芸者

The Japanese Culture has developed over the years. From the ancient and classical Japan, to the birth of the samurais, and now a modern Japanese culture came to exist. It is indeed rich in the field of arts, music, literature, and many more.


In a previews class, Sam talked to me about a Japanese movie called “Memories of a Geisha” which I found very interesting so I decided to write a concise review about the movie here but first I would like to give a brief history about the geisha’s art.






The word geisha literally means "artist” Which is a traditional, female Japanese entertainer whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance.


In the early stages of Japanese history there were female entertainers who were mostly wandering girls whose families were displaced from struggles in the late 600’s.


Some of these girls sold their bodies, while others with a better education made a living by entertaining at high-class social gatherings.

By 1800, being a geisha was considered a female occupation.


The evolving geisha style was emulated by fashionable women throughout society.
Before the twentieth century, geisha training began when a girl was around the age of four. Now, girls usually go to school until they are teenagers and then make the personal decision to train to become a geisha. Young women who wish to become geisha now most often begin their training after completing middle school, high school, or even college. Many women begin their careers in adulthood.




Geisha women dressed in kimono and the traditional makeup of the apprentice geisha is one of their most recognizable characteristics




The traditional makeup of an apprentice geisha features a thick white base with red lipstick and red and black accents around the eyes and eyebrows. Originally, the white base mask was made with lead, but after the discovery that it poisoned the skin and caused terrible skin and back problems for the older geisha it was replaced with rice powder.




The hairstyles of geisha have varied through history. In the past, it has been common for women to wear their hair down in some periods, but up in others. These hairstyles are decorated with elaborate hair-combs and hairpins.


Geisha sleep with their necks on small supports (takamakura), instead of pillows, so they could keep their hairstyle perfect !!!