Japan, circa 1885
by Kusakabe Kimbei

The mystique surrounding the beauty rituals of the geisha, one of the most compelling and misconstrued icons in Japanese society, has existed since the roots of geisha culture were laid down in the 18th century teahouses of Kyoto and Edo. This studio image, taken by Kusakabe Kimbei, shows a geisha in the final stages of applying the prominent white face makeup that was (and still is) one of the central tenants of a geisha’s beauty and charm.