History of Geisha

• The art of geisha began in the 1600's in the Tokugawa period (1600-1868) in Japan, but did not really take hold as an institution until the late 1800's in the Meiji era (1868-1910's).

• They were originally men who cross dressed . It later became all woman.

What does “Geisha” mean?

• Technically "geisha" refers to "one who lives as art". What "art" are we referring to? It is a multifaceted art, playing the shamisen, drums, dancing, performing the tea ceremony, calligraphy and the ability to converse

Maiko

• Is a apprentice to the Geisha who is referred to as “onee-san” which means older sister.

• She is in a contract with the “Okamisan” in which she is in debt because the “Okamisan” provides her with a home, food, schooling, all the clothing and makeup, along with all the training she will need to become a Geisha. Even when she becomes a Geisha she might still be in debt for a couple of years.

• A maiko has to earn her title and must start by doing all the chores in the Geisha house and take care of her senior sisters.

• This girl to the right was 15 when she droped out of school and left home and joined a Okamisan in order to begin her training in hopes of becoming a Maiko.

• In her house she was not allowed to contact her familly for 4 months. After 4 months of training she took her exam to see if she would be excepted as a Maiko. And she she was YEAY!

Difference between Maiko and Geisha

• Maiko • An apprentice Kyoto Geisha (btw the

ages of 15 to 21).• It emphasizes the youth and the

beauty of the geisha.• Richly patterned with motifs of the

season.• Such patterns as cherry blossom,

maple leaves, autumn grasses, turtles, and cranes.

• Wide sleeves that trail down to the floor to proclaim her unmarried status

• Eri (which is collar on the back of the kimono)

• Is red and decorated

• Geiko• -A fully qualified Geisha (esp in

Kyoto)• - Less patterned kimonos then maiko

kimonos ( Higher the rank the more restrained the designs become)

• - Only one shoulder is decorated.• - Sleeves are narrower • - Train is not allowed to sweep along

the ground.• - Sliver (0nce a maiko becomes a

geiko)• - Obi for a Geiko is tied in a boxy

knot.•

Maiko

Kimono -The weight of the garment is twenty kilos • It takes skill to put on a kimono because there are no buttons and all come in one size. •Tying the Obi is very difficult because it requires physical strength, that is why most geishas have assistant dressers.•They even have schools that to teach you how to wear kimonos•The kimono is said to take an hour to put on, with assistance.•A kimono can cost anywhere from 20 thousand to 100 thousand dollars.

What do Geisha do?

Dance and Sing

• http://www.youtube.com/

watch?v=DtrKneF0K4w

3 string instrument known as “SHAMISEN”

Parts of Geisha Wear

• Hair Ornaments – The hair pins vary from seasons. Each month they have a different type of design or motif for the hair ornament.

• Hairstyle- There are five different types: Wareshinobu, Ofuku, Katsuyana, and Sakko.

• Make up- It goes back to the Heian Period. Which was worn by the nobles.

• The white makeup is brushed on from the neck down to the nape down.

• A stencil is used for the back of the neck to create the “w” shape for the neck.

• Then the rest of the make-up is put on such as the eyeliner, eyebrow paint, and then red lipstick.

• Geta- which are wooden sandals . For geishas, it can be ten-centimeter tall clogs.

•

The process of becoming a Geisha

• As maiko, they learn traditional dance, how to play the shamisen. They will attend parties with the geisha, to learn and observe, but will not have the responsibilities of the geisha.

• Geisha and maiko are known by their white face makeup and cherry red lips. The maiko only puts red lipstick on her lower lip. Other differences are seen in how the kimono is worn or how the "obi" is tied.

• She trains for 3-4 years. Around age 20-21, the maiko goes through a ceremony called "erikae", with literally means "to turn the collar" and refers to a manner in which the way the kimono is worn when she becomes a geisha.

• Now forbidden, there was a time not to long ago when the maiko went through what is called "mizu-age". This was a ritual in which she lost her virginity to the highest bidder.

Living Style

•They live in a"okiya”•This is a house, which is run by the "okamisan”, she is the like the mother to all the Geisha’s.•It is communal style living

Geisha Now and Then

Prior to WW2• Geisha were very popular• The economy was good• There were over 80

thousand Geisha’s in Japan• They hosted many banquets

and tea party’s.

Present Day• After WW2 the economy wasn’t

great and there wasn’t as many clients.

• The demand wasn’t as large as the supply.

• Today it is estimated that there are about 1 -2 thousand Geisha’s

• Also Japan is modern and Geisha is more of the past.

• Currently you could go to Japan as a tourist and pay about 60 dollars to be able to get made up as a knock off Geisha and take pictures.

American View on Geisha • First of they think she is a

prostitute.• She is dehumanized by being

viewed as an oriental object.• She is not given power and respect

but rather viewed as a fragile delicate woman.

• She is a fantasy• She is viewed as inferior to

westernize culture by the stereotype rumors of what she was. The elegancy and complexity of her character was cheapen by the title of Prostitute once given by the GI’s.

• She is viewed as an Entertainer for men rather than an Artist.