Tayu
Meet Taya – Empress Hanamachi! Tayu is a courtesan, she has 5th rank, the highest degree of skill. In addition to sophisticated communication, tea ceremony and other subtleties, the Tayu mastered the art of “spring quarters”. First Maiko, then Geisha, and only then could Tayu become.
The Tayu (太夫、大夫) appeared at the beginning of the Edo period, in the early 17th century. Originally, this was the name given to Kabuki theater actresses who had achieved high skill. Beautiful and talented women, they were also called Castle Destroyers 傾城
Geisha, Maiko, Tayu – all these are representatives of the Floating World disappearing at dawn.
I was able to find very little information on Tayu, it is still a closed world.
Asai Ryôi, who was the first to name the floating world:
“…Living only for the moment
turning our full attention to the pleasure of the moon,
the snow, the cherry blossoms and the maple leaves;
singing songs, drinking wine, diverting ourselves
in just floating, floating…”
Netsuke height is 7 cm, inlaid eyes with a black horn, Urushi varnishes: red and black Kuro-nakanuri, gold Nashiji flakes, gold Marufun. December 2021. Russia, private collection.