Jon K Wrote:
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>
> all I can say about that is My Aunt by marriage is
> Japanse and she would say they are prostitutes.
> more than half their training is in the art of
> Sex.

But does your auntie say this because she actually knows about geisha culture or based on an outside opinion? Even within a culture, people can have substantially different views of the same thing.

>
> a few books of interest:
>
> " Geisha Secrets "
> FROM THE PUBLISHER:
> The world of Japanese geisha culture has long
> commanded worldwide interest and fascination. A
> document of this culture, as well as an exercise
> in erotic tradition, the "pillow book," was first
> used during Japan's Kamakura period (1192-1333).
> It then developed into a wider range of boudoir
> literature. Others became illustrated portfolios,
> or shunga, traditional Japanese erotic art that
> recalls great eighteenth-century masters such as
> Hokusai and Utamaro, as well as today's popular
> Manga comics. These pillow books were used by
> courtesans and geishas to aid sexual exploration,
> and throughout history also became a cultural
> guide to the world of the geisha, describing
> training, dress, makeup, and style, both public
> and private.

Yes, well, that's from the publisher and what is going to sell better...secrets of courtesans or courtesans and the mysterious geisha? From what I understand, there is a big difference between the two.

>
> Makura-no-soshi (The Pillow Book) by Sei Shonagon
> written around 1002 a link that might help
>

Hmm, I don't think that is whatever that person's source but can't say for sure as I have not read it. Here's a link on that particuliar book: [www.f.waseda.jp]

>
> Geisha trained for years for their position,
> culture, etiquette, sex, posture, manners, poetry,
> painting,literature, calligraphy, massage styles,
> and every ceremony for every occasion.

This almost sounds like a blurring between a geisha and a courtesan.

> Geisha occupied a high station in Ancient Japan,
> and I guess they still do.

Considering that they preserve old traditions, I wouldn't be surprised if they still did.

> Kept women in the west, learn how to put on make
> up, and suck bank accounts dry.

lol, my great aunt was a "kept" woman. It was definitely more than just knowing how to put on make up from what she explained to my grandmother. Haven't you ever seen Pretty Woman? You're forgetting manners, style, and etc.

> personal note: it only makes a woman cheap,
> sleazy and a parasite to be kept at least in
> America.

Or, in my great aunt's case, unusual. She was actually proposed to by her patron but she turned him down on the basis that it "would ruin their friendship". They were together for 16 years.

>
> yes who could ever have imagined three great
> fantasys combined into one..... a gorgeous
> oriental woman who was a tough, smart, deadly
> catholic school girl. >grin<

Testosterone notwithstanding, I am really curious as to why they didn't at least ask her to play a part in this film. Seems kind of interesting as she was so memorable for one reason or the other in Kill Bill.

>
> and I personally am glad white face is out. not
> being japanese,it was disturbing on some level
> LOL

I suppose it can look disturbing. I find it rather pretty myself. My best friend (who is Japanese/Chinese) and I once tried to make ourselves look like geisha when we were bored. lol, we looked horrible so the make up itself must be an art in itself.

Stephanie

In every man there is something wherein I may learn of him, and in that I am his pupil.--Ralph Waldo Emerson