report text : Geisha

1. Geisha
Geisha ( 芸 者 ) are traditional Japanese female entertainers and hostesses who can
performing Japanese arts, such as classical music, dance, and games. The word “geisha” (芸者)
is arrange by two kanji words, gei (芸) meaning "art" and sha (者) meaning "person". In English
translation, the meaning of geisha are “artist”, “performing artist”, or “artisan”.
Apprentice geisha are called maiko or hangyoku. They wear highly colorful kimono with
extravagant obi. Obi is a sash for traditional Japanese dress. The obi is always brighter than the
kimono. In Kyoto, maiko wear darari (dangling style obi). Meanwhile, in Tokyo they wear it
tied in various ways. Kyoto older geisha wear more subdued patterns and style. Her obi is tied in
a simpler knot.
In modern times, traditional make-up of apprentice geisha is one of their special
characteristics, though they only wear full white face make-up during her performances. The
traditional make-up of apprentice geisha composes a thick white base with red lipstick and red-
black accents around the eyes and eyebrows. The white base mask was made with lead, but
since lead poisoned the skin and caused some skin problems, in the end of Meiji Era, it was
replaced with rice powder. In the last training stage, maiko sometimes color their teeth black,
because uncolored teeth seem very yellow in contrast to white face make-up. It means that they
seem to disappear the darkness of the open mouth.
The popular image of geisha is her hair. Different hairstyles and hairpins are differentiate
the stages. Not only her hair, but only her eyebrows are differentiate the age of geisha. Short
eyebrows are only for young geisha and long eyebrows are only for old geisha. Long eyebrows
display their maturity.
Modern geisha still live in traditional geisha houses called okiya in areas called
hanamachi (花街 "flower towns"), particularly during their apprenticeship. Many experienced
geisha who are successful enough choose to live independently. Young women who wish to
become geisha now most often begin their training after completing junior high school or
even high school or college. Modern geisha still study traditional instruments like the shamisen,
shakuhachi (bamboo flute), and drums, as well as traditional songs, Japanese traditional
dance, tea ceremony, literature, and poetry. By watching other geisha, and with the assistance of
the owner of the geisha house, apprentices also become skilled in the complex traditions
surrounding selecting and wearing kimono, and in dealing with clients.
For centuries, geisha were highly paid companions to elite wealthy men and some were
paid to fulfill a man's sexual desires. Today, they perform mostly for businessmen and tourists.
They may play the part of perfect Japanese women, but they are not prostitutes. She's
a panorama continually changing, leaving on every observer an impression that's pleasing and
favorable. Whether pouring tea or making conversation, a geisha always acts as the perfect
hostess. Modern geisha are often hired to attend parties and gatherings, traditionally at tea
houses (茶屋, ochaya) or at traditional Japanese restaurants (ryōeti). The customer makes
arrangements through the geisha union office (検番 kenban), which keeps each geisha's
schedule and makes her appointments both for entertaining and for training. The modern geisha
may be silent, and avoid being heard, but so long as she moves about in the world, she'll be seen
and admired by others.

2. Source :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geisha
http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Inside-the-World-of-Geisha#ixzz2bwqNI100
http://www.wunrn.com/news/2010/02_10/02_22_10/022210_japan.htm
Kelompok …
Anggota :
Amelia Margaretha XI IA 6 / 08
Natalia Rinka XI IA 6 / 15
Natalia Vincentia XI IA 6 / 29
Rahel Moudy XI IA 6 / 30