Three Muses Challenge - Oriental

A new day and a new challenge!  This one is from The Three Muses.

I have to admit that I am in awe of Geisha.  Western culture doesn't really know what do think about Geisha.  The American occupation of Japan saw a troubling change in the perception of what Geisha were.  Geisha literally means Art Person.  It is a woman who dedicates her life to the pursuit of beauty and art.  When we think of Geisha we think of the alabaster white mask, red lips, swaying obi and beautiful kimono.  That picture is actually a Geisha in training; a Maiko.  These women traditionally started training at a very young age, learning the very strict protocol of a Geisha, working on her chosen art form - dance or music.  Learning to keep conversation flowing, but never interjecting her own opinion but able to listen and keep secret what is being said.  She is the most perfect of hostesses, making sure that her guests are supplied everything they need without asking.  It is not about sex or love, it is about art.  This life is as difficult as it is rewarding.  It takes a very special person to take on the endless training that it takes to the business of being Geisha.  That is partially the reason that the numbers of Geisha are declining.  Another reason is that Geisha is not understood by those outside of Japanese culture.   They are mysterious, even to glimpse one walking to her evening appointments is a special treat for Japanese and tourists alike.
This is an ATC (artist trading card).  The images on the card are from Nice Crane Designs.  The buddha bust is a brush that I downloaded free from the internet.