Japanese Tattoos: Meanings, Shapes and Motifs

by Yori Moriarty

The intimate relationship of Japanese tattooing with the dark world of the yakuza has helped cover this form of artistic expression with an aura of mystery. But the culture of irezumi is deep and rich in meanings, shapes and motifs that have gone from color woodblock prints to being applied to the skin to beautify and protect their bearers. This richly illustrated book reveals the meaning and the secrets behind the most significant motifs from traditional Japanese tattooing—such as mythological and supernatural creatures, animals, Buddhist deities, flowers and historical characters—and turns this art form into a path toward personal knowledge and individual expression. Readers will discover the origin and meaning of each visual representation of the most frequent themes in this art form. The publication begins with a brief review of the history of Japanese tattoo art and then examines each subject (water, mythological animals, real animals, mythological characters, historical characters, flowers, shunga and yokai) through images and descriptive texts, it also includes a gallery of original designs by the author which can be used as templates and a glossary.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Japan, History, Japanese Literature

240 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2015

About the author

Spanish tattoo artist.

Reviews

[Eva Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Más que un libro sobre tatuaje tradicional japonés, yo lo he visto más como un compendio de iconografía japonesa bastante interesante. La introducción sobre la Historia del tatuaje en el país nipón, aunque cortita, es muy reveladora, y el resto del libro aporta datos curiosos.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic book is more than just about tattoos. It is about Japanese mythology, history and symbolism. For a non-Japanese, Moriarty should be commended for writing a book that take you down a path that feels authentic and engrossing. The brilliant artwork, alongside easy to read yet deep descriptions are captivating, and you can't wait to get to the next symbol or character. I've learned a lot - and had fun!

[Alexander Páez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Si os interesan los tatuajes y Japón, es un imprescindible. Impresionante tomo editado por Satori

[Elettra Petricola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro strutturato in tre parti che porta il lettore attraverso un viaggio nell'oriente. La parte introduttiva è un testo serrato aggiunto da immagini tradizionali nipponiche che danno più fluidità al testo. Si nota la dedizione e l'accuratezza che l'autore abbia messo nelle sue ricerche. I testi divisi in diversi paragrafi sono facilmente leggibili.

La seconda parte è incentrata sui vari significati che possono avere l'acqua, il drago, le carpe e poi ancora gli Oni (demoni giapponesi) altri animali come Tanuki e Volpi e poi ancora figure storiche che venivano inserite nei tatuaggi. Questa è stata forse la parte che ho più apprezzato perché insegna molte piccolezze di questi simboli in maniera semplice.

Mentre nella parte finale troviamo un epilogo, una specie di racconto dell'autore con descrizioni e aneddoti dell'autore sul suo mestiere da tatuatore. Infine troviamo una galleria di illustrazioni di eventuali stansil per tatuaggi che rappresentano ciò che il lettore ha appreso nella lettura del libro.

Per concludere ho apprezzato questo libro, sono un amante del tatuaggio giapponese e mi incuriosiva approfondire queste tematiche attraverso un libro come questo pubblicato da Ippocampo. Ho apprezzato le illustrazioni tradizionali, i fatti storici non solo nella prima parte, ma anche nelle varie voci dei simboli. Mi sono anche piaciute le spiegazioni sia in lingua originale che la traduzione affiancata.

[Vallejo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh...

Imagino que es un libro fundamental para tatuadores que quieren empezar su camino en el Irezumi, y no puedo negar que las ilustraciones son maravillosas... Peeeero lo sentí más como un libro de referencia que otra cosa.

Trae datos super interesantes sobre otras formas de arte que influyen en el Irezumi, pero realmente el libro se enfoca en explicar los significados superficiales de los diseños. ¿Algún día ha querido hacerse un tatuaje que parezca arte tradicional japonés pero le da miedo que alguien le pregunte por el significado y le toque buscar la primera página de Wikipedia quedando como un poser? Pues éste es el libro indicado para usted. Va a quedar como un poser leído, pero no como un poser de Wikipedia.

