ca. 1890s, Japan — A geisha plays the shamisen while kneeling on a straw tatami mat. Learning to play the traditional instrument is an essential part of a geisha’s accomplishments. — Image by © Michael Maslan Historic Photographs/CORBIS
ca. 1890s, Japan — A geisha plays the shamisen while kneeling on a straw tatami mat. Learning to play the traditional instrument is an essential part of a geisha’s accomplishments. — Image by © Michael Maslan Historic Photographs/CORBIS