In the 1600s, Japanese geisha began using lead-based oshiroi makeup to achieve their signature pale complexion, a practice that became emblematic of their artistic identity. This makeup not only served aesthetic purposes but also reflected cultural ideals of beauty and femininity in Japan. The use of oshiroi highlights the intersection of art, culture, and societal norms in the geisha tradition.

The use of lead-based oshiroi makeup by geishas in 1600 is reflected in haiku and Japanese literature, evoking themes of transient beauty and hidden suffering. Poets captured the delicate balance between artifice and authenticity in their portrayals of femininity.