Japanese Tattoos: History * Culture * Design
Product ID: 30699082
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Thinking of getting a Japanese-style tattoo? Want to avoid a permanent mistake? Japanese Tattoos is an insider's look at the world of Japanese irezumi (tattoos). Japanese Tattoos explains the imagery featured in Japanese tattoos so that readers can avoid getting ink they don't understand or, worse, that they'll regret. This photo-heavy book also traces the history of Japanese tattooing, putting the iconography and kanji symbols in their proper context so readers will be better informed as to what they mean and have a deeper understanding of irezumi . Featured tattoos range from traditional tebori (hand-poked) and kanji tattoos to anime-inspired and modern works—as well as everything in between. For the first time, Japanese tattooing is put together in a visually attractive, informative, and authoritative way. Along with the 350+ photos of tattoos, Japanese Tattoos also features interviews with Japanese tattoo artists on a variety of topics. What's more, it contains interviews with clients, who are typically overlooked in similar books, allowing them to discuss what their Japanese tattoos mean to them. Those who read this informative tattoo guide will be more knowledgeable about Japanese tattoos should they want to get inked or if they are merely interested in Japanese art and culture. Review: The New Authority on the Japanese Tattoo--Past, Present & Future - Japanese Tattoos: History * Culture * Design In his fourth book, Japanese Tattoos: History * Culture * Design, Brian Ashcraft teams up with Osaka artist Hori Benny to tackle a traditionally dense subject and make it accessible to everyone. While there are other books covering the subject, this is easily the most approachable. The book is available in digital and paperback formats; for the purposes of this view, I relied mostly on my paperback copy. That said, one advantage of the digital version is that you can zoom in on the photos. However, this doesn't take away from the paperback version, which is printed in full colour on good quality paper. Inside, the text is immediately engaging. The introduction is extensive, providing background on the history and culture of tattoos, and how the latter has changed. This makes a solid foundation for first chapter, which covers kanji tattoos and takes the reader much further back than they might expect! Did you know that before being used for punishment, tattoos could denote rank, or social status? That they were sometimes used to mark pledges, or to identify fallen warriors? Or maybe you're looking to get a kanji tattoo, yourself--advice on that can be found here, too. The next three chapters cover other designs and motifs common to the artform. Every example is provided with an in-depth explanation of its significance and history, complete with pictorial examples. Often, idiosyncrasies of language that might be lost on a non-native speaker are brought to light. Instead of dry exposition that would leave some simply skimming through the photos, you have passionate writing that seeks to share information written in such a fashion that you can't help but feel the authors want you to develop the same enthusiasm they already have. The fifth chapter, The Full Bodysuit, is best described in its own introductory text: "The bodysuit is the fullest expression of irezumi." Once again, any preconceptions the reader might have are challenged, here. The different types of bodysuit are explored (yes, there are several!), their layouts and borders. When the entire body is being used as a canvas, everything has meaning. The sixth and final chapter covers how tattoos and even the methods of tattooing have changed over time. As patterns and styles were passed down from master to apprentice, new designs have flourished along classic motifs, while still adhering to the rules of irezumi. Geek tattoos (also known as otatoo, a word coined by co-author Hori Benny) began to appear in the past few decades, while still reflecting the values and interests of modern life. While not a section unto itself, I also appreciated the tattooist and client profiles scattered throughout the book. More than any other, this is an industry and artform that requires people. I think that's what makes this book so special. All of the parts come together to show that this is a living, storied art made possible by the lives dedicated to it. Japanese Tattoos: History * Culture * Design brings you into that world. Review: I thought this was an excellent book that explained the history and cultural relevance of ... - I thought this was an excellent book that explained the history and cultural relevance of Japanese tattoos and how they and the state of tattooing in Japan is evolving today. It has beautiful photos, interesting 1-2 page profiles of different artists and clients, and is very well written. Incredibly useful for anything interested in the art of Japanese tattoos or thinking of getting one. This book might save you from some common mistakes and lead you to a more interesting design!
| Best Sellers Rank | #66,366 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #16 in Body Art & Tattoo #54 in Japanese History (Books) #72 in Arts & Photography Criticism |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 696 Reviews |
K**.
