Geisha - Japan's Floating World Beauties

Author: Shen Zhongqi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: Geisha, a special occupation that emerged in the Edo period of Japan, has always been shrouded in mystery. As professional women who entertained at banquets with singing and poetry, geisha must embody feminine charm in their service, which adds to their enigmatic allure. Every aspect of a geisha's performance—whether it's singing, dancing, musical instruments, or even gestures—reflects classical artistic principles. Compared to the peak period of geisha in the late 19th century and before the 1970s, the number of geisha in Japan has significantly declined, as if they were fading into the sunset. However, the culture of geisha has not declined but has instead permeated all aspects of Japanese society. The code of conduct known as "Geisha-Do" has become an example for modern Japanese women. Through the culture of geisha, one can glimpse a side of the core of Japanese culture and understand the unique coexistence of traditional and modern cultures in Japanese society. This book is divided into four chapters, each with a title taken from Japanese Chinese poetry, including:
- "Few people write about Arashiyama in the East, but only Tani Bunjiro enjoys this painting" by Fujiwara Kei (1807–1866)
- "Dreaming of Li Changji" by Nakajima Dairei (1801–1834)
- "Artificial Mountain" by Uraji Chuzo (birth and death years unknown)
- "Flowers and Rocks in front of Chokusetsu's Studio" by Fujiwara Kei. These poets were active before the Meiji Restoration, when composing Chinese-style regulated verse became fashionable among Japanese literati. The titles are quoted here to express the connection between the traditional Japanese culture embodied by geisha and Chinese culture. The four-line titles perfectly form a "single-word collection of phrases," serving as the author's reflections on Japanese art and culture.