Monday, August 25, 2008

Tattoos of the Floating World: Ukiyo-E Motifs in Japanese Tattoo (Paperback)

Tattoos of the Floating World: Ukiyo-E Motifs in Japanese Tattoo (Paperback)
by Takahiro Kitamura (Author), Katie M. Kitamura (Author)



his unique book by tattoo artist Takahiro Kitamura (Horitaka, a pupil of Horiyoshi III) discusses the art of the Japanese tattoo in the context of Ukiyo-e, concentrating on the parallel histories of the woodblock print and the tattoo. Through high quality illustrations it shows that the Japanese tattoo is highly reliant on and linked to the woodblock print and that it deserves a position among the other art forms.

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A range of typical ukiyo-e motifs in the Japanese tattoo are discussed and illustrated by the original Japanese prints, and sketches, drawings and tattoos by tattoo master Horiyoshi III. The book ends with a special essay by Don Ed Hardy.


Most tattoo afficianados are aware that Japanese tattoos are steeped in history and culture. But Tattoos Of The Floating World: Ukiy-o Motifs In The Japanese tattoo explores this history and culture in a way never done before. Takahiro Kitamura's research and unique insight combine to present the reader with not only a history of the Japanese tattoo, but also with an understanding of how it came to be, how it continued to maintain its traditions through centuries of persecution and cultural metamorphosis, and how it both influenced and was influenced by the contemporary arts of early Japan.

The first half of this excellent work explores the early history of the Floating World (as pleasure districts were known as Japan's Edo period), focusing on the "triumvirate of arts": ukiyo-e (wood block prints), irezumi (tattoos), and kabuki theatre. Ukiyo-e and irezumi are so closely intertwined that tattoos of the day were referred to as horimono (carved object) in deference to the process of carving a wood block print. Kabuki was the theatre of the people and expressed not only the history and mythology of Japan, but the people's innermost desires as well. Kitamura's exploration of the ways in which these three arts intertwined demonstrates his love of the topic and inspires a similar affection in the reader.

The latter half of Tattoos Of The Floating World details many of the themes so strongly connected with Japanese Tattoo today. Sections devoted to such heroes as Fudo Myoo, Fujin and Raijin, Kumonryu Shishin, and Tennin give a basic understanding of their characters themselves and their endurance as tattoo motifs. Details are also provided on such traditional images as dragons, koi, shunga, falcons, the Kurikaraken, tigers and the phoenix.

Illustrated throughout with ukiyo-e, original sketches by Horiyoshi III, and photographs by Jai Tanju, this work is as beautiful as it is educational. The pairing of sketches next to their finished tattoos highlights the artistry involved in Japanese tattoo while the presentation of ukiyo-e prints alongside tattoos of the same characters and motifs demonstrates the cultural and historic similarities.

As a special bonus, Don Ed Hardy weighs in with an essay exploring his own discovery of Japanese tattoo. Ed Hardy is the foremost American authority on Japanese tattoo and was one of the first Westerners to write on the subject. This essay follows his discovery of Japanese tattoo and his adventures in crossing the borders (both physical and cultural) between Japanese and Western tattooing.

tattoo removal Tips

Today, if you get tired of your tattoos or just want a fashion change, they can easily be removed due to newly developed techniques. Although many people try to remove their tattoos, none of the these removal procedures can guarantee complete success every time.

Perhaps tattoo art is as old as the human civilization. All cultures have their own traditional tattooing methods. Tattooing is done by injecting colored pigments into skin. Once tattoo pigments are injected in skin they usually become permanent. Tattoo removal is also an important part of tattooing art. For various reasons people want to get their tattoos removed and often search for proper tattoo removal methods. For centuries people have been following many traditional methods to get their tattoos removed.

Some troubles in Tattoo Removal may appear when:

a. The tattoo is too big covering a large area of your body.
b. You have had the tattoo on your skin for a long period of time.
c. Smudging is evident because the pigment was not distributed equally into the skin.
d. Tattoos in the area on or around your eyes can be particularly difficult to entirely remove, as the skin is very sensitive.
e. Your skin is very sensitive and has a longer healing rate than usual.


Ways To Remove Your Tattoo

Here, it is important to note that many cases of tattoo removal have resulted into scars, skin diseases and wounds. All this depends on several factors including size, location, individual's healing process or system, how the tattoo was applied and how long the tattoo had been on the skin. Here is a look on various processes and methods of tattoo removal. Today there are many tattoo removal methods available. Methods chosen by the physician depends upon many factors. The method that the physician chooses will depend upon the size of the tattoo and its location as well as the length of time it has been on the skin.

Excision

This tattoo removal method is very suitable for the small ones as the entire tattoo can be removed without problem. The process consists from a local anesthetic which is administered to the area and the surgically removal of the tattooed skin. The wound is sutured and it's very possible not to leave any noticeable scarring. Anyway, it is very important to check out the likelihood of this procedure leaving the area free of visible disfigurement with your medical advisor.

