Traditional Japanese White Makeup
Its especially interesting to note the differences between traditional japanese makeup and modern makeup for women all around the globe.
Traditional japanese white makeup. Most japanese women arent geisha and you wont see kabuki makeup outside of the theater but knowing a bit about the cosmetic traditions of this asian nation is sure to enlighten. Both of the main forms of japanese weddings the traditional shinto wedding and the white wedding a version of protestant christian wedding traditions are popular in japan. This may explain the myths surrounding the thick and unnaturally white makeup used by geisha women both in the past and today. The old japanese saying a fair complexion hides seven flaws attests to the high regard the japanese have for a light skin tone.
Why do japanese women paint their faces white. The white makeup covers the face neck and chest with two or three unwhitened areas forming a w or v shape usually a traditional w shape left on the nape to accentuate this traditionally erotic area and a line of bare skin around the hairline which creates the illusion of a mask. In theatre traditions of asia such as the chinese opera kathakali theatre of india and japanese kabuki the actor is the show. She may also be made up in white make up much like a geishas to.
Geisha kyoto gion2jpg 510 531. One common theory is that japanese people adored the naturally fair skin of many european cultures and that this geisha makeup was supposed to try to achieve the same look. Media in category traditional hair and makeup of japan the following 62 files are in this category out of 62 total. Annual report of the director to the board of trustees for the year.
Elements of a traditional japanese wedding january 9 2017 shinto tradition. According to japanese coolture japanese women painting their faces white is a reference to the geisha culture during the heian era of japan which lasted from 794 to 1185 ad. Here are 12 japanese makeup looks for those who want to change up their makeup routines.