JAPANESE TATTOOS

This intimate relationshiop of Japanese tattooing with the dark world of the yakuza has helped cover
this form of artistic expression with an aura of mystery. But the culture of irezumi is deep and rich
in meanings, shapes and motifs that have gone from colour woodblock prints to being applied to the
skin to beauty and protect their bearers.This richly illustrated book reveals the meaning and the
secrets behind the most significant motifs from traditional Japanese tattooing -such as mythological
and supernatural creatures, animals, Buddhist deities, flowers and historial characters.