The figures in my work are maiko, not geisha, as some might think. Maiko, meaning "dancing child," apprentice under a geiko (Kyoto) or geisha (Western Japan). There are many ways to differentiate a maiko from a geiko or geisha.

Maiko are generally between 15 and 20 years old and wear elaborate, colorful kimonos with a red collar rather than all white. They have part of their natural skin showing around their hairline and neck instead of it being painted all white, and use their natural hair with decorative hair ornaments instead of a wig.

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Maiko, geiko, and geisha are a class of professional performance artists and entertainers. They are trained early on in traditional Japanese performing arts styles, such as dance, music and singing, as well as being proficient conversationalists. To this day, you can enjoy a meal and pleasant conversation with both maiko and geiko in Kyoto.