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!  

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.