Japanese Antique "Geiko and Maiko" Woman of Art and Apprentice

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Description

I purchased this captivating "Geiko and Maiko", Woman of Art and Apprentice, many years ago in an Asian Antiquities store … Read more I purchased this captivating "Geiko and Maiko", Woman of Art and Apprentice, many years ago in an Asian Antiquities store in San Francisco that deals in high-end, fine art and and rare Asian antiques. This is a one-of-a-kind treasure - there is no other which makes it all the more coveted and valuable.

The "Geiko and Maiko" offered in this listing is ephemeral and delicate. In Japanese a Geiko is a woman of art, while a Maiko is an art apprentice. This extraordinary piece is painted on Washi (handmade Japanese paper) which is a highly durable, fibrous handmade paper crafted from natural plant materials like kozo (mulberry), mitsumata, and hemp. Washi handles multiple layers of heavy mineral pigments and watery sumi ink without buckling, warping, or rotting over centuries. Visually apparent is the artistry and mastery of detail in this piece, which is unsurpassed. This is breathtaking Japanese artwork at its best. The light brush strokes captivate a fascinating era in Japanese history. The kimonos and saris are beautifully illustrated while faces of the geiko and maiko are each flawlessly soft and beautiful. This is an antique of the highest quality, signed and stamped by the artist. I wish I could translate the name and meaning for you but I do not possess the talent to do so. Sorry for the reflection off of the protective glass. This is a difficult piece to capture with photography. Sadly, my photography skills do not fully represent the ethereal beauty and translucent delicacy of this piece.

Please note: Along with "Geiko and Maiko: Woman of Art and Apprentice", I also purchased the accompanying painting "Beppin With Wagasa", Refined Beauty with Parasol. For your review and consideration it is the last photograph in this listing. Each item is exquisite singly; but, are dynamically beautiful when paired together. Both are available in my shop. If purchased as a set there is a 25% discount. Please contact me via shop email if you are interested in purchasing both items. I See less