#oshiroi

Ichikawa Haruyo 市川春代 (1913-2004) modelling for Le-to Kataneri Oshiroi レート固煉白粉  powder advertisement - Japan - 1932

May 2019: Maiko Kanako (Kawahisa Okiya) of Miyagawacho throwing the first pitch during a baseball game at the Koshei Stadium.

It’s a tradition for a Maiko or Geiko from Miyagawacho to throw the first pitch during a Hanshin Tigers baseball game once a year! Last year, now retired Geiko Kimihiro was chosen to do it.

Don’t get confused by Kanako’s kanzashi by the way: She’s wearing her January kanzashi because it features lucky motifs and a small Hanshin Tigers flag is pinned to it!

Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, alongside Sumo, Judo and soccer. They have a unique tradition when it comes to throwing first pitches: The batter is supposed to swing and miss the ball on purpose!

มิถุนายน 2562: เครื่องประดับผม (かんざし: Kanzashi) รูปแบบดอก Hydrangea (紫陽花: Ajisai) สำหรับเดือนมิถุนายน ของไมโกะ Mamekinu (โอกิยะ Tama) จากเขต Gion Kobu ในจังหวัด Kyoto

Looking back I noticed that I don’t have a specific visual aid for this topic posted anywhere, so it’s a good time to post one! Anonymous asked: “Can you tell us more about the makeup patterns that Maiko/Geiko have on their neck? Thanks in advance and apologies if this is already covered elsewhere on the blog.” To make this a bit easier I’ll be using images that a friend took (whose permission I have to share these images, although they choose to remain anonymous). First, let’s look at the common pattern:

For everyday wear (and some semi-formal occasions) the pattern is called Eriashi (襟足), which simply means “Neck Lines/Stripes.” The key thing to note here are how many lines or points are showing which, in this case, are two. They’re painted on by hand by the maiko and geiko who apply them. For formal occasions, the pattern changes up slightly:

🆕 New blog post! - Oshiroi makeup: an enigmatic mask. Photos of maiko Kikuyae in courtesy of Paul van der Veer  💌💖