Geisha : a unique world of tradition, elegance, and art / John Gallagher.

Format:

• Book

Author/Creator:

• Gallagher, John (Translator)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

• Geishas--History.
• Costume--Japan--History--Pictorial works.
• Costume.
• History.
• Geishas.
• Japan--Social life and customs.
• Japan.
• Manners and customs.

Genre:

• Pictorial works.
• Illustrated works.

Physical Description:

256 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), portraits ; 30 cm

Place of Publication:

London : Produced by PRC Pub. ; New York : Distributed in U.S. & Canada by Sterling Pub. Co., 2003.

Summary:

Exotic and mysterious, Japan's geishas have long enthralled westerners. But who are they, exactly? Take a fascinating peek into the geisha's world of tradition and ritual with the help of a most unique book. Four see-through vellum sections, of four layers each, begin with a "naked" geisha; they show, stage by stage, how a geisha's unique costume and make-up are assembled. You'll view the subtle changes of appearance through the round of seasonal events, and the elaborate array of equipment, from wigs to fans to clogs, in the geisha's wardrobe, as well as everything she needs to do her demanding jobs. Equally revealing is the incredibly detailed information about the women's lives and history; the minute gradations of rank; and their rigorous training. An entire network of dance schools, teahouses, temples, and offices revolve around the geisha and her work. This is a unique and illuminating look at a riveting subject.

Contents:

• The flower-and-willow world
• Geisha quarters: the hanamachi
• The history of the geisha
• Becoming a geisha
• The day of a geisha
• Geisha dress
• Geisha in the modern world
• Getting in touch with geisha
• A timeline of geisha and related history.

Notes:

• Includes a timeline of geisha and related history.
• Includes bibliography (page 253), glossary and index.

Local Notes:

Athenaeum copy: Miller Fund bookplate.

ISBN:

1856486974