Who's On First?

 
Zhu Gui.jpg

The Japanese woodblock prints

of the Edo period have been an inspiration for tattooers since the beginning. Actually, it's extremely difficult to discern where this beginning is. Which came first, the Japanese tattoo or the woodblock prints?

 

Zhu Gui aka Kanchi Kotsuritsu Shuki by UTAGAWA KUNIYOSHI

Woodblock Print published by Kagaya Kichiemon from 1827-30

39.1 x 26.5 cm

Tattoo AnthropologyAsher EmersonJapanese, Woodblock, print, edo period, tattooers, ukiyo-e, Kanchi Kotsuritsu Shuki, Zhu Gui, 108 Bandits, 108 Heroes, Water Margin, Ryosanpaku, Liangshan Marsh, Nine tailed Fox