This image is from JAPAN BLOG - http://www.geishablog.com/2007/05/.The image is one of the scenes of a Japanese film called SAKURAN prouced in 2007. The story revolves around lives of oiran (prostitute) in Edo era. The woman in the image is the main character of the film.
this is not me commenting on the picture, but I have to squee--ANNA TSUCHIYA!!!
ReplyDeleteI still have to watch Sakuran. Is it good?
This is a beautiful picture.
ReplyDeleteThe signified is the image of the seductive Japaneses woman.
the signifier to me is the barrage of color that is in the picture. Which brings the dark life of a prostitute to life.
I have to agree with Charles about the importance of the color. I think the color in this image shows the audience that these women were more than just prostitutes, that they had more than just one trait, like there is more than just one color.
ReplyDeleteFor some quick compositional analysis, I find the pose interesing; I think the photographer chose to have her on the side like that to make better usage of the silhouette; I suppose the pose is more 'sexy' from that point? Also, I think the background was chosen to play a part in this picture as well. The colors are extremely saturated and vivid.
There is so much movement in this picture, it’s unsettling. First, most of the weight falls to the left, with the courtesan and the dragon print being on that side. She seems to be turning towards the tapestry, but at the same time, her head piece is blurred, meaning she’s turning her head towards the viewer. At the same time, the pipe reaches out into the right side of the fame, and appears to be fairly still. It is almost as if it’s balancing in her hand, like a scale, while everything quickly falls in place on the other side of the photo.
ReplyDelete>mai
ReplyDeleteI personally like the film. The film contains a lot more colorful and gorgeous Japanese aspects. The story is also good only if you are ok to watch some erotic scenes.
>charles
Yes, there are so many colors in one photo. Bright colors make the woman more attractive, gorgeous, powerful, etc.
You, in fact, mentioned a good point which I'd never thought about. These colors may reflect the dark and sad side of gorgeous prostitute's life.
I'm not familiar with this film, but I'll give this a shot anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe colors jump out at me most here. There doesn't seem to be a dominant color or shade; they are very scattered and chaotic. I don't see a pattern, and it adds a lot of energy to the woman.
This is also clearly a motion shot, especially with regards to her arm. It looks as though she is sweeping her arm upwards here. As for perspective, we are looking at her from the side. She is not looking at us, but rather at someone/thing either behind us or beside us. Her expression also implies some mystery -- like she knows something we don't, which adds to her powerful presence in the image.
>devon
ReplyDeleteJust as you mentioned, oiran is exactly more than prostitutes (usually oiran is considered to be more important than even her clients). Oiran should be beautiful, elegant, artistic, and smart so many kinds of colors can imply that she is really special.
I didn’t pay much attention to her pose but you are right. Kimono is designed to make a nape of the neck beautiful and make women “sexy.” Thus the photographer definitely chose the point of view to take oiran more sexy and attractive.
>elaine
I agree on what you said. There are so many movements in one image but the most of the weight is focused on the life side of the picture. Also oiran’s black hair (her hair is the only part that black is used) puts good accent in it.