They were educated women with special studies. They wore kimonos, had a distinctive hairstyle and white makeup. Their name comes from a combination of words meaning art and person.
They knew traditional Japanese dances, traditional musical instruments and the tea ceremony.
Their training began at a young age to become maids in the homes of wealthy families as well as to provide entertainment.
They were strictly forbidden to have clients for sex and they were celibate. If someone decided to marry, they had to retire from the profession.
[Source: el.wikipedia.org]