Excision method is useful when the tattooed area is comparatively small. Excision method of tattoo removal helps in complete removal of tattoos. However in case of larger tattoos, excision method can be applied in a phased manner. In this method local anesthesia is applied to numb the area after which the tattoo is removed surgically. The edges are then brought together and stitched and there is minimal bleeding.

Dermabrasion

It is yet another method of tattoo removal. Dermabrasion involves a small portion of the tattooed part to be sprayed with a solution that freezes the area. After freezing the area an abrasive instrument causes the skin to peel. It is followed by dressing the area to stop any bleeding that may occur.

The area is sprayed with a freezing solution and then sanded with a rotary abrasive instrument. The skin then peels off and is covered with a surgical dressing, as some bleeding will probably occur.

This procedure is not painless so be prepared if you decide to go this route. It will take some time for the skin to grow back and during this time it will not be an attractive sight. Attention must be paid to the regular change of dressings; hygiene and any sign of inflammation should be reported immediately to your Doctor.


Laser

Laser surgery is considered as one of the best methods of tattoo removal. Usually a cream is applied to skin to make it numb. Pulses of light from the laser are directed onto the tattoo breaking up the tattoo pigments. After a few weeks body's scavenger cells remove the treated pigmented areas. It requires more than one treatment to remove all tattoos.

Probably the best solution for the removal of tattoos of any size and in any area of the body.

Short pulses of intense light from the laser are directed towards the tattoo, which breaks up the color pigments into smaller particles. These are then absorbed by the body’s immune system, which is normally takes about 3 weeks.

Some colored dyes react differently with black being the easiest to remove. The procedure is normally painless but a light local anesthetic may be administered if the tattoo is in a sensitive part of the body. You will possibly need more than one treatment to entirely remove the tattoo.

Make sure that the surgeon who removes your tattoo is a specialist in laser surgery.

After Effects

It cannot be over emphasized that the correct aftercare will help to lessen the possibility of residual scarring. The treated area and its immediate surroundings should be kept clean and an antibacterial lotion applied.

A scab may form and when that has fallen off the redness will fade as the normal healing process takes place. This may take some time depending on the individual. Infection is always a possibility with any surgical procedure so do not delay in reporting any signs to your doctor.

There may be some residual scarring due to the method of applying the tattoo.

Salabrasion

Salabrasion procedure of tattoo removal is centuries old. In Salabrasion a local anesthetic is used on and around the tattooed region after which a solution of ordinary tap water dipped in table salt is applied. Tattoos are removed by the application of an abrading instrument or a wooden block wrapped in gauze. After a while the area becomes deep red in color and then dressing is applied to stop any bleeding.


Costs

Removing it is much more expensive than having it applied. Therefore, when you choose it be very sure that it's what you want and that you can live with it, probably for the rest of your life.

Laser removal treatment is a very expensive procedure and will not generally be covered by your medical insurance company as it is considered to be cosmetic application and is not health threatening.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Return of the Tribal: A Celebration of Body Adornment (Paperback)

Return of the Tribal: A Celebration of Body Adornment (Paperback)
by Rufus C. Camphausen (Author)



The Return of the Tribal attempts to look at all types of body adornment from tribal to urban, from piercing to body painting, from scarification to tattoos, and from genital mutilation to structural modifications of the ears, legs & neck. And it does so with a cornucopia of full-color photos presented alongside a very readable text. This may well be the best book of its kind currently available.

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"First tattoos, then piercings and now--metal mohawks? Modern primitives are taking body modification to the extremes with scalp implants."
(Newsweek )

"By juxtaposing photos of 'modern urban tribals' against images of indigenous people, Camphausen effectively places this oh-so '90s practice firmly within a historical and global context. The results are fascinating."
(Publishers Weekly )

"This book brings dignity and respect to the contemporary practice of body adornment in all its forms. By alternating stunning images from tribal and urban cultures, Camphausen makes his point convincingly.
(Magical Blend, David Merritt )

"A veritable travelogue through the geography of human imagination. Camphausen proves convincingly that today's body modification trend is more like a revival than a fad."
(Curio )

Ancient Marks: The Sacred Origins of Tattoos and Body Marking (Paperback)

Ancient Marks: The Sacred Origins of Tattoos and Body Marking (Paperback)
by Chris Rainier (Author)



Tattooing is a reflection of the basic human desire to decorate the body, and tattoos have held many different meanings throughout history. The practice has existed since ancient Egypt, and in our contemporary society has become a popular way for people of all ages to express themselves. Tattoo is a fascinating journey through the colorful world of this corporeal art form, via hundreds of fascinating photographs documenting the highly complex ritual tattoos of various subcultures, as well as the fantastic designs of modern tattoo artists.

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Seven-years of traveling the globe to document body art, Chris has assembled an extraordinary portfolio of living, breathing masterpieces. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.