Images of Tayuu, Oiran and Yujo from long ago and today.

I'm hoping to start up a small thread about the amazing outlandish dress styles people have seen, or found in antique postcards from 100 years ago -- and the amazing hairstyles, dress styles and processions that still go on today -- keeping this living work of art alive.

I am not sure I can tell whether these beautiful ladies were Oiran (who, from what little I remember) practiced their trade and had their state-issued licences in Kyoto, in the Osaka region) and Tayuu (who had the same for the Tokyo -- Kansai region). I hope someone can let me know!

-- an amazing photo up on ebay -- I hope it stays there for a while -- so I can afford it!



-- This is an image of a beautiful Yoshiwara courtesan

Thank you for sharing such amazing photographs!
the musubi of the oiran in the first photo it's a little odd. At least I think I never saw one like that before ^^''

Kimino wrote:

Thank you for sharing such amazing photographs!
the musubi of the oiran in the first photo it's a little odd. At least I think I never saw one like that before ^^''

Kimino-san, did you know that one of the few remaining Tayuu performers in Japan -- in fact the one that may started up the current Tayuu-reenactors, is in fact a retired Geisha?

Her name is Kisaragi-Tayuu and she is flawless.

Yes I think that there is an odd counter-iki culture where the Tayuu or Oiran (not sure) wore very odd-seeming obi! I've seen a few original photos that were scanned onto flickr of Tayuu with obi shaped like japanese kites, or with huge koi (Japanese gold fish) embroidered on them. They are very wild!