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Horikin, The Japanese Tattoo, Transcendence, Japanese Tattoo Book

8 Sep

Extract from the Book The Japanese Tattoo

Transcendece : Horikin, Traditional japanese Tattoo

Transcendence

orikin designed this pattern for his head (“the seat of all senses”). Which was then tattooed variously by Horigoro III, Horikin II (his brother and disciple), and Horiyoshi III. Here the art of tattooing joins that of calligraphy. The large red characters are a form of modified Sanskrit for Acala. The small characters repeat, like a chant, the god’s name one hundred times. The image has many levels of meaning and resembles a seated Lord Buddha with smoke rising from his holiness. This is the second tattooed head in Japanese history. The first belonged to Horikame, who died in 1932. Now that Horikin’s hair has begun to thin and his forehead shows his tattoos, he wears a hat in public.

I highly recommend this book. Reasonable Price for very good photographs.

Buy it Here >> The Japanese Tattoo

Horikin, The Japanese Tattoo, Devotion, Japanese Tattoo Book

8 Sep

Extract from the Book The Japanese Tattoo

Horikin and his wife. From the Book, The Japanese Tattoo

Appropriately, Horikin tattooed his wife’s back with the Kwannon (Hindu Avalokitesvara), the Buddhist goddess who is the All-Merciful One Surveying the World with Pity, and who rides a Golden Carp. Kwannon sits on a lotus throne with her head surrounded in a halo of purifying flames. Over her left buttock Horikin has tattooed his “chop” or signature mark.

For his own back, Horikin chose Fudo (Sanskrit Acala), the Immobile One, meaning “Unmoved by Passion,” one of the twelve Deva Kings or Buddhist divinities; this was tattooed by Horiyoshi III. Fudo the Destroyer is a central deity in esoteric Buddhism and the incarnation of the God of Wisdom, the Great Illuminator Dainichi, with the power “to foil the snares of devils.” With his terrifying face he sits on a throne of flames, sword in his right hand to strike demons, and in his left hand, like a rosary, a lasso rope to bind them. Horikin has adopted Fudo as his patron saint.

Horikin’s wife’s hair is short because he is in the process of tattooing her head, which she shaves each time he begins work. Eventually they will both have identical patterns engraved on their scalps.

I highly recommend this book. Reasonable Price for very good photographs.

Buy it Here >> The Japanese Tattoo

Brief History of the Japanese Tattoo

8 Sep

:: from Keibunsha.com

Here is a small article I have found on the Japan Institute website.
If you know more websites that gives insights on Traditional Japanese Tattoos ; History and symbolism, please let me know!

Brief History of the Japanese Tattoo

Wood Print of Japanese Tattoos

As the power of the common people and working classes of Japan grew in the latter half of the Edo period (circa 18th century) horimono, or traditional Japanese tattoos, began to flourish as art form. Using images from traditional water colour paintings, woodcuts and picture books of the time as designs, the ultimate reward for the patience and endurance of pain would be a tattoo of immense beauty. To experience and enjoy Japanese horimono tattoos it is important to understand their history and background, and it is also important to continue to preserve the traditions behind them.
The origins of traditional Japanese tattoos can be traced back to the latter years of the Edo period in Japanese history.
In 1603, the then ruler of Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu, centralised his shogunate government in Edo, what is now Tokyo. In the 200 years following this, the established feudal system began to stagnate, and in opposition to the martial upper classes, the common people of Edo began to develop their own separate, unique culture for themselves.

Rejecting the centuries-old strict ethics and morality of the Confucian beliefs of the samurai and taking up themes based on duty, ninjo (human experiences and feeling), fashion and comedy the townspeople of Edo increasingly began to enjoy novels, drama, comic tanka songs and theatre. Books such as kokusenyagassen by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, Honchohsuikohden and Satomihakkenden by Takisawa Bakin and many other publications, along with picture books and artwork all combined to develop into a system that became a massive outlet of cultural expression for the ordinary people of Edo.

