Bushido : Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo
by Katie M. Kitamura, Takahiro Kitamura
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Book Summary Information
Author: Katie M. Kitamura, Takahiro KitamuraEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2001-01
ISBN: 0764312014
Number of pages: 160
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
Book Reviews of Bushido : Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo
Book Review: Beautiful book, some information misleading
Summary: 3 Stars
First, this is indeed a beautiful book, as the photos are of Horiyoshi 3's beautiful work. It showcases full body work and the close-ups on the details. I really like the part when the different types of bodysuits are illustrated, and then the types are shown alongside examples of Horiyoshi's work. This is indeed a great reference for anyone looking for more than a sleeve or a small tattoo, and one can reference where they could have such tattoos replaced. There are also pictures of Horiyoshi at work, and he introduces the techniques, tools, and many other interesting things. One can also see the future Horiyoshi IV!
My main gripe is the history part of the tattoo. This is a great in- depth introduction to tebori and its techniques, and information about the Horiyoshi family, etc., but I warn you- do not take the Bushido musings too seriously. I collect books on Japanese tattoo- for the history more than pictures- and this is the first book that vehemently declares how irezumi spawned from the samurai and their way of life. In Japan's caste system, the samurai were the highest caste, and thus many were the aristocracy that formed the government. Tattoos in Japan were at first mainly for marking criminals, but they blossomed into a form of rebellion against the samurai caste and the oppresive feudal government. Also, samurai, as the top caste and thus the upholders of society, usually were not tattooed. They were to set an example to the lower castes, and they followed the strict Confucian belief against marking the body, anyway. The exeption was if they were yakuza, who tattooed in their allegiance to their gangs, but Japanese tattoo before more contemporary times (starting with the Meiji Era, circa 1868) was extensively part of an urban culture of the lower castes, not samurai values and beliefs.
Sorry to give a sort of a history lesson. I could write pages to counterbalance the 'Bushido musings' aspect of this book, but simply put, this isn't a book for Japanese tattoo's history. I'm not saying everything in this book is historically inacurrate, but the samurai and bushido comparisons are. Kitamura is still quite an educated individual. Many, upon hearing the name Horiyoshi 3, will come running for this book, and it indeed is a great reference for that, especially in the amazing photos and the insight from Horiyoshi 3. However, for a serious student of Japanese tattoo, I would recommend Japanese Tattoo by Donald Ritchie, Van Gulik's Irezumi book (like a previous reviewer said, although the most in-depth book in English, it can be demanding to read), or Bunshin Hyakushi (the greatest refence of all, but only for those who know Japanese!)
Summary of Bushido : Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo
This gorgeous book delves into the elusive world of traditional Japanese tattooing. The Samurai spirit, Bushido, is an integral component of Japanese tattooing that is traced through the imagery and interpersonal dynamics of this veiled subculture. The eloquent text is based largely on Takahiro Kitamuras experiences as client and student of the famed Japanese tattoo master, Horiyoshi III. Over 200 beautiful photos by Jai Tanju capture the breathtaking tattoo artistry of Horiyoshi III. Five original, unpublished prints by Horiyoshi III, like those in his acclaimed book, 100 Demons of Horiyoshi III, are included here. Bushido: Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo is certain to fascinate everyone with an interest in tattoo culture.Beauty & Fashion Books
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