5.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. – Customer review on 13/10/2009

Phenomenal book expressing the true identity of the mis-informed Irezumi culture utilising photography as the means of communication and appreciation.
This book represents far more than a simple collation of Japanese tattoo's, it is an expression of a long and proud cultural history and one which as Westerners, we have completely misunderstood or simplified as mere tattoo art.
Tattoo is more than art. Irezumi are a closed circuit of this expression.
I highly recommend this book for all Japanese enthusiasts as well as those with an interest in cultural tattoo styles

5.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. – Customer review on 29/06/2009

A great book of the japanese tattoos, history , n symbolisms for the students of tattooing , or as a reference book. With big , close up photos of the tattoos, where you can see every detail .
Being published more than 20 years ago, it contains simple basic knowledge of this great art, n helps to understand the meanings what is needed in completing these master peices

5.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews. – Customer review on 13/01/2007

Not only is this fine book a landmark in terms of photographic technique, it documents classic Japanese tattoo imagery, much as it has been for centuries. With less contrast and perhaps darker pigments than we are now used to in the West, this is traditional Japanese tattooing at its best. The themes in the symbolism are timeless and the close-up views of the tattoos are so detailed you feel like you could actually reach out and touch the skin. Absolutely fabulous and one of my favorite tattoo books.