History of tattoos

Perseverance-Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World is a book by the Japanese American National Museum.Curated by Takahiro Kitamura and photographed and designed by Kip Fulbeck. Perseverance is a ground breaking book and the first of its kind and was made for the exhibition that was held at the Japanese American National Museum in California. Perseverance will explore Japanese tattooing as an art form by acknowledging its roots in ukiyo-e prints. This book will also examine current practices and offshoots of Japanese tattooing in the U.S. and Japan. Perseverance features the work of seven internationally acclaimed tattoo artists, Horitaka, Horitomo, Chris Horishiki Brand, Miyazo, Shige, Junii, and Yokohama Horiken, along with tattoo works by selected others. Learn More

This book is a highlight for all fans of tattoo, and Japan as well! Downright sensational, and uniqe up to date is a series of full-page pictures of Horikazu’s clients, presenting their full body tattoos openly and with self-confidence. HORIKAZU is an iconographical benchmark, and contains a fully comprehensive account of traditional Japanese tattooing. Functioning and techniques of this handicraft are shown in-depth. Furthermore you will experience the fascinating esthetics, and the complex conception of motifs in traditional Japanese tattoos – displayed in gorgeous photographs, from Koi to Kabuki, from Buddha to Benzaiten. More highlights come with pictures of the personal, and familial life of the master. You may visit his studio, and watch him tattoo his clients. The present selection of not previously published designs is a true rarity! The illustrous Sanja festival in Asakusa is displayed in stirring images from past and presence. Finally photographs from Horikazu’s funeral reveal another aspect of Japanese tradition, whether closest friends pay their last respects to the master. Text input from qualified authors provides access to the secretive world of images of Japanese tattoo art. Tattooists, tattoo fans and any art lover will certainly be thrilled by this unrivaled illustrated book. 29.2 x 29.2cm 492 pages more than 460 photographs and illustrations hardcover thread bound Learn More

Spiritual Skin: MAGICAL TATTOOS AND SCARIFICATION is a photographic masterwork in two parts exploring the secret world of magical tattooing and scarification across the tribal world. The journey into highly sacred territory reveals how people utilize ritual body modification to enhance their access to the supernatural. The first part delves into the ancient art of Thai tattooing or sak yant, and the tattooing worlds of the Amerindians, from Woodlands warriors to Amazonian shamans. The discussion of talismanic tattooing is concluded with a detailed look at the individuals who created magical tattoos and the various techniques they used. Part two is an absolute must-read-and-see for anyone seeking knowledge about the religious meanings of tribal scarification. The rituals, techniques, and spiritual iconography of scarmasters in Benin (Bétamarribé), Papua New Guinea (Kaningara), and Ethiopia (Hamar) expose a relatively undocumented world of permanent body symbolism created through painful and bloody rites of self-sacrifice and restraint. 24.5 x 31.5 cm; 400 pages about 420 images and illustrations hardcover thread bound Learn More

KALINGA TATTOO documents the vanishing tattoo art and traditions of the Kalinga tribe in the remote mountains of the northern Philippines. Combining the visionary talents of numerous international photographers and the words and stories of nearly fifty Kalinga elders, KALINGA TATTOO is the first book to tell the story of this incredibly rich tradition of indigenous body art that is believed to be 1,000 years old. Here’s a rare trove of tattoo motifs, variations and interpretations which can reveal new perspectives for every interested tattooist. 24.5 x 31.5 cm 424 pages more than 334 photographs printed in full color hardcover thread-bound cover with gold embossing Learn More

Swallow hong-kong by Cold-skin. The book illustrates a collection of old flash from 1950, and has been used by Swallow tattoo in Hong Kong during the Korean war. Learn More

Walk-in Tattoos by Phil Sims & Miki Vialetto. This book features an extraordinary collection of flash by one of the masters of American tattoo: Phil Sims, the godfather of tattoo. It contains many of traditional tattoo styles such as biker and Western-Japanese tattoo styles. Learn More

The life and work of Amund Dietzel V2 by Jon Reiter. This book profiles the perseverance and accomplishments of a craftsman and one of tattooing's most celebrated figures Admund Dietzel. The 213 pages of the book include pictures, drawings, flash, and tattoos by Dietzel. Learn More