Bronze Sculpture of a Geisha Playing a Shamisen, Meiji Era, 1868-1912

  
The sculpture features a round base and an elaborate, richly embroidered Kimono. The Geisha has a classical coiffure with swept-back hair held in place by a large red coral barrette. The facial expression is serene with downcast eyes, and the movement is graceful.

Origins and history: The Meiji Period spanned from 1868 to 1912 in Japanese history, during the reign of the Meiji Emperor. After the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate in the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Japan's new leaders initiated a comprehensive reform program to strengthen the country and counter the threat of European imperialism. The leaders implemented a new political structure based on European models, and Japan underwent rapid industrialization. Japan established a modern army and navy and successfully waged wars against China and Russia in 1894 and 1905.

By the end of the Meiji period, Japan had emerged as the strongest East Asian country and a world power.