Maiko dancer depicted in a graceful pose, adorned in a furisode (long-sleeved kimono). The maiko, literally “dance child”, is an apprentice geisha, or “person of art”. Her role is to entertain with dance, music, conversation, and other arts at banquets held at teahouses.
The long obi is tied loosely in a style that became popular among women during the Edo period (1603-1868) and is still worn by maiko in Kyoto today.
Compared to geisha, maiko wear more striking makeup and more vibrant long-sleeved kimonos. The loosened neckline at the nape (han-eri-no-ura) reveals the characteristic "swallowtail" makeup, used to enhance the sensuality of the figure.
The figure is mounted on a lacquer stand.

This doll falls into the category of ishō ningyō (“Costume Dolls”), crafted as display pieces for adults, distinguished by the exquisite craftsmanship of their clothing, which closely mimicked real garments and was accentuated by the dolls' precise postures. They have been also recognized internationally as cultural medium that convey information about traditional Japanese clothing, hairstyles, and theatrical poses.