Raimund von Stillfried-Rathenitz; Geisha with fan; albumin paper; hand-colored; black and white positive process; image size: height: 27.30 cm; width: 21.30 cm; inscribed: copied in white: 1103; travel photography; portrait photography; full-length portrait; young woman; girl; Geisha means literally translated Person of the Arts Geishas are educated women who have been entertaining their mostly male society with dance; music and song as guests in tea houses since the 17th century. They are also engaged as waitresses at festivities. Visually; the geisha differs from the courtesan in details of her clothing; although in the photographic staging; little value was placed on the historically correct wardrobe. In the fantasy of the 19th century traveler; the artistry of the geisha is mixed with ideas of sexual availability. (Aya Fujita)