Oshiroi
The white face makeup of Japan worn by geisha, maiko and Kabuki actors.
Also: white face powder (Japan)
Oshiroi is a white base applied over a layer of bintsuke wax to the face, neck and, for geisha and maiko, the nape, where a bare pattern of skin is left. It dates back to court life of the Nara and Heian periods. For centuries it was made with lead, which caused harm, until lead-free versions replaced it from the early twentieth century. Today maiko in Kyoto wear it full-time; senior geisha wear it mainly for performances.