Oiran Geta

During the Edo period, the highest ranking of all 'courtesans' were the oiran. Unlike other women housed in the Yoshiwara, the famed licensed brothel quarter of Edo, oiran were allowed to walk outside of their brothels to greet their customers. This privilege was emphasized by the tall lacquered geta they wore and their highly stylized way of walking. Oiran are not to be confused with geisha. Geisha, which literally translates as "skilled person," were accomplished men and women trained in the arts of dancing, singing, poetry recitation and music performance.