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THE ARTS OF THE GEISHA: UNRAVELING THE ARTISTIC TRADITIONS AND THE AESTHETICS OF IROKE THROUGH AN ANALYSIS OF THEIR MUSIC AND DANCE

Wright, Yuko E. (2016) THE ARTS OF THE GEISHA: UNRAVELING THE ARTISTIC TRADITIONS AND THE AESTHETICS OF IROKE THROUGH AN ANALYSIS OF THEIR MUSIC AND DANCE. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This dissertation investigates the aesthetic concept of iroke (roughly, sexiness or eroticism, but literally, the love-sex atmosphere) through the performing arts practiced by geisha: kouta (small songs) and koutaburi (dance of small songs). Historically, the geisha—female performing artists—came into existence by separating the arts (gei) from sex (iro). However, since they closely worked within the vicinity of theatres and pleasure quarters, they have been misinterpreted as sex workers rather than accomplished multi-talented artists. By studying kouta and koutaburi under two former geisha, Kasuga Toyo Seiyoshi and Asaji Yoshie, I found that such misconceptions are deeply rooted in what geisha embody and express through their arts— iroke. Drawing on my own experiences of geisha arts and through detailed analyses, I illustrate the expressions of iroke in kouta and koutaburi performances and delineate the nature of iroke aesthetics. By mastering iroke and performing arts associated with iroke, the geisha were able to pioneer a new field of performing arts as preservers, teachers, and headmasters. Positioning geisha arts and aesthetics at the core, I explore the meaning and value of arts as well as geisha’s raison d’être in the modern Japan.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Wright, Yuko E.yuko@eguchi.comYUE1
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairYung, Bellbyun@pitt.eduBYUN
Committee CoChairHelbig, Adrianaanh59@pitt.eduANH59
Committee MemberNisnevich, Annaann28@pitt.eduANN28
Committee MemberSmethurst, Richardrsmet@pitt.eduRSMET
Date: 15 June 2016
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 23 November 2015
Approval Date: 15 June 2016
Submission Date: 15 April 2016
Access Restriction: 3 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 3 years.
Number of Pages: 319
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences > Music
Degree: PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
Thesis Type: Doctoral Dissertation
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: geisha, japan, iroke, kouta, koutaburi, shamisen
Date Deposited: 15 Jun 2016 22:42
Last Modified: 15 Jun 2019 05:15
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/27723

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