I love Japanese culture. Especially the traditional culture as exemplified in the book, THE MAKIOKA SISTERS, by Junichiro Tanazaki. The geishas were highly educated and cultured, could play the koto and samisen and could engage in a high level of wit and discourse. But they often had to deal with boors, who were not on their level. Yet it was paramount that the geisha always wear a charming mask. As I painted this geisha, circa 1920, she let the mask fall away. And I could see the anger underneath.
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