Post by Mariko Shimada on Jun 17, 2012 13:28:58 GMT -5
Mariko plucked the strings of the expertly crafted Shamisen with poise and practiced grace. Outside, a gentle rain had fallen, washing the last of the Cherry blossoms from the branches of the trees that lined the streets of Zento. Puddles of rainwater, covered with fallen blossoms, glowed pink under the late afternoon sun while sparrows and larks flitted and chittered from tree to eves. Zento was quiet save for the occasional clip, clop of a passing horse-drawn cart. Six months had passed since work had begun on building the new Okiya. Now it was finished. Done in the traditional style with a separate tea house for honored guests, the Okiya was a place of quiet, reserved beauty. A haven for the Lords of Tokuno seeking refuge and simple conversation or the pleasure of viewing traditional dance or listening to music. This was The Flower, Willow World of the Geisha. The “Karyukai”.
Under the protection of the Emperor the Ichiriki Chaya was highly respected and honored among its patrons. Daimyos and powerful Samurai often visited as well as the occasional wealthy foreigner who might be conducting business in Zento. Mariko was at the call of the Emperor, which permitted her to wear the title of “Tayu” or courtesan. As skilled as a Geisha in all manner of entertainment she was also well versed in poetry, philosophy, art, music, dance and polite conversation.
Rarely leaving the Okiya, save for those occasions when her company was requested at the Imperial Palace, Mariko went about her daily chores. Servants ran errands, shopped, and cleaned. Kimono makers would visit with the latest colors and patters of silk for her approval. Once a year the most skilled of these kimono tailors would be commissioned to create a work of art that Mariko would wear for the Emperor’s name day. On these occasions and traveling under guard, Mariko would be escorted from the Okiya to the steps of the Palace. Here she would spend as many as three days entertaining the Emperor and his family. Always she returned to the Okiya and her life would continue as before.
Contented, she would spend many long hours working to perfect dance or music or the traditional Tea Ceremony. Calligraphy and flower arranging were the simple tools of such an artisan. Her duty in this life was to create a world where one could forget all of life’s trials and tribulations. Forget their daily struggles and loose themselves in a world never seen outside of the Empire of Tokuno. Mariko was considered a living, breathing work of art by those who understood or at least appreciated her beauty and grace. She spoke little but when she did it was always with reverent respect and gentleness. Always with a compliment or a phrase of wisdom or a quote from a famous teacher or philosopher. But always with humility and simple grace.
This was the world found within the bamboo gates of the Ichiriki Chaya. Bamboo gates that opened onto a different path, a different source of energy and subtle peace. As water into a cistern overflows and empties, so too the world of the Geisha. Overflowing with beauty and grace it empties into the hearts and memories of those fortunate enough to feel its magic. Fortunate enough to glimpse the “Karyukai”; The Flower, Willow World of the Ichiriki Chaya of Zento.
Under the protection of the Emperor the Ichiriki Chaya was highly respected and honored among its patrons. Daimyos and powerful Samurai often visited as well as the occasional wealthy foreigner who might be conducting business in Zento. Mariko was at the call of the Emperor, which permitted her to wear the title of “Tayu” or courtesan. As skilled as a Geisha in all manner of entertainment she was also well versed in poetry, philosophy, art, music, dance and polite conversation.
Rarely leaving the Okiya, save for those occasions when her company was requested at the Imperial Palace, Mariko went about her daily chores. Servants ran errands, shopped, and cleaned. Kimono makers would visit with the latest colors and patters of silk for her approval. Once a year the most skilled of these kimono tailors would be commissioned to create a work of art that Mariko would wear for the Emperor’s name day. On these occasions and traveling under guard, Mariko would be escorted from the Okiya to the steps of the Palace. Here she would spend as many as three days entertaining the Emperor and his family. Always she returned to the Okiya and her life would continue as before.
Contented, she would spend many long hours working to perfect dance or music or the traditional Tea Ceremony. Calligraphy and flower arranging were the simple tools of such an artisan. Her duty in this life was to create a world where one could forget all of life’s trials and tribulations. Forget their daily struggles and loose themselves in a world never seen outside of the Empire of Tokuno. Mariko was considered a living, breathing work of art by those who understood or at least appreciated her beauty and grace. She spoke little but when she did it was always with reverent respect and gentleness. Always with a compliment or a phrase of wisdom or a quote from a famous teacher or philosopher. But always with humility and simple grace.
This was the world found within the bamboo gates of the Ichiriki Chaya. Bamboo gates that opened onto a different path, a different source of energy and subtle peace. As water into a cistern overflows and empties, so too the world of the Geisha. Overflowing with beauty and grace it empties into the hearts and memories of those fortunate enough to feel its magic. Fortunate enough to glimpse the “Karyukai”; The Flower, Willow World of the Ichiriki Chaya of Zento.