Again, las ilustraciones son HERMOSAS, pero ahora quiero leer más de ukiyo-e y de Teatro Noh que de Irezumi.

(Hay una conversación a tener ahí sobre orientalismo y consumo cultural pero es domingo y tengo pereza)

[Charlotte R.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but found it difficult to do so given the number of typographical errors. The formatting is odd in places, and some sections of text end rather abruptly. The epilogue was by far the most interesting chapter—very interesting to see a Japanese reaction to a foreigner wishing to engage with their culture. I wish there had been more discussion on this topic since most other cultures seem very possessive of and insular regarding their artwork. Tattoos are often a very visible display of an artist’s skill, and thus any mistakes or incorrect representations are also highly visible. I did appreciate the discussion on Japan’s attitude towards tattoos throughout history, as there are a number of myths and rumors regarding this matter. The artwork at the back is also skillfully done.

[Payten Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a fan of Japanese tattooing, with many Japanese style tattoos myself, I picked this and Bushido my Takahiro and Katie Kitamura. I wanted to learn more about an art form that I only admired with ink on my skin.

After reading the book, the symbols, motifs, and stories behind the tattoos that I have admired for so long make so much more sense. My next tattoo appointment will be insufferable for my artist, because I probably won’t stop talking about this book. Highest praises to Moriarty for not only being a practicer of the craft, but a diligent historian that has brought so much culture to the western world that would have otherwise went untold.

[Comely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it a lot. Gave a brief overview of the types and styles of Japanese tattoos. It also gave a brief overview of what a specific tattoo meant, where the history came from, etc. I'll be honest though it was a little sparse in information at times, but it makes sense since the author clarified multiple times that he'd only speak on what he knew.

[Ottovonn · Rating 5 out of 5]

tanuki balls

[Isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and informative.

[Syd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and reference it all the time! It's short, concise, yet detailed. It gives a basic understanding of irezumi and the meanings & history behind them!

[Aranzazu Del Pozo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo usé para un trabajo de clase de diseño de bolsos. Cogimos inspiración de aquí y sus imágenes. Muy bueno y completo.

[Sara Pellicioli · Rating 5 out of 5]

ben introdotto, descritto e contestualizzato. molto interessante

[pbenavent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Explica los origenes y significado de los principales motivos empleados en el tatuaje tradicional japonés. El autor se formó en tatuaj tradicional japonés por maestros norteamericanos y japoneses.

Idoneo para los que quieran conocer un ámbito poco divulgado de la cultura japonesa, o que les guste el tatuaje tradicional japonés y quieran conocer la historia y significado de los motivos elegidos.

La calidad de la edición por ilustraciones, maquetado y papel vale de sobra la pensa.

[Gabriel Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books on this subject matter I'd say this is the one everyone needs. It covers everything in solid detail and should be read by anyone planning to get large scale Japanese work done. The quality of this hardback is top notch and the presentation and layout are perfect I struggle to think of ways to improve this book.

[Paulius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep coming back to this particular book to refresh my memory on all (most) things regarding Japanese tattoos.

It's a good starting point if you're just starting to explore Japanese tattoos and the culture itself from a mythological and sometimes historical perspective.

It's written in a simple manner, accompanied by beautiful art alongside the discussed topic. If you like history, you're bound to find one or two stories that will pull you even deeper into the rabbit hole that is the Japanese tattoos and their meanings, and stories.

I've stumbled upon some reviews, where the epilogue is mentioned and I have to agree, I'd enjoy to read more about the passed-on traditions of a master and a student in the world of Japanese tattooing. Although, it might be a separate book on it's own.

[Fantasymundo · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Irezumi Itai (Tatuaje tradicional japonés)” tiene otra gran cualidad, y es transmitir al lector la pasión de su autor por su modo de vida y su arte. Porque sí, no debemos olvidar que el tatuaje es, como cualquier otro, un arte. Y eso, en un mundo en el que lo importante son los engranajes, su capacidad de no Continuar leyendo