Hairstyles...
The hairstyle of Geisha in 17th century which is called Shimada, has three major types/Chignon. These are the Shimada, a high Chignon usually worn by young and single women, the Tsubushi Shimada, a more flattened Chignon generally worn by the older ones, the Uiwata Shimada, a Chignon that is usually bound up with a piece of colored cotton and a divided-peach-liked style which is worn only by Maiko(the young Geisha).
The hairstyles are decorated with hair-combs and hairpins. Geisha sleep with their necks on a small supports called Takamakura, instead of pillows, so that they could keep their hairstyle perfect.
The tradional makeup features a thick white based with red lipstick that is applied only around the middle of lips and black accents around the eyes and eyebrows. Originally, the white base mask was made with lead, but after the discovery that it poisoned the skin, it was replaced by rice powder.
Applying makeup of a Geisha is a lot time-consuming process. It also has to be applied first before dressing the Kimono to prevent dirtying the Kimono. A unique feacture of their makeup is that they use purely white power to look like a mask with a skin line of V or W shape around the hair line and the unique way of colouring the lips.
Some young Geisha, Maiko, even coloured their teeth black. It is because uncoloured teth seem very yellow compared to white face makeup. By coloring their teeth, the teeth will disapper in the darkness when they open the mouth.
Dress...
Geisha always wear Kimono but Maiko wear Obi which is brighter than Kimono. Older Geisha wear more subdued patterns and styles. the colour, pattern and the styles of the Kimono is dependent on the season and the event of which the Geisha is attending.
Geisha wear red or pint Nagajuban which is just underwear under kimono. The junior Maiko wear the coolar with red and white, or silver or gold. Two to three years after trainning and around the age of 20, the red collar will be entirely embroidered into white to show her seniority.
Labels: Posted by KHIN KHIN
