53 Likes, 3 Comments - Uemura kiichi (@uemurakiichi) on Instagram: “立兵庫”
Japanese Hairstyles: Historical Overview Part 01
Hairstyle Name: Aoi-tabo Tate-Hyougo (葵髱 立兵庫) lit. “Hollyhock Backhair Standing Army Warehouse”
This is a variation of the Hyougo-mage hairstyle. The style depicted is not at all similar to the other hairstyle of the same name. This variation was most likely created in the mid-Edo period in the various red-light districts. It would have been one of many stylish variations of the Genroku-era Tate-Hyougo style. In the ranks of the mid-Edo Yoshiwara, Zashikimochi and Heyamochi courtesans would have worn this hairstyle. For more information on these courtesan ranks, please read here.
This version appears to be an older form since the tabo (or tsuto) is shaped like a Hollyhock leaf. This detail appears to corroborate the idea that tayuu were the only companions accomplished enough to take on upper-class nobility and royals as clients because Aoi-tabo is the mark of hairstyles meant for upper-class noble and royal women.
