Captivating motion pictures of Japanese Geisha and Maiko from the 1890s. Revitalized and augmented through advanced AI techniques. Recorded over a century ago in Gion, Kyoto, Japan in 1899.
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AI Enhancement by Glamourdaze.com Utilizing advanced AI technologies and the Deep Exemplar-based Video Colorization method crafted by Bo Chang and team.
Primary Footage.
Safeguarded by the US National Archive and included in the Thomas Armat Collection. View the original film: Title: Japanese Scenes – 1894
Geisha and Maiko – Japan 1899
Many Japanese women of the time adorned themselves in the iconic Kimono, Obi, in particular the Furisode kimono. However, the women seen in this footage are unmistakably entertainers. Their hairstyles, embellished with swaying kanzashi and decorative sakura blossoms, are telltale signs. Additionally, their graceful traditional dance, accompanied by the strumming of two Shamisen players, is intrinsic to the art of a Geisha apprentice.
In Kyoto, the term for a Geisha is ‘Geiko’ and their apprentices are known as ‘Maiko.’ Meanwhile, in Tokyo, they are referred to as ‘Hangyoku’.
The Art of Geisha Appearance
For a Geisha, makeup application isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s an art. While Maiko might wear the white oshiroi makeup for special events, it wasn’t a daily routine. Once a Maiko had her hairstyle set, it would typically last around a week before she washed it. To maintain these intricate hairstyles, they used a unique pillow known as a ‘Takamakura’, translating to ‘high pillow.’
The Meiji era marked a time of change for Japan as it started embracing Western influences, ushering in a wave of modernization, consumer culture, and western fashion. Despite these changes, the Gion district in Kyoto remains a living testament to the enduring Geisha and Maiko traditions.
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