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