
Bijin with a Kitten, 1907 / source and high resolution: Blue Ruin
images that haunt us

Bijin with a Kitten, 1907 / source and high resolution: Blue Ruin
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Three Maiko, 1928. Three maiko (apprentice geisha), Takewaka on the left, Tomeko in the centre and Satogiku on the right. / src: Blue Ruin
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Ashibe Odori, 1910′s
Maiko (apprentice geisha) Yachiyo II of Osaka, dressed for the Ashibe Odori, the public dances of the Nanchi Gokagai (Southern five geisha districts), which were first performed in November 1888. The geiko (geisha) of Osaka are known for their “hera-hera odori” or dances that feature acrobatic stunts such as handstands. / src: Blue Ruin
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Maiko Momotaro – Sakkou Hairstyle, 1920′s
“Originally believed to be worn by married women of the merchant class during the late Edo period (1603-1868), starting in the Meiji era (1868-1912) the sakkou was the hairstyle worn by apprentice geisha in the weeks leading up to their debut as full-fledged geisha.“
(Voyages en Photographie) / src: Blue Ruin
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Osaka Maiko Yachiyo II, 1915
Myōseki (inherited names) are often used when naming a new Maiko (Apprentice Geisha) as a mark of respect for a former Geiko (Geisha) and as a means of carrying the cachet of celebrity down through generations.
The geimei (professional name) of a meigi (famous geisha) who has retired from the profession is given to a promising young maiko, but with the suffix ‘the second’ added to it. This can carry on ad infinitum i.e. ‘the third, the fourth, etc.’ with successive generations. This hereditary naming system applies to almost all artisan professions in Japan, including Tayuu (Courtesans) and Kabuki Artists. source: Blue Ruin
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Four Maiko Girls, 1930′s, From left to right: Mameraku, [unknown], Tamiko, Satochiyo.
I think that their obi-age (the fabric strip above their sashes) is particularly lovely. src: Blue Ruin