Three beautifully dressed women, 1860

Three beautifully dressed women, 1860

https://www.si.edu/object/three-beautifully-dressed-women-1860-ca-1900-graphic:siris_arc_240089 

Their ornate kanzashi (hair ornaments) are reminiscent of those worn by oiran or tayu, the highest ranking of geisha. The clothing and hair accessories would suggest that they are perhaps either entertainers or actresses dressed as entertainers.