The Concept of the Chinese Death

СDistinguished by their striking white makeup, elaborate hairstyles

and exquisite examples of traditional kimono, geisha have been a powerfully evocative icon of Japan and

a source of fascination for people around the world since the late nineteenth century. Yet their role as

entertainers and artists has been largely misperceived through the lens of Western culture. From June 25

through September 26, 2004, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco offers an intimate look at the

exclusive world of geisha culture while addressing cultural perceptions of this uniquely Japanese tradition

in the special exhibition Geisha: Beyond the Painted Smile. Featuring some 130 insightful

artworksСincluding paintings, hanging scrolls, woodblock prints, garments, musical instruments,

ceramics, contemporary photographs and video installationsСthe exhibition takes museum visitors on a

journey from the early roots of geisha culture to the present-day teahouses where geisha perform.

ТGeisha have been a source of fascination and fantasy for nearly 250 years, but they have also

been misunderstood and misrepresented,У says Emily Sano, director of the Asian Art Museum. ТThis

exhibition presents the story of the emergence and status of these highly trained womenСboth past and

presentСwhile separating fact from fiction. It is our aim to provide museum visitors the opportunity to

see geisha not only as cultural icons of beauty and allure, but also as real women of tremendous strength,

talents, and dedication.У

Organized by Andrew Maske, the Peabody Essex MuseumХs Curator of Japanese Art, Geisha:

Beyond the Painted Smile is accompanied by a major publication. Related public programs, including

lectures, gallery talks, tea ceremonies, and music performances, will be held in conjunction