In this way the society of Edo progressed, and the pride and mentality of the ordinary people, manifested in such ways as dategokoro (foppish male fashion) and shokunin-kishitsu (the pride and way of thinking of the Edo working classes) of the tobishoku, or blue-collar workers, grew amongst such townspeople as labourers, manufacturers, hikeshi or firemen (in 18th century Edo urban fires were commonplace, and a major cause of mortality, as well as an ample source of tales of heroism) and petty crooks known as gaen. Some of these predominantly working class people of Edo, in imitating the heroes of the folk story Suikohden, as popularised at the time by the famous woodblock artist Kuniyoshi (Suikohden was a legend originating in China, where outlaws who, in defying the local corrupt authorities became folk heroes as protectors of the common people; an oriental equivalent of Robin Hood) began to ritualistically and painfully tattoo themselves with designs based on folklore, such as dragons, giant snakes and Chinese lions, and also with religious figures such as the Bhudda, Fudomyo (the God of Fire), Fujin and Raijin (the Gods of Wind and Lightning) and Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) using sharp needles to insert pressed charcoal ink under their skin.

The people who carried out such tattooing tended to be ukiyoe woodblock artists, who simply exchanged their wood-carving blades for long, sharp needles. As time progressed however, some of these artists specialised in tattooing and came to devote all their time to tattooing only, and thus became tattooists. This long process has come to produce what is known as the uniquely-Japanese traditional art form, horimono.

There are written records indicating that in Edo as early as 1830 there were formal gatherings of tattoo enthusiasts.
Although nowadays tattoo conventions are common both in Japan and in the West, the fact that in Edo such conventions were taking place over 150 years ago is an indicator of the long and rich history of traditional Japanese tattoos.
The tattoos of the Edo, Meiji and Shohwa eras are described in the classic 1936 work, Bunshin Hyakushi, or One Hundred Tattoo Figures and Stories, by Tamabayashi Haruo.
In the book, the life and works of some of the famous tattooists of the Edo period are described, such as Karakusagonta (from Asakusa), Darumakin and Iso (Yanaka), Charibun (Asakusa), Horitsun (Kameido), Ichimatsu (Asakusa), Kane (Yottsuya) and Horiichi (Osaka). However there is no photographic record of their works and designs, and so one must go by their considerable word-of-mouth reputation.
Horiuno was born Kamei Unosuke in Kanda, Edo in 1843. At this time, tattoos were undergoing a surge in popularity amongst the people of Edo.

Horiuno became a tattooist at the age of 20, but travelled extensively throughout Japan, such as to Osaka, Kyoto and Shizuoka, and only really began working full-time from the age of 40. However, he continued his business well into his 70s and much of his work can still be seen today. Many of his customers were workers in the local construction and manufacturing industries, and in 1912, some of these locals of the Kanda area formed the Kanda Choyu-kai, literally “Tattoo Friends Society of Kanda”, and 10 years later, extended membership to those outside the Kanda area, to form the Edo Choyu-kai.
The members of this group, who consisted mostly of labourers such as construction workers, carpenters and plasterers, would meet every year at places such as Ojinanushi-no-taki and Marukotamagawaen, taking part in mass outdoor banquets, or in festivals such as the Asakusa Sanja-matsuri, showing off their extensive and intricate body tattoos with pride.
Horiuno was well known throughout Japan and also overseas, and was said to be Japan’s most talented tattooist. However, at that time a wealth of equally-skillful tattooists, such as Horiiwa, Horikane, Kyuta and Nekokichi could be found throughout Japan.

Shimada Kunihiro, Japan Tattoo Institute
Translated by Adam Guy

Related Posts

:: Yoso recommend you to read, Oriental Irezumi and Occidental Tattooing in Contemporary Japan

:: from Keibunsha.com

Mad KingYo, New Style Japanese Tattoo Flash

8 Sep

mad KingYo :) Oh My buddha

Very Own KingYo Style :) For those of you who don’t know, The KingYo is the japanese goldfish. Often mixed with Koy’s for people who have never seenn them in real. This one is not real either, Quite spontaneous :) Here, I am kind of trying to develop a new tattoo style that feels very personal to me. Fairly similar to the two other flashes I have posted before in style. Mix of japanese patterns (But not exclusive to Traditional Japanese Tattoo style, but rather inspired from Traditional Japanese Art such as kimonos).

