Geisha (Japan's floating world beauties)

Author: Shen Zhongqi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: Geisha, a special occupation formed in the Edo period of Japan, has always been shrouded in mystery. As professional women who entertained guests with singing and poetry, geisha must embody feminine charm in their service, which makes them enveloped in a colorful mist of curiosity. Every aspect of a geisha's performance, from singing and instrumental music to gestures, reflects classical artistic principles. Compared to the peak period of geisha in the late 19th century, the number of geisha in Japan has significantly decreased by the 1970s, as if it were the twilight of their glory. However, the culture of geisha has not declined but has 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 culture in Japanese society. This book is divided into four chapters, with each chapter's title taken from Japanese Chinese poetry, including:
- "Few in the East write about Arashiyama, but Kuni Tatsuo happily made this painting" by Fuji Ichi (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 Chongfu Studio" by Fuji Ichi
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 origin and connection between the traditional Japanese culture embodied by geisha and Chinese culture. The four lines of the titles perfectly form a "," serving as the author's reflections on Japanese art and culture.