Here is a geisha that's sure to add elegance to your home or office decor

Geishas are traditional, female Japanese entertainers, whose skills include performing various Japanese arts, such as classical music and dance. Geishas purpose is to entertain their customer, be it by reciting verse, playing musical instruments, or engaging in light conversation. Geisha engagements may include flirting with men and playful innuendos; however, clients know that nothing more can be expected.

Traditionally, they began their training at a very young age. Once the recruit became proficient with the geisha arts, and passed a final, difficult dance exam, she would be promoted to the second stage of training. After a short period of time, the third (and most famous) stage of training began. Called Maiko, they learn from their senior geisha mentors and follow them around to all their engagements. Geishas may be prone to "flirt," but it is only their nature to seem demure and innocent.

Geisha always wear kimono. The color, pattern, and style of kimono is also dependent on the season and the event the geisha is attending. Colors of the kimono also depend on the stage of the geisha's training. The hairstyles of geisha have varied through history. In the past, it has been common for women to wear their hair down in some periods, but up in others. Hairstyles are commonly decorated with elaborate haircombs and hairpins.

Hokusai (1760-1847) was a Japanese artist, painter and printmaker.This replicas was made from a woodprint.