From Geisha to Diva: The Kimono of Ichimaru
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Kelowna Art Gallery 1315 Water St, Kelowna, British Columbia V1Y 9R3
Kelowna Art Gallery, "From Geisha to Diva: The Kimono of Ichimaru," 2020
exhibition view
From Geisha to Diva: The Kimono of Ichimaru
The word geisha is made up of two characters, gei means ‘art’ or ‘accomplished’ and sha means ‘person.’ Therefore it can be translated as ‘accomplished person’ or ‘person who lives by the arts.’
The fascinating life of Ichimaru (1906-1997), one of the most famous geishas of the 20th Century, is told through this collection of her magnificent kimono and personal effects. The exhibition features 34 kimono, 15 obi, in addition to a number of woodblock prints and paintings. Together, they help to draw the curtains back on the complexities of geishas and the depth of the role they played within Japanese society.
Organized and circulated by the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
Curated by Barry Till, Curator Emeritus of Asian Art.