Open Edition Artwork: Geisha Usagi Mask

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  • Regular price $40.00


About the design: The Geisha Usagi Mask was created for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May). The Geisha is wearing a cherry blossom kimono holding a Usagi Inari Mask (Rabbit Mask) which is a good luck charm. She is framed by a Gold Chrysanthemum and Cherry Blossoms.  The entire piece is set in a bamboo forest.

The Usagi Inari Mask (Rabbit Mask) represents a mythical creature, the messenger of kami (gods) in the Shinto religion. Rabbits only drive on forward and don’t step back, so they have been considered lucky as a symbol of advancement. Also, the rabbit is a symbol of cleverness and self-devotion, and appears in myths. In old days, it was a symbol of Spring.

The Japanese word geisha literally means “art person,” and singing, dancing, and playing the samisen (a lute-like instrument) are indispensable talents for a geisha, along with the ability to make conversation. Many geisha are also adept at flower arranging, performing the tea ceremony, or calligraphy.

Flowers represented are Chrysanthemum symbolizing friendship, happiness, and well-being AND Cherry Blossoms which are a symbolic flower of the spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life.

The color pallet was chosen to complement the Pantone color of the year which is Magenta.

    Original Medium: Adobe Fresco and Adobe Illustrator, digital drawing 
    Date Released: 5/2023

    Offered in a variety of printing methods:

    • Giclée method on Fine Art Paper (Hahnemühle Velvet Photo Rag Matte Pigment Watercolor Paper, Baryta, Hot Press or Matte Archival Paper).  Each print is digitally signed by the artist.   Frame not included.

    Print on Demand: Prints that are not stocked are made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you (7 business days).  Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!  FREE SHIPPING in the US and ARMED FORCES. 

    Additional / Custom Size: Please contact the artist at: TheArtist@CherieSmittleArt.com