Geisha are traditional female entertainers from Japan. They are known for their skills in arts like elegant dancing, playing musical instruments, and holding pleasant conversations. This tradition started long ago, around the middle of the 18th century. Geisha were seen as artists and sometimes even set trends in fashion.
Their appearance is very distinct. They often wear beautiful silk robes called kimonos. Traditionally, they wear special white makeup on their faces and style their hair in detailed ways. Geisha undergo training to master various Japanese arts. It’s important to know that their role was focused on entertainment and art. This was different from other figures in Japanese history, like the Oiran, whose role involved the sex trade.
Vintage photographs taken during the 1950s offer a fascinating look into the lives of Geisha during that time. Japan in the 1950s was changing, blending old customs with new, modern influences after the war. These photos capture how the traditional art of the Geisha existed within this evolving society.
