At yesterday's CWAJ luncheon, the guest speaker was the First Western Geisha in Japan, Sayuki. An Australian who fell in love with the culture and language in her teens, it was her graduate work in social anthropology that brought her to the ancient art of the Geisha. Many Westerners misunderstand the role of these woman and mistakenly assume their duties include things less savory. Not so. They are artists rigorously trained in dance, music, and social etiquette. Historically they've played an important role in bringing conversation to sometimes uncomfortable tense situations. As the sake flows and Geisha entertain, business men and officials relax, communicate, and progress is achieved. Today, it's not just men that enjoy the art of the Geisha, as woman are welcome, too. My question, why the white makeup? Apparently in a candlelit tea house a brighter face becomes more radiant, adding to the beauty.
As an interesting story for foreigners, Sayuki has been in the news often. In fact, soon she will appear on Oprah. Here is a short clip:
As an interesting story for foreigners, Sayuki has been in the news often. In fact, soon she will appear on Oprah. Here is a short clip:
1 comment:
Oh funny, I just read an article about her in Marie Claire less than a month ago. Fascinating!
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