Mameharu and Sakkō III
Mameharu and Sakkō III
The print “Mameharu and Sakko III” features the maiko Mameharu of Gion Kobu less than a week before she became a geisha in May 2012.
Maiko in Kyoto wear the elaborate sakko hairstyle only in their last weeks, and maiko from Gion Kobu pair sakko with a formal black kimono and an embroidered white collar.
Mameharu’s crane and pine needle hair ornaments are symbols of longevity and good fortune in Japanese culture.
This portrait is featured in my book Now a Geisha, which describes all the stages in a maiko’s transformation into a geisha.
‣An Open Edition print created from my original image. Open Edition prints are not signed or numbered.
‣Sizes: 5 x 7 inches, 10 x 14 inches, & 18 x 26 inches
‣Borders: ½ inch on the 5 x 7 and 1-inch on the two larger options
‣Paper: Moab Lasal Exhibition Luster paper (300 gsm) with satin finish
‣Archival Life: 100 years when framed with UV filter glass
‣Packaging: Your print will be placed in a plastic print sleeve and then carefully rolled and packed in a shipping tube for maximum protection.
‣Shipping: Although I am based in Japan, prints will be shipped from the United States via USPS First Class Mail (2-5 days) or USPS First Class International Mail (2-3 weeks). Prints are shipped unmatted and unframed.
‣Save On Triptychs! Buy all 3 prints in a triptych and save $30 off your order. Use code TRIPTYCH30 when you check out. Offer applies to 10’ x 14’ prints only.
‣Any questions, please visit my FAQ or drop me a line.
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Testimonials:
“The quality is awesome and I can’t wait to have them professionally framed.” P.S. in Australia
“I see Tanewaka every morning when I start my day in my office and she makes me happy.” S.C. in California
“A month or so ago, I put up a photograph that I purchased from John Paul Foster in my small bedroom, and it has given me undeniable pleasure. Foster’s portrait of a geisha against an intense sky-blue background blends in with blue-green walls of the room so much so that it looks like it was meant to be there. And the peacefulness of Foster’s portrait perfectly complements the other portraits of women I have placed on the walls of my room: an edgy etching by a French painter of his muse, an etching by John Sloan of a women working at a desk, and a print of a woman reading, by a painter unknown to me. Foster’s photographs, with their intense colors and moods, are like Japanese woodblock paintings. His women are mysterious and captivating. I am happy to have such beautiful artwork close at hand.” J.L.P. in New York
“Once again, thank you so much for these wonders! It’s so amazing to wake up and evolve around this sight!” S.P. in France
“This is just a quick message to give you some wonderful news: today Mameharu’s print has finally arrived! I could not be happier, it is just perfect.” L.M. in Spain