geisha call-office; assignation office for geisha
Historical term for an office where geisha were registered and dispatched to engagements. Still used in traditional entertainment districts.
In the geisha districts, the call-office still exists today.
geisha on call
Refers to a geisha who is available for dispatch through the call-office. Often used in compounds like 検番芸者.
See also: 検番芸者
Geisha on call are dispatched in response to requests for banquets.
call-office geisha; registered geisha
Standard kanji spelling for the geisha call-office and related meanings.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common but still encountered.
Compound of 検 (inspection, registration) and 番 (watch, duty), referring to the office that kept records and managed geisha assignments.