Maiko performing dance at Heian shrine Kyoto Japan
by Loren Dowding
Title
Maiko performing dance at Heian shrine Kyoto Japan
Artist
Loren Dowding
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photograph
Description
Photograph of a senior maiko from the Pontocho district performing a traditional dance performed with a Japanese dancing fan called Mai Ogi, in Gion in Kyoto, Japan. The maiko photographed is wearing a dark purple hikizuri kimono with long dangling sleeves showing various motifs of chrysanthemums and maple leaves and a classical green darai obi depicting sensu folding fans. 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. The hairstyle seen here is called ofuku and is worn by senior maiko. 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
April 10th, 2020
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