Geisha: Beyond the Painted Smile

According to bestselling author Golden (Memoirs of Geisha), the reason why so many Westerners misunderstand the social function of geisha is because there is no clear counterpart to their profession in Anglo-European culture. A geisha, he explains, is ""something unfamiliar to us, a kind of professional who makes her living through social engagements"" that rarely involve sex. The essays in this collection, however, go a long way towards providing a broad understanding of geisha culture and history. The book focuses primarily on the past, an appropriate choice given that, in Japan, geisha are often most valued for their mastery of traditional arts, i.e. singing, dancing and playing the shamisen (""a three-stringed, banjo-like instrument""). The collection does include a few explorations of modern geisha, as well. ""Tokyo geisha ... are admired for their high-spirited, even saucy character,"" writes Peabody Museum curator Andrew Maske in one of many detailed observations that pepper the book. And, though none of the book's eight contributors are Japanese, the magnitude of their expertise is apparent (and at times trying) by the sheer volume of analysis and data that they offer. Sublime photos provide plenty of eye candy throughout. Yet these visuals do little to inform readers of the inner lives of these unique women. We are told that geisha are ""brilliant, independent-minded...and have chosen a career rather than marriage,"" but this description could be used to describe any number of professional women. Such vagueness about the interior lives of geisha is the biggest flaw in this otherwise useful book, but perhaps it merely emphasizes the reserve of geisha society as whole, in which intimate knowledge is meant only for those who join their ranks or those who can afford their incredibly expensive company. 158 color illus.