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A shamisen player, lighting her pipe
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A shamisen player, lighting her pipe
A Japanese lady in traditional costume lays her shamisen(a musical instrument with three strings, also written samsin), to one side, so she can light her kiseru or pipe, aided by another woman. Date: 1860
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Media ID 14137017
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Drugs Instrument Musician Pipe Regional Samisen Servant Shamisen Smoker Smokes Stringed Tobacco 1860s Kiseru Musical
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures a moment of respite for a Japanese shamisen player, as she takes a break from her musical performance to light her pipe, or kiseru, in the company of another woman. Dressed in traditional costume, the musician lays her shamisen, a three-stringed Japanese musical instrument also known as a samisen, to one side, signaling the end of the performance. The scene unfolds in a domestic interior, providing a glimpse into the social customs and daily life of Japan during the 1860s. The shamisen, an essential element of Japanese music and culture, was a popular instrument for both professional musicians and amateurs. The player's focus is on the simple pleasure of smoking tobacco from her pipe, an activity that was common among women of all classes during this period. The presence of a servant, who aids the musician in lighting her pipe, underscores the hierarchical nature of Japanese society and the role of servants in supporting their employers. This photograph, taken in the 1860s, offers a rare glimpse into the world of regional music and the lives of Japanese women during a time of significant cultural and social change. The image is a testament to the rich history of Japanese music and the enduring appeal of traditional instruments like the shamisen.
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