Nipponophile

I've been a huge fan of Japanese history and culture for years. I have no deep understanding of all of it, and there is a way in which the refinement makes me feel rather like an elephant trying to dance on tulips; in many ways it is the attraction of the opposite, the careful, the regimented and regulated.

One of the places where the importance of cultural norms and refinement might be most seen is in the seeking of pleasure. There are complicated rituals around creating the space for pleasure and release - particularly historically speaking. One of those is the high level of ritual around the Oiran and Tayuu, Courtesans of Edo era Japan.

( For more information on Oiran, please go here for the post which sparked my going to this sim. )


Pose: Alchemy Immortalis, French Boudoir 1910 Stand 7

It is one of the curiosities of the internet in general, this tendency to build what we seek in it's purest form, without the complications and difficulties of reality. Those complications sneak in, though, through our interactions with others within which we replay the patterns of our lives.


Pose: Alchemy Immortalis, French Boudoir 1910 Stand 2

Iwasaki Mineko is a former Geisha who first provided some history for the novel Memoir of a Geisha before writing her own book on her history, Geisha, a Life as an attempt to clarify inaccuracies and counteract the sensationalism she deplored in Memoirs. One of the things which struck me most about her history was the depth of appreciation of others demonstrated through the daily visits and giving of gifts within the community supporting the Geisha.

The negative side of this - the degree of influence and control on others and how that is used to damage and erase individuals - is in many ways as compelling as the positive web of love and support. There are many days I feel isolated, cut off from others through my own nature and the predilections which I sometimes allow too free rein. My attempts to counter are incomplete, fitting within a jumble of days which often feels far too full.


Pose: Alchemy Immortalis, WRC Stand - Daphne

( More pictures here. )

Credits:

Skin: De La Soul, Charlie - Cream - Sakura
Eyes: Tacky Star, Pride
Ears: Illusions, Mystic Ear - Fairy (copper)
Hair: Magika Hair, Buns - Golden Blond
Hair Roses: G Field, Rose Hairpin - red; Magika, Hair Rose - Red
Wings: Fancy Fairy, Azarelle Wings - tinted gold
Dress: Falln Angel Creations, Harumi Gown - White

Location: Shinmachi District
Light Settings: [TOR] NIGHT - Brighter
Water Settings: [TOR] Trandshan

Photographed by Deoridhe Quandry
Post processing: Cropping only