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| Geshia & Maiko |
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| Written by Administrator | |
| Sunday, 27 January 2008 08:31 | |
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"Geisha," pronounced - "Gay Sha" (gei) meaning "art" and (sha) meaning "person" or "doer." A direct translation of geisha would be "artist" or "arts person"
Geisha originated as skilled professional entertainers; originally most were male. Geisha used their skills in traditional Japanese arts, music, dance, and storytelling. Traditionally, geisha began their training at a very young age. Some girls were sold to geisha houses as children, and began their training in various traditional arts almost immediately. During their childhood, geisha sometimes worked first as maids or assistants to experienced geisha, and then as apprentice geisha (maiko) during their training. Modern geisha still live in traditional geisha houses called okiya in areas called hanamachi ( "flower towns"), particularly during their apprenticeship, but many experienced geisha choose to live independently. The elegant, high-culture world that geisha are a part of is called kai ("the flower and willow world"). Kyoto is considered by many where the geisha tradition is the strongest today, including Gion Kobu. The geisha in these districts are known as geiko. The Tokyo hanamachi of Shimbashi, Asakusa and Kagurazaka are also well known. Geisha do not marry, and those who do must retire from the profession. While geisha engagements may include flirting, this is not expected. A geisha is not paid for sex, though an individual geisha may as a matter of personal choice engage in sexual relations with one of her patrons outside the context of her role as a geisha.
Movies with Geisha Sisters of the Gion (1936) - Dir. Kenji Mizoguchi
All links will open in a "New Window" Geisha Dance 2 - rare video (java) Geisha Dance 3 - rare video (java) Maiko going to work - Live handheld video Maiko dancing - Live handheld video Maiko dancing - Live handheld video Kyoto Maiko applying makeup - Live handheld video Geisha Dance - Live handheld video Immortal Geisha - Geisha news and information Karyukai - Information on and about Geisha Francois Bergeron ? Photographer - Geisha Photos Amaya - Geisha information page Hakone Geisha Organization - Can arrange traditional Japanese Geisha receptions for you. Koito-Sans Web Page - Contemporary Geisha (Japanese) Frantisek Staud Photography - Amazing pictures of Geisha Geisha of Japan - Geisha information Historical Essay - Geisha essay for college
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One of the most common images of Japan is the Geisha. Yet many people no very little about the Geisha. The Geisha life is a thing of mystery and fantasy. So read on to learn a little about this unknown world in Japan! 