A maiko (舞妓) (literally "Woman of Dance") is an apprentice geisha in Kyoto and Western Japan. Contrary to popular belief, Geisha (芸者) are not the Eastern equivalent of a prostitute, the most literal translation of geisha into English would be "artist", "performing artist", or "artisan". Maiko consist of performing songs, dances, and playing the shamisen or other traditional Japanese instruments. Maiko are usually between 15 to 20 years old and become geiko after learning how to dance the traditional dances, play the shamisen, and learning Kyō-kotoba (dialect of Kyoto), regardless of their origins.

I had the wonderful experience of meeting the Maiko san in this painting in person when she came to visit my exhibition in Nagoya. Receiving a visit from a Maiko san is a big deal in Japan and you could feel the excitement from everyone in the gallery the moment she walked in.

Right now, painting the beauty of Japan helps me deal with feeling homesick for the country I had to leave behind last year.

 All my life, saying goodbye has been difficult for me. The first time going to school involved huge crying fits that ended up with me throwing up, just because I had to say goodbye to my mom.

I have become better at handling goodbyes over the years but it hasn't gotten any easier. 

I really miss the magic and the excitement of these once in a lifetime encounters, the enthusiasm with which my wonderful Japanese friends shared their beautiful culture with me. When I left Japan I felt like the magic had left from my world, I was back in reality, this painting helps me bring some of that magic back to life, having this piece on my easel made the country I miss so dearly feel just a little bit closer.

This painting is like looking at a floating world, it captures the elements of Japan that their art is famous for as well as the longevity of their culture and their value of tradition.

This artwork allows you to (re)-discover (JAPAN) through the artist's eyes. At first glance it reflects reality, but there is a little mystery there, exploring it in detail has the same relaxing and calming effects as traveling.

Japanese minimalist esthetics and traditional imagery and material are blended seamlessly with modern techniques. The painting has a dreamlike dimension and the use of color brings a pop to the room and elevates the space. It is clear that a lot of craftsmanship, time and care were put into this artwork.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED TO CREATE THIS ARTWORK?
This is a mixed media painting on authentic, handmade Washi (Japanese paper), it has beautiful natural edges on all sides. The painting is created using a combination of acrylic image transfer and acrylic paints and mediums. Click here to see and artwork like this being created from start to finish.

IS THE ARTWORK SIGNED?
Yes, all original artworks are signed on the front in the lower right corner, with a hand painted signature as well as a traditional Japanese hanko stamp. They also have their title, date, artist name written on the back and they come with a certificate of authenticity that is signed by the artist.

IS THIS PAINTING READY TO HANG?
No, my pieces on washi (Japanese paper) are not ready to hang, because they are very delicate, they need to be framed before displaying them (When framing please take care to always use archival, acid free and removable products). They are shipped unframed because it makes shipping more affordable and rolling the piece will provide better protection during transport, there is much less risk of damaging the artwork. I would be happy to recommend what type of frame would be appropriate. We can discuss all those options at the time of purchase.

I LOVE YOUR ARTWORK BUT NOT SURE I CAN AFFORD IT RIGHT NOW. DO YOU OFFER A PAYMENT PLAN?
Absolutely! It is very important to me that you can add the piece you fell in love with to your collection, when it comes to purchasing art you should not have to make concessions. That is why the Artist Abroad is always happy to offer a payment plan that fits your situation. When full payment has been made the artwork will be delivered to you.

WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE IT IN PERSON OR THE PAINTING IS NOT RIGHT FOR MY SPACE? CAN I RETURN IT?
Yes, if you are not satisfied with your artwork, please notify me of your desire to return your purchase within 30 days of sale. Returns of artwork will always be accepted within the 30 day time frame, if the artwork is in its original condition. The total cost of the artwork (excluding shipping costs) will be refunded if the artwork is returned in the same condition that it was sent within 30 days of purchase.

Refunds will be issued upon receipt and acceptance of the artwork. Refunds will not be possible for works that have been damaged or have deteriorated due to incorrect display. Please note that the buyer is responsible for all return shipping and insurance fees, and there are no refunds on return shipping and insurance fees paid for by the buyer who returns the purchase.

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Please be advised that the colors and brightness depend on your monitor, the digital picture may be slightly different from the original work of art.

The artist retains all reproduction and copyrights.

For price information contact the artist and for payment and shipping information click here.