The word‘maiko’is a local Kyoto word which means literally‘dance’and ‘child’. A maiko is actually an apprentice (aged between 16~20) training to aspire to the rank of ‘geiko’ or “Performing Artist”. During her training years a maiko is unpaid but receives accommodation, kimono, and lessons from an ‘okiya’(residential house). The maiko’s relationship with her okiya family is a close one and continues even after she becomes a geiko.
A maiko receives formal lessons in traditional dance, good manners, elocution and how to play the shamisen but much of her training comes from her mentor and‘onee-san’(older-sister), an established geiko. The main work of the geiko is to attend‘ozashiki’banquets held at traditional‘ochaya’tea-houses within the five ‘kagai’ flower towns of Kyoto. She attends as a paid entertainer and may bring her maiko apprentice along to, at first, observe, learn and sometimes to pour drinks. The geiko are multi-skilled in the arts of dance, music, light conversation and party games, as well as ceremonials such as tea-serving. While the young maiko is less accomplished in these arts, her gorgeous kimono makes up for any lack of experience.
Indeed, the appearance of a maiko can be described as‘traditional crafts in motion’. Her kimono, obi belt, costume accessories, footwear (10cm high!), hair decorations, handbag and umbrella are a complete showcase of Kyoto’s finest crafts. Her differing hair styles and decorations in particular are rich in symbols and meanings to suggest the time of year, her level of training and specific affiliation within Kyoto’s five‘kagai’districts.
Maiko and Geiko may share some fundamental similarities in dress but there are 3 key ways to tell them apart.
Firstly, their hair styles are quite different. The Geiko actually wears a wig whereas the Maiko arranges her own hair. Both wear floral hair ornaments, chosen to suit the season.
Secondly, their kimono and obi style differs. Irrespective of how more ornate the patterns and colors may be, the Maiko kimono has tucks sewn in to the shoulders and sleeves (historically, to allow the size to be adjusted). The Maiko’s obi belt is also tied far higher and hangs much lower.
Thirdly, the 10cm high wood block footwear‘okobo’is only worn by the Maiko.
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