The term "geisha" was originally reserved for male prostitutes, the name for female prostitutes being "onna-geisha." It was only after male prostitution was outlawed in the 17th century that the term "geisha" was used to refer exclusively to women.
Hana-Ogi was a famous prostitute and a talented poet who wrote in both Japanese and Chinese. An admired beauty, she was also a model for many prominent painters.
The geisha was not always a prostitute, but her life was as regulated as that of a prostitute. From the age of thirteen, the geisha was trained in conversation, poetry, and music.
