After "miko, " Shinto shrine maidens of the old times, lost characters of god and priest, they developed natures of vagrancy, entertainment, and prostitution.

After the Heian Era, the word "yuko-nyofu" was shortened to "asobime. "

" The courtesans of the Heian Era were cultured and some of their "waka," 31-syllable Japanese poems, were contained in compilation-by-Imperial-command anthology.

The coutesan in the photograph shows a woman for entertainment in "uchiki" style.

She holds the skirt with the small string at the waist for entertainment on action.

"Tsuboshozoku" is a formal traveling wear , whereas the costume of courtesan is an informal array.