Yuriha and Mochi Hana I
Yuriha and Mochi Hana I
“Yuriha and Mochi Hana I” is a portrait of the maiko Yuriha of Gion Kobu in December, with a bright kimono and hair ornaments that herald the coming of the new year. The title of the print alludes to the bright circular balls decorating her kimono, which are called mochi hana in Japanese. The mochi hana pattern is reserved for kimono worn around the start of the year.
This portrait captures a pose from Kyo no Shiki or The Four Seasons of Kyoto. As the title implies, the dance expresses the changes in the seasons in Japan’s ancient capital. Yuriha said of her performance, “There are many gestures representing Inoue-ryu (the style of dance performed only in Gion Kobu), so I like Kyo no Shiki.”
Yuriha also pointed out her unique hair ornaments for the last month of the year. “The names of famous actors performing in December (kabuki at Kyoto’s Minami-za theater) are put on this kanzashi. The red one is written by Tojuro, and the black one is done by Ganjiro.” Tojuro is Sakata Tojuro IV, who passed away in 2020, one year after this portrait was made.
PRINT DETAILS:
‣An Open Edition print created from my original image. Open Edition prints are not signed or numbered.
‣Sizes: 10x14 inches & 18x26 inches
‣Borders: 1-inch
‣Paper: Moab Lasal Exhibition Luster paper (300 gsm) with satin finish
‣Archival Life: 100 years when framed with UV filter glass
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‣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.
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