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ARTIST SKETCH AND DESIGN BOOKS
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This book is awesome. It is called: Price: $60 |
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Joe Capobianco Sketchbook |
This is a new copy of Joe Capobianco's Sketchbook. 122 pages of awesome babes, brides and broads in his signature style. Capobianco's ladies are the kind your momma warned you about - they're fun, but they'll stomp a mudhole in your heart. This book kicks ass. Predominately monochrome sketches with a few full color renditions throughout...and occasional comments about the illustrations. Well bound, 8" x 12", second printing. | |
Eckel's Times of Grace   Size: 8.5” x 11.5” - Pages: 150 - Published: 2008 - Price: $120 - Binding: Hardcover |
This is a beautiful new book just put out by Gentleman's Publishing called TIMES OF GRACE. It is a compilation of sketches, paintings and flash by German tattoo artist Eckel and it is one of the nicest collections I have come across in a while. Eckel has a signature style, his women in particular are stunning. Tortured beauties with cryptic messages that fold into his paintings seamlessly. I noticed these first but was drawn, of course, to the Japanese imagery. Eckel's Japanese illustrations are vivid and full. He pays attention to the small details critical in pulling of good Japanese tattoo art. Very nice compositions. This book is hardback, 8.5" x 11" and 150 pages. It includes 35 pages of sepia sketches, 92 pages of full color paintings and 17 pages of flash at the back. It is a well made, truly stunning volume that is a must have for any collector of tattoo art. | |
Jay Cavna's Unfinished Business   Size: 8.5” x 11” - Pages: 42 - Price: $45 - Binding: Softcover w/spiral binding |
We are proud to add Jay Cavna's sketchbook UNFINISHED BUSINESS to our collection. I love Jay Cavna, his tattoo work is amazing and only getting better. His attention to detail and eye for form make this collection of sketches stand out. This book consists of traditional Japanese imagery - Dragons, Koi, Mums, Roosters, Phoenix, Snakes, Hannya, Oni - as well as some of the lesser known Japanese mythological creatures like Baku, which illustrates that Cavna has done his research. Bold lines and proper musculature detailing make this a brilliant, no nonsense reference book. The book itself is appx. 8.5" x 11" with a spiral binding. It includes 42 monochrome sketches to be used as a springboard for original creations - let's not copy kids, it's just bad form. | |
Koi by Horimouja    Size: 10.5" x 13" - Published: 2006 - Pages: 50 - Price: $42 -Binding: Spiral Bound Sketchbook |
This is an amazing collection of Japanese Koi outlines by Jack Mosher (Horimouja) - one of my personal favorites! 50 full page monochrome outlines with Horimouja's great attention to detail make this a must have for any collection of Japanese tattoo art and imagery. Absolutely stunning. The book itself is large (appx. 13" x 10.5") and the imagery clean and clear. Everybody wants Koi fish these days - here's a way to diversify a little. |
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100 Japanese Designs vol. 2 by Horimouja
   Size: 10.5" x 13" - Published: 2006 - Pages: 100 - Price: $82 -Binding: Spiral Bound Sketchbook |
This is an amazing collection of Japanese Traditional Imagery vol. II by Jack Mosher (Horimouja). It includes some of the best demon and oni illustrations I have seen yet! Crisp lines and great attention to detail make this a must have for any collection of Japanese tattoo art and imagery. Absolutely stunning. The book itself is large and contains 100 pages of full page monochrome drawings/flash of beautiful Japanese monsters, demons, animals, gods and goddesses and samurai warriors. Insane. |
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Iki by Horihito I
   Size: 8.5” x 11” - Pages: 240 - Published: 2007 - Price: $238 - Binding: Soft cover in cardboard sleeve |
This is Horihito I's new book IKI. Horihoti I is the founder of the Horihito tattoo family in Kanagawa and is legendary here in Japan. This book is a collection of flash and photos from Horihito I and the artwork is completely stunning. 130 full page, full colored images - provided both in outline form, and filled in - one on each side of the page. There are also two photo sections and explanations in both Japanese and English of the meaning/story behind each design. There is an introduction by Horihoti I in both English and Japanese. This is an amazing collection and a must have for anyone interested in Japanese tattoo art and design. It would be a brilliant book to keep in the shop - big clear pictures to help in tattoo design. |