I am kind of blending tribal, to Japanese with a personal touch. Still an early stage, but I really feel I am developing a new style that will suits what I am trying to do.

Obviously up to more freehand and experimental stuff. But for now, that’s what I am going to explore.

If you are into KingYos, I highly recommend this book. A mix of really cool High Quality Photographs with amazing macros, and also some really cool illustrations of King Yo’s made in japan, and maybe also in China. It includes the history of King Yo, and how their motifs have been used in craft and arts. A really inspiring book for designers and Tattoo artists. Perfect example of a good mix between traditional and contemporary style.

Check out the Book King YO

Dragon Tattoo Flash, New Style Japanese Tattoo Flash

8 Sep

New Style Japanese Tattoo Flash, Dragon

One More Tattoo Flash,

Dragon Tattoo Flash, New Style Japanese Tattoo Flash. I love Dragons, Always a challenge.

(Again apologise for bad quality pic, the details are actually quite nice)

Smiling God, New Style Japanese Tattoo Flash

8 Sep

Smiling god, Tattoo Flash

One of the Tattoo Flashes I have been working on from Japan.

Part of my research mixing traditional and new style. Decided to Focus on purely traditional since for technical and symbolic reasons. But I have the feeling I’ll get back to that style soon. feeling a lot more freedom and play! Hope you enjoy! Leave your comments :) Will help the research. (Apologise for bad quality pic, dont have a decent camera with me now)

Words on skin

8 Sep

Fog, Words on Skin, Tattoo

More Tattoos? :)

Looking for inspiration as ever :)
Encountered the Word on Skin Pool in FLickr!
If you want text on your skin! Check this out!

Images are words too :)
Words on SKin, Tattoo

Horiyoshi III Tebori Video, Japanese Tattoo

6 Sep

Great Video by Horiyoshi III! Considered the number one Tattoo artist=t, by many Tattooists.
Don’t forget to check the other posts :)

YOSO FOR TATTOO LOVERS

Japanese Tattoo Books and Japanese Art, traditional and contemporary Japanese Tattoo Flash, Japanese Koi Tattoo

6 Sep

:: See the List of Book here,
I also especially recommend “The Japanese Tattoo” as cheap and of good quality.

Koi Colour study, Koi Japanese Tattoo Flash
Tattoo Flash in Progress as part of a series, not ready to be released yet

Hello Everyone :)

Still in Japan, continuing my tattoo research. Jumping between Kyoto and SOuth. The Tattoo Journey is a long one.
I am currently considering starting selling some of the books I find here, covering Tattoo Design and some Japanese Art. Basically Tools and resources for Tattoo artists and people who are into Japanese Traditions.
Including Mythology, and Art work

I realised being here that a lot of those book are not easily accessible from Around the world.
And I am very aware that Tattoo artists Love their resources :) I haven’t had any choice than coming over here to Find Out more about their culture and ways of working.

I am also considering selling some of the tatoo flashes I am making over here.

Drop me some feedback if you think this is something I should start.

Love and Peace

Yoso.

:: See the List of Book here,
I also especially recommend “The Japanese Tattoo” as cheap and of good quality.

Schythian Tattoo

26 Jul

Scythian Tattoo

A tattoo on the right arm of a Scythian chieftain, whose mummy was discovered at Pazyryk, Russia.

The Deeper I get into Japanese Tattoo, the more I love it.
Saying this it also pushes me to understand its origin.
Heart to Heart! Would be the source for me!

:: Wikipedia

Tree Tattoo, Cover Up, New Tree new life!

30 Jan

I think I should have a word with the guy who made this cross. It sucks!