The New Authority on the Japanese Tattoo--Past, Present & Future
Japanese Tattoos: History * Culture * Design In his fourth book, Japanese Tattoos: History * Culture * Design, Brian Ashcraft teams up with Osaka artist Hori Benny to tackle a traditionally dense subject and make it accessible to everyone. While there are other books covering the subject, this is easily the most approachable. The book is available in digital and paperback formats; for the purposes of this view, I relied mostly on my paperback copy. That said, one advantage of the digital version is that you can zoom in on the photos. However, this doesn't take away from the paperback version, which is printed in full colour on good quality paper. Inside, the text is immediately engaging. The introduction is extensive, providing background on the history and culture of tattoos, and how the latter has changed. This makes a solid foundation for first chapter, which covers kanji tattoos and takes the reader much further back than they might expect! Did you know that before being used for punishment, tattoos could denote rank, or social status? That they were sometimes used to mark pledges, or to identify fallen warriors? Or maybe you're looking to get a kanji tattoo, yourself--advice on that can be found here, too. The next three chapters cover other designs and motifs common to the artform. Every example is provided with an in-depth explanation of its significance and history, complete with pictorial examples. Often, idiosyncrasies of language that might be lost on a non-native speaker are brought to light. Instead of dry exposition that would leave some simply skimming through the photos, you have passionate writing that seeks to share information written in such a fashion that you can't help but feel the authors want you to develop the same enthusiasm they already have. The fifth chapter, The Full Bodysuit, is best described in its own introductory text: "The bodysuit is the fullest expression of irezumi." Once again, any preconceptions the reader might have are challenged, here. The different types of bodysuit are explored (yes, there are several!), their layouts and borders. When the entire body is being used as a canvas, everything has meaning. The sixth and final chapter covers how tattoos and even the methods of tattooing have changed over time. As patterns and styles were passed down from master to apprentice, new designs have flourished along classic motifs, while still adhering to the rules of irezumi. Geek tattoos (also known as otatoo, a word coined by co-author Hori Benny) began to appear in the past few decades, while still reflecting the values and interests of modern life. While not a section unto itself, I also appreciated the tattooist and client profiles scattered throughout the book. More than any other, this is an industry and artform that requires people. I think that's what makes this book so special. All of the parts come together to show that this is a living, storied art made possible by the lives dedicated to it. Japanese Tattoos: History * Culture * Design brings you into that world.
B**R
I thought this was an excellent book that explained the history and cultural relevance of ...
I thought this was an excellent book that explained the history and cultural relevance of Japanese tattoos and how they and the state of tattooing in Japan is evolving today. It has beautiful photos, interesting 1-2 page profiles of different artists and clients, and is very well written. Incredibly useful for anything interested in the art of Japanese tattoos or thinking of getting one. This book might save you from some common mistakes and lead you to a more interesting design!
G**E
Excellent item arrived right on schedule!
Excellent item arrived right on schedule!
C**Y
Best Irezumi Information Book Available
This book has something for everyone interested in Japanese tattoos, history, symbolism, comparisons of different styles. The pictures used are excellent examples and showcase fantastic colors and techniques. I bought this to help me understand the history of Japanese tattooing in order to plan a sleeve for myself. I didn't want to get a sleeve that went against the traditional meanings and pairings in Japanese tattooing. I highly recommend this book to anyone considering getting a Japanese tattoo, especially a bigger piece.
A**S
Great book for info on Japanese tattoos
This is what I would call a beginners intro to traditional and neo-traditional Japanese tattoos. It has a lot of basic info on different styles, motifs, techniques, history, etc. Lots of variety and great quality pictures, makes a good coffee table book if you like Japanese culture or a reference book if you are a fellow tattoo artist. I wouldn't use it for stenciling but if you need a Japanese reference book for your clients I'd definitely buy it. Only 4 stars because it doesn't go super in-depth in to any one topic. Next I'd like to get a bigger/more expensive book with a bit more info/history on the elements it covers. Either way I still love it and I'm very happy with the purchase, especially because some of the other Japanese tattoo books I bought on Amazon were absolutely terrible. If you're considering between a few I definitely recommend this one!
J**K
GREAT book!!
Fantastic book!! As a graphic designer and tattoo fan I can say this book did everything right, the design and layout of the book are fantastic, the photos well printed, brilliant clear colors, great detail and resolution, excellent explanations about the history of tattooing and the events going on in each photo. This is a great book at an affordable price, I was pleasantly surprised of the great quality of every page. I'll be buying more to give as gifts :)
E**A
Great book!
Tons of great pics and info.
L**R
Son loves it
Got it for my son as a gift while he is away and he loves it. Lots of cool tattoos
E**O
Tatuaggi giapponesi
Per gli amanti del genere è un libro da avere nella propria collezione, io ne sono rimasto davvero soddisfatto...libro in inglese
L**S
Sensacional.
Conteúdo do livro é sensacional, com páginas muito bem feitas, uma ótima publicação. Ótimo start pra quem quer conhecer o Irezumi como arte e sua importância na tatuagem moderna.
S**E
Un des plus beaux livres sur le sujet
Difficile de trouver un livre en français suffisamment fourni sur le tatouage japonais. Pour qui s'intéresse au sujet et sait un minimum lire en anglais, ce livre est un must-have. De superbes photographies et l'ensemble des styles de tatouages abordés avec leurs histoires et les témoignages de "grands maîtres" actuels de cet art.
く**い
伝統の良さ
伝統の変わり目などを分かりやすく解説されている。 良書！
R**N
Tattoo source book
Fabulous book value for money and great delivery/service
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