Kyoto Geisha

Chiyo becomes a Kyoto geisha, taking the name of Sayuri, after she is taken from the small fishing village of Yoroida. A geisha is a woman who devotes herself to entertaining men, living in an okiyo, and learning the art of creating illusions for the pleasure of the men they are amusing. They can dance, play instruments, tell stories, and make their clients feel as though they are kings among men.

Noh Smile

The kind of smile that uses or resembles a Noh mask with frozen features that allow men to interpret the look any way they want . They are used to hide feelings.

China Clay

A lead based makeup used by a geisha which permeated the skin, especially when not completely removed before entering the hot springs frequented by geisha. The combination dyed the skin a sickly yellow color.

Shamisen

Though called a Japanese...