Cover up! New Tree, New life

I wanted to show you a cover up I did recently. What I really like about this, Is the Sumi effect. You almost feel the brush stroke and the wind! Asian inspired!

The guy had done his old tattoo in two steps.

1- The cross
2- The dot on the cross
(Twice at the same tattoo parlour!)

He called me after a few months because he was sick of it and wanted a new tattoo to celebrate his new year and his new approach to Life! (I told him I wanted to see the guy who made this in the first place, he asked me gently no. Still thinking about it!)

Let me know what you think!

Peace. az. ma.

Traditional Japanese Tattoo,Horiyoshi III, Horiyoshi III Video, Insights into his thinking

30 Jan

Found Another Horiyoshi III video that will give you some insights about his way of thinking!
Can’t wait to meet him!

Enjoy.

az. ma.

Want your first tattoo? Custom tattoo VS tattoo flash

27 Jan

Nice Old school japanese Tattoo by Horigen

Nice Old school japanese Tattoo by Horikyo

Nice koi carp Old School Japanese by Horiyu

Hello All,

Thinking about your first tattoo? Want to know which tattoo artist to choose? You don’t have a good friend who’s tattoo artist? Please consider the following.

Am writing this post because I was doing online research as usual to see what’s new out there in the tattoo world while looking for inspiration. Typed as I do once a month or so ‘Japanese tattoo’ and ‘flash’. See if I can find anything at all that has the level of a good Japanese style. Well again. What comes up? Websites trying to convince people that Tattoo artists need stencils, hence if you want a new tattoo, why not buy one of the design available online to bring it to your local tattoo artist.

Please DON’T!

If you have already tattoos or are thinking about your first one. Please! Find an artist who’s work you respect, Get him to design something for YOU!. Ok, we all have the right to have impulses and to commit to them. But I already have had too many requests to cover up either badly done work. Or tattoos that people end up regretting.

There is nothing wrong in wanting a cover up because your personality changes. Or if you want it to transform into something else to symbolise a new start in your life. But Ideally, you should love your first tattoo like your first child.

And, there is definitely something wrong about regretting a badly done tattoo because either an apprentice did the job.
(But don’t get me wrong there is plenty of very talented apprentices out there who’ll do the job well), But even worst, getting a quick job done because the guy in front of you only wants your cash.

Tattoo is a business like any others, and it is also an art and a spiritual form. Tattoo artists need to survive like anyone else. So watch out for the sharks. Because there is plenty our there who simply don’t care if you gonna regret it or not.
Ok, Tattoo artists are not your mum’s or dad’s. You grown up adults. And you have the right to get what you want or deserve. After all you paying for it and its your own body. So you are right in many ways, no one is there to tell you what you like or not. However, Being on both sides of the business. Believe me I have heard many comments from Very talented tattoo artists about clients who simply rush in and absolutely want THIS THING DONE RIGHT NOW. And in many cases if a serious artist has the time, he’s gonna say yes. Thinking, well I am not going to change his life if he is not listening anyway. So please Keep this in mind.

A good tattoo artist, unless he is very impressed and happy with the design you bring in, will have either suggestions on the way to improve it. I.e. Size, placement, white spacing colour. Or even better might take your ideas on board and come up with something totally different that you might like even better.

Even more if I can. A serious artist will break down the reasons why you chose a design and will suggest other ways to make this come to life. Unless as stated above. The design you have chosen is perfect. In which case I expect it is more likely to be a universal symbol such as lets say a HUM/OM, YING YANG or Kanji.

Ok, so for the hard headed who think, Don’t tell me if a design is good or not, I like it this way.

What’s the difference between an accomplished artist, and Joe Blog who does not practice Art.
Right, they both have imagination and will power and the right to choose what they want in their lives.
Bu the reality is that what a good artist can do. The untrained Joe Blog might not be able to do it.

