A Korean 'kisaeng', or singing girl, dressed up for her performance. A 'kisaeng's' social position was among the lowest in the traditional Korean class system. Their daughters also became 'kisaeng' and their sons became slaves. A dancer is shown wearing a 'hwagwan' (a small crown decorated with flowers and jewels). The art of entertaining of the 'kisaeng' is analogous to the Japanese geisha. These professional entertainers were highly trained in the arts of poetry, music, dance, and other forms of social or artistic diversion. This is a photograph taken in a studio setting, produced for mass production. Source: Kwon, O-chang. Inmurhwaro ponun Choson sidae uri ot, 1998, p. 150.
Repository
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
Pencilled inscription on verso of image: 'Dancing girl'
Archival Collection
Willard Dickerman Straight papers
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