Source: http://nihongami.blogspot.com/2019/12/blog-post_8.html
Nihongami: Hairstyles of the Karyukai - Geisha & Maiko
Historical Time Period: Mid-Edo Period - 2nd Half (1753-1789)
Hairstyle Name: Chuu-Taka-Shimada (中高島田) lit. "Middle-High Rice Paddy Island”
This is a Shimada topknot with a middle-to-high base for the knot. The form of this hairstyle is nearly identical in the Bunkin-Taka-Shimada, Hariuchichi, Yakko-Shimada, and Geiko-Shimada styles. It seems to have occurred in various forms since the mid-Edo period. Its elegance and dignity of form makes it one of the favorite styles of the upper classes, especially the samurai class, by the late Edo period.
This is now widely used by traditional brides during the wedding ceremony as well as by the maiko and geiko of Gion Kobu during the performances of Miyako Odori. It is used only for the final common dance when all the performers dance together. Today, it’s unlikely to see any geisha on the street wearing this hairstyle. The floral decoration for this hairstyle changes every year because it is designed annually for each Miyako Odori performance.