1- DRAW, train your eyes and hands for years
2- Spend most of his life, Searching and studying Worldwide Traditions and the various culture around the world.
3- Being able to visualise an idea in more than one way
4- Sit down and draw until he is totally happy with the drawing he has in front of his eyes. Even if it takes him 100 hours to get there or more.

Just a few points here…

And most importantly in my views. A good artist knows what is good and what needs improvement in his work.
He knows his heart needs to be pure. His focus As sharp as a needle. His skills to the best it can at that given time.
And that’s including what he has learned over the years. He will take the time to know you so that he has the best chances of making something that is the real you. And if he is on a spiritual path, and you allow him. He might even help you by explaining why the symbol is good for your or not, while making suggestions for symbols that might be better to balance your life.

So please, get worried, if a tattoo artist just say yes, great, do you want to step in,
without even looking at it for more than 5 seconds. That’s likely to be a shark, or someone who does not have a clue.

Ask him what he seriously and honestly think about it. Ask him is he has better ideas.
And give him the time to show you stuff he likes, or stuff that relates to what you have requested.
I.e. similar style or similar symbolism. If he aks you for a few days to sketch something. Give him the time,
even if he asks for a bit of cash.

And if you are not happy with what he has done. Well ask him to try again or walk in in another shop.
As simple as that. Don’t feel the pressure because you stepped in, and you feel obliged to say yes.

Ok, tattoo artist can feel impressive. In many cases they have a lot of background and personality.
And if they are fully tattoed and you steppin in for your first one. Well even more impressive.
OK they eventually trained for years to master they art. But the most important skill a good tattoo artist can have is the respect for Human beings. Make sure they put their whole self in the work they do for you! Even if it costs you more. It’s for life!

Before you go and check a tattoo artist, the internet is great. take the time to look around. Check the work on this blog and on similar tattoo related stuff. Skip the flash websites who tries to rip you off. There is a lot of very good work out there available for viewing for free (Never copy a good tattoo you have seen out there, use it to feel inspired). Actually the best can be seen online for free. So Don’t rush thinking, great a design for $15 or what ever.

Also, please keep in mind that if you want the best out of an artist. It has be something he is into;
Either his own style. Or a style he really wants to explore.

Ok you have seen this tattoo on someone else. And it looked cool.
Just think that if the right artist creates a unique design for you! it’s gonna look pretty cool too!

Ah yeah! One last tip if I can, unless you stupidly mad in Love! Don’t tattoo you girlfriend or boyfriend name on you.
Unless she/he is dead and you want to remember her/him forever.

Because otherwise, you are very likely to regret it later. I have seen it too many times.
If I was you I would rather tattoo something that symbolises the love you have for each other.
As strong as it is. So that will give you a chance to keep it for your next partner.
Not that I don’t wish you to send your life with the person you love. But it might even look better.

And for sure. In case you have to move on or meet someone else. Your next lover is not likely to love having to look at your ex girlfriend names for the rest of their lives. Probably of the most common cover up artists need to do.

The main focus here was on design and ideas. Hygiene is even more important as you only die once.
Make sure that needles and ink caps are sterile. Surface clean, gloves out of the box. Normally with clean film or something like that.

So that what ever touches you is only used once and thrown away at the end of the session.
It is not recommended to use the same needles for two sessions, even on the same person.

Ok!

I hope this won’t stop you in getting your new tattoo :)
Just have a think and a look around! If you have any questions!
Please do ask!

Enjoy!

az. ma.

p.s. Soon I’ll write a post on the state of mind I think is good when it actually comes to get the tattoo done.

Travelling through Japan

22 Jan

A quick hello to everyone from Japan. And some apologizes about not posting anything at the moment. But I am in the middle of it. So you’ll have to bear with me. Note if any of you want to introduce me to someone from Japan. Please drop me an email.

