noun
call-office geisha; registered geisha
Historical term for a geisha affiliated with a kenban (検番), a call-office that managed bookings and training. Often referred to a skilled, experienced geisha. The term is now largely historical, as the kenban system has declined.
See also: 検番
かつて花街では、検番芸者が宴席の中心だった。
In the old pleasure quarters, the call-office geisha were the center of banquets.
検番芸者は、検番を通じて仕事の依頼を受けていた。
Call-office geisha received work requests through the kenban.
Compound of 検番 (kenban, 'call-office') and 芸者 (geisha, 'geisha'). The term reflects the historical system where geisha were registered and dispatched through a central office.