Jul 26
Bushido : Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo
Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2009 in Tattoo Information
This gorgeous book delves into the elusive world of traditional Japanese tattooing. The Samurai spirit, Bushido, is an integral component of Japanese tattooing that is traced through the imagery and interpersonal dynamics of this veiled subculture. The eloquent text is based largely on Takahiro Kitamuras experiences as client and student of the famed Japanese tattoo master, Horiyoshi III. Over 200 beautiful photos by Jai Tanju capture the breathtaking tattoo artistry of Horiyoshi I…
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This beautifully illustrated book will teach you all you’ve ever wanted to know about the history and culture of Japanese Tattooing. Takahiro Kitamura (aka Horitaki) has been a student of Horiyoshi III for some time and his devotion to the man and the topic are obvious.
With chapters covering the history and development of tattoos and their related art in Japan going back several centuries, exploring the tatoo master/client and master/apprentice relationships, contrasting American and Japanese tattoo, and explaining the nature of Japanese tattoo ‘families’, the book gives an exceedingly thorough overview.
Most of the more than 200 photos were taken exclusively for this book and can not be seen elsewhere. The detail in Horiyoshi III’s designs and the craftmanship displayed through Jai Tanju’s photographs is superb.
Whether you just want to see examples of a true tattoo master’s work or want to come to a better understanding of the history and culture of Japanese tattooing, this is a book you must have.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Very specific, one-style-only, old school, hard to view details
I was disappointed with this book.
I’m a big fan of Japanese tattoo, but this book only shows Yakuza style tattoos, whole body, men only (there’s only one woman tattoed in…
I never thougth I would find a book that got me more excited about traditional Japanese tattooing than Sandi Fellman’s oversize Polaroids collected in THE JAPANESE TATTOO. However, BUSHIDO has changed all that, and I am overly excited once again. This volume is a showcase of modern Japanese tattoo artist Horiyoshi III, as recorded and written by client and student Takahiro Kitamura. Kitamura is able to describe the unique position that tattooing occupies, somewhere between traditional and modern techniques, as well as balancing between Japanese and Western stylings, and ancient and post-modern belief systems underlying it all.
The photography is by Katie Kitamura, wife of the author. Her pictures are reproduced mostly in full-color plates, focusing on the overall aesthetic along with lots of the details. The models are both men and women, of varying ages and stages of coverage. Full portraits are complimented with more closely cropped photos, enlarging complexly-patterned details, subtle shading and expressive faces. A lexicon of body areas with the traditional Japanese names for the style of body coverage along with names for the styles of fill and background is a unique highlight.
A rare and difficult find, worth every effort it takes to get this one into your tattoo book collection.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Get Educated!!
Insightful book on perhaps one the richest forms of tattooing. Descriptive text, great quality images, a must have for anybody willing to learn about the history of japanese…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Buy
I recommend this book to anyone thinking of getting a Japanese tattoo, it has great pictures of true Japanese tattoos.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Pictures
Great pictures, amazing details in each tattoo art… you will spend so much time just finding the magic behind every image.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bushido
A very interesting and colorful book. I enjoyed reading it and looking at all of the pictures. Lots of good info here.
5.0 out of 5 stars
THIS is the ONE to buy!
Recommended to me by a well known tattoo artist, this book truly gave me the nuts and bolts info I needed to make the big leap.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Book on Japanese Tattoo I’ve Read!!!
I was in the process of researching Japanese tattoos for my own tattoo design and purchased four books.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Tradition with ink
It’s a cool book that shows us many curious aspects of the japan tattoo history and tradition.
But, in another way, there’s a lack of variety of photos, like koi fish and…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quite impressive
Horioshi work speaks for itself and this book is an impressive tribute to it. The pictures are fantastic and it’s very nice to see that the family business has its heritage…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Japanese Tattoo Art
This book is a great reference for tattoo artists and other artists that enjoy the art of Japanese tattooing.