I have been so far exploring a few things on the tourist map and a few things you would only discover if guided by what I would call more underground Japanese. To cover more mainstream activities. Two things that hit me when visiting the Kumamoto Castle and the Suizenji Jojuen Garden is the beauty and simplicity found in their crafts. Almost mystical, and spiritual in their balance. It made me think a lot about what tattoo really is. And how it balances between art and craft. A simple example would be about the last few months were I almost obssesively tried to draw the perfect Sakura (Cherry Blossoms). It took me to come over here to realize that it didn’t exist. There is too many perfect representations to find the one. And definitely so much more than one can find in the tattoo culture. At the moment, I find myself learning more tracing others drawings than drawing mines. The artist coming back with its feet on earth. Not trying to reinvent anything all the time. But bowing with respect for the traditions and the people who have created these things before me. It is even more obvious when you have to try spiritual figures, such as Buddhas or Gods. The line is so perfect in what I have seen. That I am still not able to draw them in one line. Maybe laziness, maybe I’ll get there. But I feel more in tune when tracing over a drawing that has been perfected for eventually thousands of years. I’ll say more later. For now, You can be sure than when I come back from Japan, I won’t be just inspired by Japanese culture but I hope that I will be able to bring back a little bit of its spirit. (btw, The common people are very humbling). Something you will definitely feel in my drawings and in the way I will create and tattoo from now on. A lot of transformations already happened over here. thanks to my host and to the people I have met. I really recommend anyone who is serious about tattooing or art to do their trip to Japan.

More coming later.

Peace

yoso.

Needled.com

8 Nov

Dot Work by Dan Dimattia

A really cool tattoo Blog ran by the Wife of the famous Dan Dimattia from Calypso tattoo who make some really nice Black and white work (as in pic above). For ‘Tribal’ Lovers make sure you check Check out the videos Leo zuluetathe from Spiral tattoo! Trevor Marshall from Oceanic Tattoo, Keone Nunes, The Rangifu Netana. And don’t miss the video from ZUlu Either! We are definitely on the same wave length!. For Japanese Tattoo lovers, Make sure you check the Horiyoshi III Videos. It will give you some insight of what Horiyoshi thinks about tattoo, and also views from one of his students, HORITAKA. Quite a few video interviews from well known artists! A tattoo studio is like a temple, when the tattoo artists really put his whole being in creating a spiritual art for mankind! Enjoy :)

:: Check out Calypso Tattoo and Needled.com

Tattoo by Shad

7 Nov

Preparing for Japan, A friend told me about the guy who tattooed him, Focused on Japanese designs. Some really good work in there! Check it out!

Tattoo by Shad

Japan, Life and tattoos, and other magical things…

29 Oct

Just a quick shot to let everyone know that I have to go to Japan.
A journey that I relate to the Mythic Story of Soul Recovery from Japan. A spiritual journey towards healing!
If you want to find out more, read about the Sun Goddess.

Peace

yoso

:: Mirror of the Sun Goddess
:: Amaterasu, The Sun Goddess on Wikipedia

Meow’s tattoo photo diary! For Tattoo lovers

27 Oct

you love tattoos :) So do we! That’s whey I have selected Meow’s Tattoo photo diary. Some high quality work and interesting people here!
Her photography is really cool too!So check it out! NOW! Also, I have included Meow’s feed in our tattoo Feed page! Check that page out too, as I regularly add tattoo feeds!

Peace

az. ma.

Koi Tattoo, Koi Tattoo group, Koi carp Design

27 Oct

The Admin from the Koi Tattoo group asked me to contribute the Koi Carp Tattoo I am very slowly doing on myself. Nice suprise, and also, a lot of inspiration for people who are thinking about getting a KOI carp tattoo on themselves! All kinds of Koi carp design in that group! With some really outstanding ones! So make sure you check the Koi carp Tattoo Group on Flickr.

Ossario Intervention : Art Less Polution : Legal graffiti

25 Oct

This Post does not really relate to tattoo except for the fact that he is drawing loads of skulls :) Ossario Intervention, Legal ‘graffiti’, ecological statement. I don’t really want to say more except! Well done, real cool! If you run out of Ink! Get on with it :)

:: Check his website out!

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