Irezumi: Japanese Tattoo Art and Artists (9784805321102)

The ultimate guide to Japanese tattoos, featuring famous tattoo artists and the myths, symbols and stories behind their work.

Take an immersive journey into the world of Japanese tattooing where the body becomes a living canvas for ancient stories, myths and symbols. This richly illustrated volume traces the evolution of Japanese tattoos from the earliest times to the modern era, exploring how a once-marginalized practice has become the world's most visually powerful tattooing tradition.

Thoroughly researched and illustrated with 270 color photographs and artworks, this book illuminates all aspects of the traditional Japanese tattooist's art, including:

• The ancient origins of Japanese tattoos, from markings found on dogu clay figurines and haniwa funerary figures to early references in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki foundation myths
• Punitive tattoos used to brand criminals, often identifying the wearer's crime, place of origin and social exclusion
• Love tattoos — tiny pledges of devotion exchanged between courtesans and clients in the pleasure quarters
• Itazurabori tattoos used by thieves, gangs and other groups as marks of belonging and for protection
• Horimono full-body tattoos depicting legendary heroes, deities, animals and flowers to symbolize vitality and endurance
• Plus many other types of traditional Japanese tattoos

Author Costanza Brogi's book also presents the work of Japan's best-known tattoo artists, including Horiuno I, the master who transformed traditional tattooing into high art; Horiuno II, who epitomized the cultural refinement of old Tokyo; and Horiyoshi III, the internationally recognized artist responsible for modernizing the traditional styles. It explores the tools and techniques behind the art, showcasing how these masters balance inherited rules with personal vision, preserving the spirit of traditional tattooing while continually adapting it for new generations.

A must-read for all tattoo enthusiasts and tattoo artist as well as anyone interested in Japanese art and culture!


About the Author:
Costanza Brogi has been researching horimono, traditional Japanese full-body tattoos, for over a decade—a passion that began at a young age—through a study of Japanese language and culture. A self-taught designer, she explores the history of tattooing, integrating it with that of Japan, as well as the esoteric Siddham script linked to Buddhism, which is still used in Japan today to write ancient Buddhist mantras and sutras.