C. 1920s Striking Real Photo Postcard of a Geisha James willmarth on the bottom

on the bottom

on her feet are suede moccasin boots

And it's a pretty old one I think

There is damage to one side of the piece

It was purchased from an estate sale that included a wonderful collection of mid-century and contemporary ceramics from Japan

C. 1920s Striking Real Photo Postcard of a Geisha James willmarth on the bottomWith her white painted face, I believe this real photo postcard captures a kabuki actress playing a geisha, late 1910s early 1920s. I find the image really striking, between her side cast gaze, the manner in which she holds the sleeve of her kimono stretched before her like a mask, the pattern of the textile itself, and the plain, seams showing context in which photographed, perhaps at the corner of a stage. Gorgeously rich tonal range and black