Miniature geisha projects for dollhouses, roomboxes and dioramas
The word geisha consists of two Japanese words: Gei (art) and sha (human). They are female artists. And what is their art?
Accomplished musicians, they play traditional Japanese instruments (such as the koto, shamisen, taiko, and shakuhachi),
Sophisticated hostesses, they entertain guests (with conversation, not prostitution), perform traditional Japanese dances, play games (like konpira fune fune), and enact elaborate traditional tea ceremonies.
Geisha were not and are not prostitutes. The rank of professional prostitutes in Japan was called Yujo. The false reputation of geishas as courtesans was created during WW2, when Japanese prostitutes entertained American soldiers. The prostitutes represented themselves as real geishas.
Blogs concentrating on geisha or categories/labels about them in blogs
Groups
Discussion groups, forums (or forum categories) and photo groups dedicated to geisha.
Tsuruko Maiko - a forum for geisha, kimono and other Japanese culture
Supplies for sale
Supplies needed for making geisha projects.
Miniature geishas for sale
Geisha miniatures for sale
Do you have a section for geisha in your shop? Add a direct link to that item here.
Books
Books about miniature geisha projects (also books with chapters about them)
Instructions for miniatures
Miniature printables
Wallpapers
Wallpapers that go well with geisha projects
Other Printies
Book/magazine covers related to geisha
Links
links to sites showing how to make items related to geisha
Geisha - from MSAT Minidoll List (romantic, artistic impression of a geisha)
Videos
YouTube videos about miniature projects related to this subject
Research/ Inspiration
Geisha (jap. 芸者) - a term which was created in the Tokugawa period.
The geisha tradition comes from taikomochi. Firstly geishas were only males, but in later times to this profession included females, known as onna geisha. In present times geishas are only women, but the taikomochi tradition continues as well. Geishas live in houses called okiya (in Tokio geishaya). For the parties, they mostly go to tea houses (jap. ochaya). They are several stages and ranks in the life of a geisha. The most basic ones are minarai (before achieving the maiko rank, they go to parties and observe how their older sisters work, but do nothing), maiko (in tokio Hangyoku) and geiko. Maiko is a practicant, a geiko is the full experienced geisha.
(*the term older or younger refers to rank, not age!)
They are more differences than mentioned above, but this are the most basic.
Geisha Girl : Becoming a geisha 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 - a really great film which shows the preparation of a girl for her debut: (presented in episodes on Youtube)
Memoirs of a Geisha - 2007 movie (it doesn't show a real geisha, but for people that have to know, that geisha aren't prostitutes, it's the right film)
Tips/Hints
Ideas about what is needed for these projects
Geisha scene
Kimono, fan, umbrella - maiko shoes: okobo and the most popular shoes for geiko: zori
I hope you don't mind that I edited your entry just a little bit. Please make sure that I haven't changed what you have said. I included all you said, just changed things around a little.
Again, thanks so much. The links you added were so fascinating.
You are great, Hotazuru! Glad I didn't change any of the meaning.
I admire those who can speak other languages - I come from a country which is supposed to be bilingual, learned French in school, but never become fluent, greatly to my regret!
You don't have permission to comment on this page.
Comments (5)
Hotazuru said
at 10:58 pm on Feb 9, 2011
I've added the most basic informations, hope they will help you all ^^
johanna janhonen said
at 1:19 pm on Feb 10, 2011
arigato Hotazuru-san :)
Linda McD said
at 3:41 am on Feb 10, 2011
Hotazuru, Fantastic!
I hope you don't mind that I edited your entry just a little bit. Please make sure that I haven't changed what you have said. I included all you said, just changed things around a little.
Again, thanks so much. The links you added were so fascinating.
Hotazuru said
at 2:52 pm on Feb 10, 2011
No problem. My english is not the best so the edits are on place ^^
Linda McD said
at 2:43 am on Feb 12, 2011
You are great, Hotazuru! Glad I didn't change any of the meaning.
I admire those who can speak other languages - I come from a country which is supposed to be bilingual, learned French in school, but never become fluent, greatly to my regret!
You don't have permission to comment on this page.