Thank you to Suzanne C. Walker for the use of her fonts Old General Store and Adorable in my header. If you love 'em you can get them from Digital Scrapbook Place. (psssssttt...I put a link down below so you don't have to remember the www. part)

Saturday, August 13, 2011

SPA - Oriental


I had fun with this prompt.  The image of the 3 Geisha is from Tumblefish Studio.  Marsha has some dynamite kits available at Deviant Scrap.  The backgrounds have been altered in color to better match the  kimono in the image. The background, bamboo, and frame are from Erica Belton at Digital Scrapbook Place.
It's no secret that I have a fascination with Geisha.  I find that a woman who will dedicate her life to the arts and the pursuit of beauty a wonderful thing.  Geisha are misunderstood by most and cherished as icons in Japan.   But in truth, they are "arts person" which is one translation of the word Geisha.
I chose the image of "see no evil, hear no evil, speak, no evil" not just because it is a really nice image, but because these women are prized not only for their intelligence, graciousness,  beauty, and talent, but also because they can be trusted never to divulge what is said during the course of an evening.  They know everyone and no one all at the same time.  They can hear much and speak little.
It is a fear that the Geisha tradition is going to die out.   Fewer woman decide to turn the collar of their kimono from red of a Maiko (an apprentice)  to white, becoming full Geisha.    The turning of the collar, making it past the training period and embracing the life and business of being Geisha is a long, hard, well thought out process for any woman.
As much as I would love the opportunity to see and meet Geisha, I will not have that privilege in my life.  So, I scan images on the internet and read books by those who have been lucky enough to part the bamboo screen and enter the Flower and Willow world.  
If there is anyone reading this who have postcards of Geisha and would like to trade with me for one of my postcards, please contact me!  

9 comments:

Christine said...

beautiful card.

Junibears said...

A gorgeous card and your post is charming. Lovely to read about the life of a Geisha. Thank you.xx

Jester said...

A beautiful postcard, Wendy, and thank for the very interesting commentary. I've learnt a lot!

Anne (cornucopia) said...

Wonderful postcard!

indybev said...

A beautiful card with a bit of humor. Thank you for sharing info about the geisha. It has always seemed to me a subserient feminine role, so it was interesting to see your point of view. Thank you for sharing.

Deann said...

I love it...an excellent take on this weeks challenge...fantastic!!!

Linda Gibbons said...

Beautiful card , and very interesting info about the geisha world. Thanks

LivArtNow said...

That's a beautiful card, and I loved reading the story to go with it!
hugs and smiles,
Linda

peggy gatto said...

I loved reading the history and seeing your very pretty card!!