Japanese Geisha c.1899: Restored to Life in Amazing Footage

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Time travel back 124 years. Mesmerizing footage of Japanese Geisha and Maiko in the late 1890s. Restored to life and 4K 60fps color using deep learning AI. Filmed in Gion, Kyoto, Japan in 1899.

While many Japanese women still wore the traditional Kimono, Obi and the Furisode, these women are definitely entertainers. The dangling kanzashi on the sides of their hairstyles is a giveaway. The decorative sakura blossoms in their hair. Also the demonstration of traditional Japanese dancing to the accompaniment of two Shamisen players. All key components in the art of the Geisha apprentice. In Kyoto, a Geisha (芸者) is referred to as Geiko (芸子) and Geiko apprentices as Maiko.

Applying makeup is also an essential art in learning to be a Geisha. Maiko often applied white oshiroi makeup for certain occasions, but not necessarily on a daily basis. When a Maiko's hairstyle is arranged, she kept it so for about a week before washing her hair. To avoid ruining the delicate hairstyles, Maiko slept on special pillow called a Takamakura which literally means 'high pillow.'

The Meiji era saw a gradual opening up of Japan to the west. It was the beginning of the modernization of Japan, and the introduction of western influences of consumerism, western fashion etc. To this day however you can visit the Gion prefecture of Kyoto and see Geisha and Maiko culture.

Using machine learning tools including Topaz Video Enhance AI and Deep Exemplar-based Video Colorization - an AI code developed by Bo Chang and associates.

Original Footage.

Preserved by the US National Archive as part of the Thomas Armat Collection.
See original film:
Title: Japanese Scenes - 1894 - 1900

William Kennedy Dickson or William Heise may have been the cinematographers. The earliest dated Edison related films from Japan are 1894 are credited to them.
Dickson was possibly the first 'film star', having appeared in the pioneering Edison film Dickson Greeting (1891)

Music includes a traditional Shamisen.
End track: Japanese Pipa Cinematic by bohnstudios. Licensed from Pond5.
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For those wondering, the restored versions have sound added, because the technology of film and sound together didn't come about until the 1920s

aeolia
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It is sort of scary and beautiful. The colourising brings them 'closer' to reality of the time and closer to us by looking more realistic. And the idea of these young girls possibly having been died for maybe 60 or 70 years. Existentially, it is hard to reconcile their youth and death. Really fascinating work you do ; ) K

khaartoumsings
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This is beautiful??? And the quality isn't bad at all THAT WAS 125 YEARS AGO

reaper-mf
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Hard to believe this was filmed 122 years ago in the 1800s! Colorizing it really makes it feel a lot closer to us than it actually is. Great video, the colors look beautiful and vibrant!

Coookie
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Love the idea of putting the original (uncolorized) footage at the end just so we can see that also.

tejaswoman
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Beautiful!❤❤❤ hard to believe this was 125 years ago! ❤❤❤

leea
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My grandmother was born that year and I am now 66. Such a long time ago!

ankavoskuilen
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Such a beautiful restoration! Love it!

reneefurrer
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Thank you for this time capsule, amazing!

aggierowe
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Simply amazing, two years before Emperor Hirohito was born! Wow.

craigdixon
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I love these videos. Thank you for what you do. You help keep history alive.

Autumnh
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Completely blown away by the beauty of the film restoration. 🫂❤🎎🏯

しゅにシュニ
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Changing the speed a little (to remove the jumpiness) then adding sound and color makes the girls real to me now. Thank you.

uptonogood
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it looks so peaceful <3 they’re all so beautiful too this is so cool💕💕 it’s honestly a blessing to be able to see a film from 120 something years ago on the internet it’s really amazing, almost like time travel in a way. anyways, i hope these beautiful ladies are all resting well🤍

ariesfairy
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Nice restoration, enhancements and colorization❥ Beautiful and cute geishas❦

kimonodaisuki
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Just been reading a book this summer about geishas so this was fascinating to see!

itsem
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So amazing. Truly. Thank you for sharing this.

mstyles
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My house is three years older than this. That's an amazing feeling - to see people who were alive and thriving and so very human - at the same time as my house was in its early years

JaneAustenAteMyCat
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Looks like it was filmed yesterday. Well, from the universe' perspective, it WAS yesterday.

windsorkid
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Her laughing was an angelic 🫧✨ refreshing &mesmerized 🌈💥

CherryDiva