Two Beautiful Geisha

This Ukiyo-e print communicates the longstanding beauty ideals of Japan that originated in the Edo period, which began in the 17th century. Ukiyo-e translates as “pictures of the floating world,” in reference to the ease and pleasure emphasized in Japanese culture during this time period. Rather than highlight individual characteristics, this particular print focuses on more universal ideals – elongated, pale faces, delicate features, and voluminous kimonos. The elaborate hairstyle of the woman holding the lantern, which would have taken hours to create each day, identifies her as a geisha. These women devote their lives to studying and perfecting traditional Japanese forms of entertainment, including singing, dancing, and playing instruments such as the shamisen, or three-stringed lute. They offer their entertainment services at parties, where they perform the role of the ideal Japanese woman: feminine, graceful, and cultured. Perhaps these two geisha are returning home after a long night of entertaining wealthy clients – one holds a lantern to light the way, while the other pulls her kimono closer around herself.