The Geisha by Arumbus
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Description
Geisha
The Geisha are arguably the most well known "entertainer-courtesans" in the world. This is ironic, as modern-day Geisha (and most throughout history) had little involvement is the erotic or sexual aspect most courtesans throughout history are associated with. As far as Japanese history goes the term Geisha in relatively new (from the 1700’s) and the original Geisha or “geiko” entertainers originally were men, coming from a group known group of Taikomochi. Female Geisha emerged (using that name, in the late 1700’s). However the roots of the elite female entertainers date back to the 8th century with the “Saburuko” and the “Shirabyoshi” from the 12th century.
Geisha is a proper noun, and like most Japanese nouns has no singular or plural variants. It comes from "gei" (art) and "sha" (person or doer) with the most direct English translation being “artist” or “performing artist”. This is as it should be, for Geisha are accomplished singers, dancers, and artists. Many are also well versed in classical poetry and are adept in playing several instruments and/or creative endeavors in various visual art mediums.
Geisha have been portrayed as prostitutes. 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. Their purpose is to entertain their customer, be that by reciting verse, playing musical instruments, or engaging in light conversation. Geisha engagements may include flirting with men and playful innuendos; however, clients know that nothing more can be expected. In a social style that is uniquely Japanese, men are amused by the illusion of that which is never to be.
The white face and make-up most westerners associate with Geisha is another misconception. It is VARY rare an accomplished Geisha wear the all white make-up as this is actually part of the dress of a maiko (“dance child”), the final stage in the apprenticeship before becoming a Geisha. Hair styles of geisha varied over history from simple hair loose and down to extremely complicated and intricate updo’s. It is very common for intricate flowers and other adornments to be a part of their hair styling. The classical dress of a Geisha in a Kimono (usually silk) which is adorned by an extravagant and colorful “obi”. The combination can sometimes be up to 15 layers, take an hour or more to put on and take several years to make. In years gone by, a sign or prosperity was having Geisha who never wore the same Kimono twice.
Many of the western preconceptions of Geisha come from American servicemen during post WW2 occupation of Japan. Many of the common prostitutes and street walkers. would dress up as traditional Geisha and maiko to attract clientele. The Japanese could easily tell the difference. A tell-tale sign would be the imitators would wear their obi on the front, where true Geisha always wore them on their back. The reason for prostitutes wearing it on the front made was that it was far simpler and easier to remove… for their profession. Some also feel that the Japanese prostitutes also made the distinct difference as a sign or deference to the respected profession. These prostitutes were often called panpan girls or geesha girls (pronounce differently). The American mis-pronounced it and at the time cared little about the difference between the costumed panpan/geesha girls and true Geisha. The Geisha then became associated with prostitution in much of the western world.
The Geisha are still prevalent in modern day Japan, thought their numbers are far fewer than years gone by.
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V3 - a far bit of post-work.
In any case, I hope you like her.
Rick
Comments (62)
shadownet
Very nice work!
adrie
Wow this is one stunning Gheiha character.....great pose. Excellent done.
Darkwish
Cool work! I like this one!
miashadows
She is beautiful.I enjoyed the movie memoirs of a geisha a lot.Your post work is perfect.Excellent!
ledwolorz
Beautiful character.Amazing work.
lyron
Excellent portrait!!
decie
outstanding work, she is really beautiful.
erlandpil
Beautifult work and portrait erland
A_Sunbeam
Great piece of work - love the expression, textures and colours; nicely posed!
kassad
Great render, I like it very much. B->
NekhbetSun
Loved the intro and instant fave ! wow Rick
Kath13
Beautiful!
3dpoetry
Fantastic detail, love it
kitzie21
Very elegant and exotic portrait. I like her mysterious expression in particular. Beautiful picture!
zil2008
Love the look of Geisha's . This one turned out fantastic. Good job.
Ravenlady
A very wonderful portrait! lovely
Cimaira
Most interesting history, again, something I didn't know. Beautiful portrait, and I love the pov.
schonee
Outstanding work Beautiful pose well done!
CaperGirl42
Awesome work my friend! Xocellent character and pose! Love the info as well!! hugz anne
furuta
Beautiful image. excellent work!!
ladyinblack
Very beautiful portrait! Wonderful pose and expression... and more great info :)
TCopsey
The close up, tiny red lips and beatiful eyes are very captivating! Excellent!!
dbrv6
Excellent render and great writeup! The very nature of them says something about perception, illusion and how the Japanese view/viewed the idea or perception of truth.
dianas..creations
Excellent very beautiful image...wonderful work!!
Gisela
Very interesting, lovely render.
Syltermermaid
A fantastic portrait Rick!!! Marvelous pose and her Makeup is just perfect for a Geisha!!! Excellent work! Hugs Ute
DivabugDesigns
Wonderful close-up!!!
stevey3d
Superb image! Wonderful character! 5+
felinx
Joli travail, bravo !
lorddarkwolf
cool!