E B Powell (Late 19th/early 20th century)
| Artist Name | E B Powell (Late 19th/early 20th century) |
|---|---|
| Title | Geishas Beneath a Cherry Blossom Tree |
| Description | This charming oil painting is by British artist E B Powell and dated 1912. The painting is of a Japanese lake with a beautiful cherry blossom tree hanging over the water. Four Geishas stand on a wooden pontoon beneath the blossom. Painted in a realistic pallet the pink blossom against the blue/green of the lake is captured perfectly. Known as sakura, the cherry blossoms in Japan are popular with both locals and tourists alike. For the Japanese, sakura hold much cultural and historical significance that goes deeper than obvious beauty. It’s one of the more well-known symbols of Japanese culture, and the blooming symbolizes human life, transience, and nobleness. It’s also tied to Shinto ideals of impermanence, hope, and renewal. In addition to being a metaphor for the beauty of life, the health of the blossom is used to discern the quality of that year’s harvest. Geisha, geiko or geigi are Japanese women who entertain through performing the ancient traditions of art, dance and singing, and are distinctively characterized by traditional costumes and makeup. Contrary to popular belief, Geisha are not the Eastern equivalent of a prostitute; a misconception originating in the West due to interactions with Oiran Japanese courtesans, whose traditional attire is similar to that of geisha. Signed and dated 1912 lower left. |
| Provenance | Tyneside estate. |
| Medium | Oil on Canvas |
| Size | 20 x 14 inches |
| Frame | Housed in a complementary frame, 27 inches by 21 inches and in good condition. |
| Condition | Good condition |
| Biography | E B Powell was a British artist of the late 19th century/early 20th century. |
| Price | SOLD |
