscured
by modernization, much of what draws maiko (geisha in training) to the profession
is a desire to learn traditional Japanese music, and thus the tradition continues.
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