Bushido : Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo [Paperback]

Takahiro Kitamura (Author), Katie M. Kitamura (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2001

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 Five original, unpublished prints by Horiyoshi III, like those in his acclaimed book, 100 Demons of Horiyoshi III, are included here.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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Takahiro Kitamura, who tattoos as Horitaka, currently resides and works in California. Katie Kitamura is pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of London. Jai Tanju is a photographer in San Jose, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764312014
• ISBN-13: 978-0764312014
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #68,341 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Books

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete Guide To Japanese Tattooing, March 11, 2001

By 

Aahz - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bushido : Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo (Paperback)

This beautifully illustrated book will teach you all you've ever wanted to know about the history and culture of Japanese Tattooing. Takahiro Kitamura (aka Horitaki) has been a student of Horiyoshi III for some time and his devotion to the man and the topic are obvious.

With chapters covering the history and development of tattoos and their related art in Japan going back several centuries, exploring the tatoo master/client and master/apprentice relationships, contrasting American and Japanese tattoo, and explaining the nature of Japanese tattoo 'families', the book gives an exceedingly thorough overview.

Most of the more than 200 photos were taken exclusively for this book and can not be seen elsewhere. The detail in Horiyoshi III's designs and the craftmanship displayed through Jai Tanju's photographs is superb.

Whether you just want to see examples of a true tattoo master's work or want to come to a better understanding of the history and culture of Japanese tattooing, this is a book you must have.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding book about an outstanding art, March 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Bushido : Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo (Paperback)

Since this book is about the great Horiyoshi III and his family clan, it's a must-have for any serious fan of Japanese tattooing. Beautiful photographs and very informative texts.

If you're looking for something about Japanese tattooing itself (history, background, etc.) then I'd rather recommend Donald Richie's "Japanese Tattoo". Though the most in-depth book available, but rather demanding to read, is Wilem Van Gulik's "Irezumi - The Pattern of Dermatography in Japan". The latter is only recommended for advanced Irezumi enthusiasts.

If you're interested in beautiful photographs of Japanese tattoos, then I can also recommend Sandi Fellman's "Japanese Tattoo".

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BUSHIDO: the Japanese tattoo legacy worth looking for, September 25, 2002

By 

Rae Schwarz "post-modern Renaissance woman" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bushido : Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo (Paperback)

I never thougth I would find a book that got me more excited about traditional Japanese tattooing than Sandi Fellman's oversize Polaroids collected in THE JAPANESE TATTOO. However, BUSHIDO has changed all that, and I am overly excited once again. This volume is a showcase of modern Japanese tattoo artist Horiyoshi III, as recorded and written by client and student Takahiro Kitamura. Kitamura is able to describe the unique position that tattooing occupies, somewhere between traditional and modern techniques, as well as balancing between Japanese and Western stylings, and ancient and post-modern belief systems underlying it all.

The photography is by Katie Kitamura, wife of the author. Her pictures are reproduced mostly in full-color plates, focusing on the overall aesthetic along with lots of the details. The models are both men and women, of varying ages and stages of coverage. Full portraits are complimented with more closely cropped photos, enlarging complexly-patterned details, subtle shading and expressive faces. A lexicon of body areas with the traditional Japanese names for the style of body coverage along with names for the styles of fill and background is a unique highlight.

A rare and difficult find, worth every effort it takes to get this one into your tattoo book collection.