Geisha

by Kyoko Aihara

Few are allowed behind the crested curtains of the ancient teahouses of Japan, and, as a result, misconceptions have arisen about the roles of the female entertainers - popularly known as geisha - who work within them. It is with Japan's ancient capital, Kyoto, that these women are historically associated and where the traditional strictures of their training is still upheld today. Here they are called maiko during their apprentice years, and geiko when they reach the required level of artistic skill. [i]The World of the Geisha[/i] describes every aspect of the often harsh lives of these remarkable their elaborate dress, hair and make up; the ceremonies and rituals in which they are involved; their accomplishment in traditional artistic skills and their relationships with men and the outside world.

Genres: Japan, Nonfiction, Asia, Asian Literature, Cultural

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[SuzAnne King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glorious illustrations are the draw card of this piece on Geisha. A lot of what I've read didn't have such wonderful images aside from old black and white photos. Kyoko goes into the geisha world quite comprehensively with chapters on kimono, cosmetics & hair styling, the rituals of the seasons and festivals and events.

The lifestyle of these artisans is less mysterious than it once was, yet it seems to depend on who each author has consulted as to how exactly that reality is portrayed in each text. I've read a number of books and articles now about the life in hanamachi, often with contradictory statements to those of another author.

Certainly its culture must evolve as an art form for it is not an occupation for a modern woman. As the author states: "the challenge is to capitalise on this growing interest...without letting it undermine its culture and traditions."

[Tülin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to the lives of geiko and maiko. Despite a number of spelling and grammar errors as well as repetition, the book is easy to read and the information is very interesting. Kyoko Aihara explains the subject in great detail from hanadai (flower charges) to kotsuzumi (a drum) to the okasan (mother of the okiya). The book also provides plenty of visual context for the various Japanese words and concepts you'll come across which is both helpful and fascinating to look at. For those interested in geisha and traditional Japanese culture, this is an excellent book to begin your study.

I would really love to know how Kyoko Aihara managed to get such an insight into a very secretive way of life.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Książka będąca bardziej albumem przedstawia historię gejszy - jednego z łączników współczesnej Japonii z przeszłością. Ilustracje i zdjęcia pokazują różne aspekty z życia gejsz - ćwiczenia z tańca i gry na instrumentach, noszenia kimona.

[Maia]

Picked up at a lovely used bookstore, reading soon.

[Natascha · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend Angie bought this for me. I am obsessed with everything Geisha so this is my favorite book. My coffee table book.

[Sissi · Rating 4 out of 5]

a book I would not want to be missing from my collection on books on Geisha

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So easy to understand, it was thorough, I liked it and it was very informative. I just think it's amazing!

[Lisioł Czyta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lisioł gejszą? Gejszą, nie gęsią!
.
Lisioł postanowił podjąć się nietypowego wyzwania i zostać gejszą! W tym celu zaczął zgłębiać książkę "Gejsza. Żywa tradycja" Kyoko Aihara w celu zostania najpiękniejszą z gejsz. Szybko dowiedział się, że to proste nie będzie. Po pierwsze, Lisioł jest nieco stary – ma tylko kilka wieków na lisim karku (znaczące kaszlnięcie) – po drugie, powinien wykazywać się taktem i znajomością sztuk pięknych. Cóż, Lisioł umie całkiem ładnie piszczeć do księżyca, słońca i do czego tam jeszcze będzie trzeba. Same plusy. Wyposażony w dobry nastrój, Lisioł rozpoczął swoją przygodę jako gejsza. Ubrał się w piękne kimono w lisy oczywiście, wymalował sobie pysk na biało, ułożył misterną fryzurę z powtykanymi szyszkami, po czym wsadził buty dla gejszy – bardzo wysokie buty na koturnach. Zrobił kilka kroków, starając się kołysać biodrami oraz nęcić ogonem, po czym się wyrąbał na chodnik jak lisi naleśnik. Makijaż od razu się rozmył, lisy pouciekały z kimona, nawet szyszki dały dyla, i tyle z lisiołkowania. Lisioł nawet nie zdążył zachwycić gości swoim talentem oratorskim pod tytułem: 100 sposobów na ukradzenie, przyprawienie i upieczenie nieswojej kury. Może następnym razem Lisiołowi uda się olśnić Kioto. Sama książka jest jednak warta takiej próby. Pięknie ilustrowana opowiada o wszystkich tajnikach bycia gejszą, od makijażu, przez stroje po życie codzienne, bo przecież gejszę również mają własne życie!

[Eskil · Rating 4 out of 5]

100% den beste og mest detaljerte beskrivelsen av geishaer jeg noensinne har lest. Og med enorme, vakre biilder var det absolutt verdt de null kronene jeg betalte for den på folkebiblioteket. Hvis flere folk hadde lest denne hadde vi kanskje sett litt færre orientalistiske bad takes.

[Jan Peter van Kempen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published in 1999, so maybe not quite up-to-date anymore. General background is very informative though, and the pictures are beautiful.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting read, I never knew the accessories etc for a Geisha and especially a Maiko were so expensive for them!