lao-ocean-girl

I’m interested in seeing some irezumi, but probably won’t.  That is… unless I chance upon some yakuza having a throw down.  Even in the unlikely chance that happens, I highly doubt they’d take off their shirts for my view pleasure.  I’ll be on the lookout though.

Written on the Body: Irezumi and the Decorated Skin

Irezumi is widely considered the most artful tattoo form in the world.  Usually completed in blue and red natural dyes, the tattoos often cove the whole body with elaborate designs featuring intricate scenes that derive from Japanese myth and folklore.  The practice of creating irezumi was initiated in the 18th century during the Edo era, when authorities tattooed criminals in order to brand them for their crimes.  When release from prison, they would seek the services of an irezumi-shi, who would disguise the prison marks with tigers and flowers and other patterns, thus erasing an ignominious past.  Like their clients, tattoo artists were considered criminals,, and this practice continued until the Meiji era (1868-1912), when authorities banned tattooing in order to avoid giving visiting foreigners the impression that Japan was uncivilized or barbaric.  To Japan’s surprise, visiting dignitaries, including the Tsar of Russia and King George V were enamored of the art form, so much so that the latter had a dragon tattooed on his forearm in 1881.

Today, the art of irezumi is still widely practiced, though it is still considered by many Japanese to be the mark of criminality or of being from a lower class.  Despite these judgments, or perhaps because of them, some anti-authority outcast groups, like the biker ’speed tribes’ (bosozoku) have begun to acquire more tattoos, though these are often of Western-style hearts or cartoon characters rather than the hand-pricked, full-body irezumi masterpieces.

Perhaps the best place to admire the handiwork of an irezumi master is in a sento (public bath), where yakuza (Japanese mafia) bare it all, just like everybody else.  [from the Lonely Planet]