I am the original owner of this geisha. In the late 1960’s a Japanese family by the name Yamashiro came to America on a work visa and moved in the upstairs apartment in my parents 2-family home. We became very close during the few years that they were here. When it was time to return back to Japan, they gave me this beautiful authentic doll to remember them. This lovely lady is richly adorned and the attention to detail is very well done. She stands on a simple wood base 10 1/2” x 9 1/2”. Geisha, female entertainer originates in Japan. The true meaning of Geisha - a Japanese girl or woman, a professional, who is trained to provide entertaining and lighthearted company especially for a man or a group of men. However, please do not misconstrue that they were prostitutes. To the contrary, while prostitutes sell their bodies in exchange for money, a geisha did not sell herself. A geisha sold her skills and company. Geishas were not prisoners of their profession. They exercised free choice. In Japan, geishas are highly respected. They spent years training to learn the traditional instruments and dances of Japan. That the western media portrays geisha as prostitutes is a total myth.