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100 Dragons by Horimouja
   Size: 10.5" x 13" - Published: 2006 - Pages: 100 - Price: $82 -Binding: Spiral Bound Sketchbook |
This is an amazing collection of Dragon Imagery by Jack Mosher (Horimouja) - one of my personal favorites! It is the ultimate book of dragon flash, huge and detailed! The book itself is large (appx. 13" x 10.5") and 100 pages on monochrome full page drawings/flash of beautiful Japanese style dragons. Insane. It is bound by a spiral to make it easier to prop up. This is a must have for any shop/artist with a demand for quality Japanese dragon imagery. |
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Tattoo Darling by Angelique Houtk    Size: 8” x 9.5” - Pages: 80 - Price: $28 - Binding: Softcover |
This is the coolest book I've found in a while. It is not in tune with my usual Japanese imagery, but I just picked a copy up for myself and decided to list it. It is by Dutch tattoo artist Angelique Houtkamp who is quickly making a name for herself in the contemporary art scene with her magnificent old school tattoo artistry and paintings. Her pin-ups are brilliant and her artwork is fresh while still remaining loyal to old school traditions in style. Very cool collection, 80 pages of full color imagery, text in English, softcover and appx. 8" x 9.5". This is a great find for any tattoo enthusiast. |
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Hannya Sketchbook by Horimouja
   Size: 10.5" x 13" - Published: 2006 - Pages: 50 - Price: $62 -Binding: Spiral Bound Sketchbook |
This is an amazing collection of Japanese Hannya Outlines by Jack Mosher (Horimouja). I am so glad he chose this subject as it is a personal favorite. Hannya are one of the most striking of the Japanese images, haunting in their one unwavering expression. Hannya are representations of a female Demon, one who is typically jealous or a scorned woman. Hannya are sometimes seen wearing a headdress in order to hide their horns of jealousy. Hannya are one of the most macabre images from Japanese folklore, at once commonplace and startling. This collection includes 50 full page monochrome outlines of Hannya masks, coupled with Horimouja's amazing attention to details makes this a must have for any collection of Japanese tattoo art and imagery. Absolutely stunning. The book itself is large (appx. 13" x 10.5") and the imagery clean and clear. It is bound by a spiral to make it easier to prop up. |
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Mike Young Sketchbooks vol. 1-5    Size: 8.5” x 11” - Pages: 335 in total (all 6 books) - Price: $215 - Binding: Spiral Bound Sketchbooks |
This is an amazing collection of sketches by Mike Young from of Canada's Eternal Dragon Tattoo. Mike loves skulls and they are a prevalent in his collection. Good thing he does them so well! This auction is for all 6 of his sketchbooks (vol. 1-6) so 335 pages of imagery in total. All monochrome images, most full on 8.5" x 11" paper. Young definitely has a signature style. His skulls are quite compelling, they pop off the page and have both depth and character. Great for large tattoo work. These ain't no sissy skulls!! His dragons are amazingly detailed and I find myself going back to them and seeing something new each time. Very cool. This is a great collection of work and a good resource for any tattoo shop! |
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Tattoo Girls Design Book vol. 3   Size: 6” x 8” - Pages: 95 - Published: 2007 - Price: $35 - Binding: Softcover |
This book is called Tattoo Girls Design Book vol. 3 put out by the people who do Tattoo girls magazine here in Japan and it is a great little compilation. I like this one a lot more than vol. 1 because the tattoos in the pictures are a lot better. Includes the work of some really good artists here in Japan from Three Tides Tattoo, Chopstick Tattoo, Instinct Tattoo, South-Dragon Skin-art, Tattoo Art Atudio, Muscat and Fancadelic. Lots of color photos and a shop list in the back of studios in Japan . Text is in Japanese with enough English titles to understand what's going on. | |
Hokusai Manga vol. 3    Size: 6” x 8” - Pages: 320 - Published: 2003 - Price: $45 - Binding: Softcover |
