An introduction to the history of geisha

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May 11, May 23, Kimono is one of the defining characteristics of a geisha. Geisha wear kimono with a neckline that dips low on the back to show off the nap of the neck. That part of the neck is as sensual for Japanese men as the breast is to Western men.

Geisha have a formal kimono called de that shows off the nap of her neck. This is the kimono that demands the elaborate hair styles and the white makeup. The kimono worn the rest of the time is similar to the traditional Japanese kimono.

Geisha - Wikipedia

It may even be more subdued. Her underkimono shows at the collar, sleeves, and hem. Kimono is the largest expense of being a geisha.

They are made from the best silk. For those who are wondering what is under the layers of kimono, nothing at all. It disrupts the lines of the kimono. The most intimate layers for the geisha are called hada-juban and the naga-juban. Apprentice geisha have the most elaborate kimono with long sleeves.

Geisha in her Kimono. Kyoto, June Geisha dress with asymmetry. Geisha show slightly more of her neck. The righthand side of the underkimono collar shows a little more in the front.

The geisha kimono requires a different way of walking, according to Liza Dalby. Dalby is one of the few Westerners who have become geisha.

She says that over time, geisha bodies become adapted to the kimono. Many told her that western skirts and belts were uncomfortable.

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Kneeling wears the front of the skirts, makeup mars the collar, and the hem is prone to catching dirt and fraying. Not to mention the sleeves especially the apprentice kimono can find themselves in food.

This adds to the expense of owning kimono. The obi also lends support for the back. Obi can be as expensive as kimono and just as elaborate. The apprentice obi is longer than a full geisha. It has a large back knot. A full geisha obi measures The obi knot is always tied in the back by a professional dresser or another geisha.

Front knots were a sign of prostitution. November The women behind the kimono is what makes a geisha kimono special. The dance training and other movement training geisha undergo allows her to wear the kimono elegantly, gracefully, and professionally. It is a visual signal of her professionalism.

If you are interested in learning more about kimono, I briefly touch on the history and cultural importance of kimono in another post. Geisha are living embodiments of the Japanese arts. They help keep traditional dance, tea, music, and dress alive in our modern world.

As time moves forward, we need to keep touch with the roots of our respective cultures. Geisha are one means for the Japanese to keep in touch with their cultural roots. Cultural roots are important to help us remember where we came from and provide direction as to where we are going.

Between Tradition and Innovation: Kimono and the Construction of Gendered and Cultural Identities.an introduction to the world of geisha Thanks to the book, Memoirs of a Geisha, and the film of the same name, in modern times there has been a popular resurgence of interest in .

Tokebei Yamada, Japanese Dolls, Japan Travel Bureau (). A lively little book with information not only on the history of the dolls but on 's doll production. A lively little book with information not only on the history of the dolls but on 's doll production.

Home Essays History Geisha. History Geisha. Topics: Geisha INTRODUCTION Japan or it is also known as Nihon or Nippon. Japan is an island nation in East Asia.

It is located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the.

Geisha are an icon of Japanese culture. Mystique and stigma surrounds the profession. Being a geisha is a profession, just as librarianship is a profession. Geisha are not prostitutes. Although, prostitution has marred the profession.

The History and Culture of Japanese Geisha A long standing stigma has been placed on Japanese Geisha girls. When someone thinks of a Geisha, they think of a glorified prostitute or call girl. (This is the second in a series of articles about Geisha in Japanese culture.

For Part 1, please click here.) Now that you know a little about the hard work and commitment required to become a geisha (if you've read the first post!), let's talk a little bit about the history of geisha in Japanese culture.