This vintage real photo postcard features a beautiful Oiran Courtesan accompanied by her young assistants (kamaro). What is an Oiran? An Oiran is a high class, beautiful and esteemed prostitute in Tokyo. Her assistants are often apprentices; in other words, future Oirans. How are Oirans different from Geishas you may ask. Geishas are highly trained entertainers. They entertained via song, dance, or playing a musical instrument. Geishas were not necessarily prostitutes, though some were. This postcard comes from a collection that belonged to a US Navy officer. He likely acquired the card while in a Japanese port during his tour of duty. This postcard likely was issued in around 1908. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
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