According to the “Kumono-Itomaki� (蜘蛛糸�) written by Ky�zan, a well-known writer, the professional female hair dresser came into existence at the end of An-ei (1772–1780) and therefore it was undoubtedly later than that period before the courtesans used to have their hair dressed by regular experts.

Referring to the style of hair dressing, the same authority says:—

“For about 20 years after the Temmei (1781–1788) era until the era of Bunkwa (1804–1817) the style of hair-dressing of the oiran was generally the Tsumi-hy�go, but of late years this has ceased to exist. The size of hair-pins, on the other hand, has become larger than in former days, for in the Temmei period they were very small and light and no person placed the present artificial tortoise-shell (bazu) ornaments on her head. As regards the style of hair-dressing, the karawa, hy�go, shimada, marumagé (katsuyama-mage) and shiitake, came into vogue in the order named.�

For further information on the styles of hair-dressing, the reader is recommended to refer to the Reki-sei-oniia-s�k� (歷世女�考). The woodcuts inserted in this section illustrate the principal styles of coiffures which have been adopted in the Yoshiwara from time to time.

Types of Kamuro Coiffures.

Rooms of the YÅ«jo.

There is but little difference between the modern apartments (kyo-shitsu) of the yūjo and those of ancient times. The room in which a yūjo receives her guests is called the “zashiki,� and generally contains about eight mats (hachi-j�-jiki), while the adjoining room (tsugi no ma) is a smaller private apartment containing perhaps three or four mats. Some women have a third room placed at their disposal in addition, but this consideration is mostly granted to the “o shoku� exclusively.

A Rainy Day in the Yoshiwara—within and without.