Maiko performing traditional dance at Heian shrine Kyoto Japan

Photograph of a maiko from the Gion Kobu district performing hanagasa, a traditional dance performed with two round props also called hanagasa which... more

by Loren Dowding

Title

Maiko performing traditional dance at Heian shrine Kyoto Japan

Artist

Loren Dowding

Medium

Photograph - Digital Photograph

Description

Photograph of a maiko from the Gion Kobu district performing hanagasa, a traditional dance performed with two round props also called hanagasa which are decorated with pink flowers and bells, in Gion in Kyoto, Japan. The maiko photographed is wearing a cream hikizuri kimono with long dangling sleeves showing various motifs of chrysanthemums, maple leaves and pine and a vibrant red darai obi. As the photograph was taken in April, she wears seasonal cherry blossom flower hair ornaments, perfect for spring, and her hair is styled in a special way that is only used during this month.

Maiko(舞妓), are apprentice geisha or geiko in Kyoto, Japan. There are 5 geisha districts in Kyoto, the most famous of which is Gion. Maiko are distinguishable from geiko by several key areas, they style their own hair and wear floral hair ornaments known as hana kanzashi. They also wear colourful hikizuri kimono with long sleeves and a trailing hem and a very long darai, or dangling obi belt which displays the crest of their okiya.

Heian shrine, or Heian Jingū (平安神宮) is a large Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, you can see the huge entrance gate to the shrine in the background of this image.

Uploaded

January 25th, 2020