Hanako, a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) and a character of my own creation. ^^ Her name literally means "Flower Child". ^^

Hanako is a lovely, cheerful and charming young woman, with an air of serenity. She loves flowers and poetry, and finds great fulfillment in being a Maiko.

A project I did for a correspondence art course I took. It wasn't perfect, but it was very helpful. In the end, my final project for that course was to put together a varied portfolio, and is this obviously my favorite piece. ^^

I also spent a lot of time researching Geisha and Maiko for this project, and it was a lot of fun. XD I'm slightly obsessed with Geisha now, as they are extremely beautiful to behold.

Some Geisha facts:
- The word "Geisha" means "artist" or "person of the arts".
- In this regard, Geisha (and Maiko) are entertainers who specialize in the arts such as traditional dancing, flower-arranging, song, poetry, tea ceremonies, and making conversation. They usually entertainment wealthy men in private parties but aslo hold stage performances for common folk as well.
- Geisha endure years of training and apprenticeship from a very young age before becoming full-fledged Geisha. First they serves as housemaids, running errands and doing chores. Then they become Maiko at a caertain age. Finally, after a few years of being a Maiko, the Maiko undergoes a ritualized ceremony where she given a haircut, and is given a new persona as a Geisha. It's sort of like a coming-out party.
- The life of a Geisha is not at all restricting. In fact, the Geisha houses have a very matriarchal society in which older Geisha guide and mentor the younger Maiko. It allowed women the chance for a very independent and liberating life-style, and as such, it was also a position with a great deal of prestige and respect.
- Geisha and Maiko are NOT prostitutes! This notion came about during the American occupation of Japan at the end of World War II when desperate women took to prostituting themselves to G.I.'s and passed as Geisha to make it easier for the soldiers to understand.
- In addition, Geisha and Oiran are NOT in any way, related. Oiran are high-class courtesans with knowledge and skill in the traditional arts, but also provide sexual favors. Geisha have artistic skill but do not provide sexual favors to clients or engage in ritualized prostitution. The easiet way to tell the difference between a Geisha and an Oiran is that Oiran's are far more elaborately dressed, with gaudier headressings, higher shoes, and their robes are tied on the front. Geisha, even the colorful Maiko, are more conservative and refined in their dress, and their robes tie in the back.
- There are only less than 10,000 modern Geisha and Maiko left in Japan. Most are in Kyoto. The reason why is because it takes a very long time to become a Geisha and it's very expensive. Most modern young women now want to pursue careers.
- Regardless, Geisha and Maiko are truely beautiful to behold. ^^

Materials: Bristol Board, Pencil, Pigma Pen, Prismacolor pencils
Music: "Princs Sakuya's Theme" – Masami Ueda

Artwork © Cheetah Smith. Please do not take or redistribute without permission.