The images that I choose all show a more ornamental side of Japanese culture. This aspect of Japanese culture is their art of flower arranging. A traditional style often thought of as "very Japanese" and is also shown here is Ikebana. The Ikebana style incorporates nature and harmony and is often very minimalistic like those arrangements shown here.
The women shown here arranging are very "geisha" looking, and seem to play up the stereotypical image of Japanese women with their very traditional clothing. They show the women as being very graceful and delicate, much like the flowers they are arranging. The women pictured in the photographs are put on display much as if they themselves were flowers on display. The vivid colors that were added to their garb and makeup add to the illusion of them as flowers.
Also of interest to me is their expressions. All of their gazes are directed down, and they appear demure. Perhaps slightly in thought. Certainly, however, they're not imposing like the Japanese banker.
ReplyDeleteI like how in the first photo, the women are brighter colors than the flowers, then the roles are switched in the second photos. I wonder why that is?
Also there is more pictures of the women performing ikebana than the actual flower arrangements on their own. Ikebana was perhaps considered important because it was a feminine art, analogues to western backyard gardening?