Horimyo Research Paper

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Horimyo Tattoos have been part of the culture of Japan for thousands of years. Japanese society’s relationship with the tattoo – and the tattooed – has evolved throughout history. In recent years, many younger Japanese people have begun embracing tattoos as fashion statements, like people do in many western countries. However, there remains a group of traditional Japanese tattoo artists who look at body art as something more than fashion – something spiritual and deeply personal. One of those traditionalists is Horimyo, a Japanese “tebori” (done-by-hand) tattoo artist. Horimyo works out of a small studio in the Saitama area of Tokyo. While most tattoo artists today use tattoo machines, all of Horimyo’s art work is applied by his own hands. The entire process – from design to mixing inks to the actual creation of the tattoo on the body using bamboo – is done by hand, using traditional methods that have been passed down from masters to apprentices over generations. There aren’t many Japanese tattoo artists still working in the traditional tebori method, so we felt very lucky to get a chance to visit Horimyo’s studio. Horimyo allowed us to film his work on a large tattoo. He also took time to tell us about why he strongly believes in traditional Japanese tattoo and the power of art made by hand. Ta Moko In recent years New Zealand has seen resurgence in the traditional practice of ta moko - the permanent body and face marking of the indigenous Māori people. This unique tattoo form is being embraced by Māori men and women, as a sign of their cultural identity and a reflection of the revival of the Māori language and culture. Traditional ta moko is distinct from tattoo because the skin is carved using uhi or chisels rather than punct... ... middle of paper ... ...ander are lost.” References: • http://tokyofashion.com/horimyo-traditional-japanese-tebori-tattoo-artist/ • http://www.bigtattoplanet.com/features/artist-profile/horimyo • http://www.newzealand.com/travel/media/features/maori-culture/maori-culture_ta-moko-maori-tattoo_feature.cfm • http://www.newzealand.com/travel/media/features/maori-culture/maori_ta-moko-significance_feature.cfm • http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/education/onlineresources/archive/moko/Pages/overview.aspx • http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2010/oct/26/russian-criminal-tattoos • http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2242960/Symbols-life-crime-The-fading-tattoos-Russias-gangland-prisoners-read-like-bearers-criminal-underworld-CV.html • http://www.inkedmag.com/modern-tattoo-trends/ • http://life.nationalpost.com/2013/06/15/what-were-they-inking/ • https://www.ju.edu/JRAD/Documents/TiffanyW.pdf

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