Maikio by Sadanobu Hasegawa III (1881-1963)

Title : Kyo- Maikio 京舞妓

Artist : Sadanobu Hasegawa III (1881-1963)

Date : 1940 - 1950

Size :  27.5 cm x 21 cm

Genre : Shin Hanga - Woodblock prints 

Publisher : Uchida Bijutsu Shoshi, Kyoto

Condition : Very good

Available for sale  €250 per print

Delightful Kyoto....

If you walk along the streets of Gion district in Kyoto, we can spot the Geisha and Maiko, beautifully walking among the old Japanese buildings in their iconic style, in Kimono with the big decorative Obi, the fabric around the waist, the white make-up, the sculpture up-style hair. In the city of Kyoto, the traditional culture of Geisha is still well preserved, like a living art.

Geisha vs Maiko....

Many know Geisha as a Japanese professional female entertainer in performing arts. What are the difference between Geisha and Maiko?  Maiko are the apprentice of Geisha, at the age of 17-20 years old. To become a Geisha, the Maiko needs to master all the etiquettes, manners, cultural practices and performing arts, such as Tea Ceremony, Flower Arrangement, Japanese traditional dance. Not only to be able to perform, but they are required to be a fine lady. 

The life of Maiko 

In this series of prints, we can see the delightful Maiko practicing Sado (Tea Ceremony), Ikebana (Flower arrangement), Nihon buyo (Traditional dance) and the new year game of Hanetsuki (Racket game).  The life of Maiko is a hardship go through all the strict training, but they blossom like a beautiful flower as we see in these prints.

Sadanobu Hasegawa III 

Sadanobu Hasegawa III (1881-1963) is the third generation of the Ukiyoe artist. He produced the prints with the original theme of Ukiyo-e from the 17th-19th century,  such as Bijinga (Beautiful ladies - Geisha/Maiko).

Written by Azumi Uchitani, All rights reserved.