Maiko

:: Brush-tip pens ::

A Japanese maiko is a trainee geisha, often with a more ornate kimono than an actual geisha and the white make-up (fully fledged geisha do not wear this, to contrary belief), to name just a few differences, but I was lazy and couldn't be bothered to draw the obi, instead just went for the sash. I read that it was traditional for a maiko to wear her hair in the 'split peach' style', with red fabric showing through, but I couldn't find a picture anywhere; hence this is my interpretation.
I hate the parasol, but it went weird so I just blackened it (myaaarg, stupid thing). Originally the kimono was white, and there was just some red decoration and lips, but it didn't look right, so I had to colour it black, which, although I think works better, destroyed the original concept of calligraphy style lines, which did work really well in emphasising the elegance. Oh well. Crap colouring, but it was an 'I got bored and needed to doodle' kinda picture. Hayumph.