See also: Oiran. . Tayu were the highest rank of female entertainers in early modern Japanese licensed quarters. were distinguished historically from other courtesans (yūjo; women of pleasure) and entertainers (Maiko, Geisha/Geiko) by their intensive training in numerous traditional artforms from a young age. The prestige this education conferred on them allowed them to refuse clients. They were the only entertainers to attend the Imperial banquets. [1] [2]
were known for their training in Japanese tea ceremony,,, Japanese calligraphy, poetry, dance, singing, and the playing of traditional instruments, such as the .
differed from lower ranks of oiran by the social class of their customers and the services they offer. Traditionally, catered for the uppermost echelons of society, including the nobility and the imperial court. were recognised as a group in the beginning of the Edo period. Due to the limited size of their clientele, they were never numerous; during their peak there were approximately 40 working in Kyoto in the Shimabara district.
After the outlawing of prostitution in 1957 continued practicing the cultural and performing arts traditions of their profession in Shimabara and are considered a "special variety" of geisha.[3]
The most famous in history was, who lived in the 17th century.[4] Trained from the age of 7, she quickly mastered the many arts required to be a, and made her debut at the age of 14, immediately becoming a sensation. Yoshino was well-known for her beauty, skill and erudition. Yoshino is buried in the Jōshō-ji temple in Kyoto. Every year on the second Sunday in April, near the anniversary of her death, there is a procession of to the temple, where a ceremony is held.
While entertaining, wear elaborate kimono and hair ornaments weighing more than . Unlike modern-day and geisha, but similarly to some apprentice geisha, they do not use wigs for their traditional hairstyles, but instead use their own hair.
wear white face makeup and blacken their teeth. are accompanied by an older female attendant and two (young girls wearing red livery bearing the 's name).
When outdoors, wear distinctive extremely high platform sandals, which require a special mode of walking in order to look elegant, and also an attendant for support. This and many other aspects of the 's appearance were copied by the, most notably in the, a procession where the processes to meet a customer.