Tattoos of the Floating World: Ukiyo-e Motifs in the Japanese Tattoo

by Takahiro Kitamura, Katie Kitamura

This unique book by tattoo artist Takahiro Kitamura (Horitaka, a pupil of Horiyoshi III) discusses the art of the Japanese tattoo in the context of Ukiyo-e, concentrating on the parallel histories of the woodblock print and the tattoo. Through high quality illustrations it shows that the Japanese tattoo is highly reliant on and linked to the woodblock print and that it deserves a position among the other art forms. A range of typical ukiyo-e motifs in the Japanese tattoo are discussed and illustrated by the original Japanese prints, and sketches, drawings and tattoos by tattoo master Horiyoshi III. The book ends with a special essay by Don Ed Hardy.

Genres: Japan, Art

140 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

Reviews

[David Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is superior to the author's other japanese tattoo book. The text is not so dense, the author seems to have disposed of some of his bad habits from Bushido.
Horiyoshi III is such a master, I would buy this book if there was no text, just the images.

[Jason Nomura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great discussion of the themes that are incorporated into traditional Japanese tattoo designs.

[Carys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring and beautiful. A must read for anyone interested in the origins of tattoos, Japanese art or HIII.

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable slow paced photo-documerntary book for an hour or two of free time dedicated to body arts.

[Hot Dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to be fully tatted