This edition features a lot of animal imagery. Tons of great wild and domestic animal imagery, birds, sea life as well as men and women. Includes some of the comedic men and women sketches. Includes a few gods and warriors as well as some great landscapes - mountains and trees. This book has more full page images as opposed to thimbnails - better for the small details. Images are monochrome. Text is in Japanese and book reads right to left, Japanese style. |
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Tattoo Girls Design Book vol. 1    Size: 6” x 8” - Pages: 95 - Published: 2003 - Price: $35 - Binding: Softcover |
This book is called Tattoo Girls Design Book vol. 1 put out by the people who do Tattoo girls magazine here in Japan . It includes 300 small photos of girly tattoos - butterflies, cherry blossoms, tribal, fantasy, birds - not all traditional Japanese imagery but a survey of what Japanese think is "girly". There is a section on how a tattoo is made - for the first timers and a shop guide in the back. Text is in Japanese. | |
Tattoo Girls Design Book vol. 2    Size: 6” x 8” - Pages: 95 - Published: 2005 - Price: $35 - Binding: Softcover |
This book is called Tattoo Girls Design Book vol. 2 put out by the people who do Tattoo girls magazine here in Japan and it is a great little compilation. It starts out with Tattoos for girls of 5 tastes - Girly, surf, ethnic, rock and street styles (apaprently how all the girls here hope to be typecast as) and these sections include flash and photos of girls with tattoos in these styles. The latter part of the book has flash by famous Japanese women artists - anime creators - and their designs are awesome and really capture current trends in girly anime art. The artists in this volume are Atsushi Kaneko, Nagi Noda, FAFI, and Junko Mizuno (who did Hell Babies and Cinderella - she's great). As well as a few Tattoo girls originals. The book continues with a technique/tools dictionary and a shop list for studios in Japan. Text is in Japanese with enough English titles to understand what's going on... These books are limited to the first printing so if you want one get it now. |
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Namakubi (Severed Heads) by Horiyoshi III |
This is Japanese tattoo master Horiyoshi III's 3rd collection of drawings called The Namakubi. It is presented like the 100 Demons and 108 Heroes, hardback, in a cardboard sleeve, but this collection is folded beautifully in dark brown cloth. Nama (fresh) Kubi (neck) is a collection of 30 sketches of severed heads. The sketches are not bound, the are loose prints wrapped in paper in 3 sets of 10, which rest within the cloth binding/cover. Prints are perfect for framing. Hard to describe so I photographed the presentation. The book is huge, B4 size (appx. 10" x 14.5") and the prints are the same size. All 30 are produced on thick, high quality paper, they are black and white sketches (with red blood and hanko - his signature chop). The sketches are fantastic, very gruesome ....made more so by the intricate and ornate backgrounds. Truly stunning. Text in Japanese. | |
100 Demons by Horiyoshi III    Size: B4 (almost 10” x 14”) - Pages: 146 - Published: 1998 - Price: $170 - Binding Hardcover with a cardboard sleeve |
This is horimono master Horiyoshi III’s 1st book and it is my favorite...but I love the oni. The book boasts 146 pages including 100 B&W images of different demons of Japanese folklore. Horiyoshi III includes the names, details and stories for many of the figures in both English and Japanese. There is a wonderful afterword by Horiyoshi III himself that goes into his thoughts and feelings about tattoos and tattooing. This is a truly amazing resource for anyone interested in traditional Japanese art and mythology. | |
36 Ghosts by Horiyoshi III    Size: almost 10” x 14” - Pages: 82 (folded over - like centerfolds) - Published: 2007 - Price: $170 - Binding: Hardcover with a cardboard sleeve |
This is horimono master Horiyoshi III’s 4th book it is intense. The same size as his 100 demons but the prints are twice the size, each page folded over. Black and grey imagery with text/explanations in both Japanese in English. It is hardcover, very large... B4 size (appx. 9.84" x 13.90") and 82 pages, doubled over all featuring some amazing phantoms and ghouls. A must have for any collector of the dark and twisted. | |
108 Heroes by Horiyoshi III   Size: B4 (almost 10” x 14”) - Pages: 216 - Published: 2004 - Price: $240 - Binding: Hardcover with a cardboard sleeve |
This is horimono master Horiyoshi III’s 2rd book and it is absolutely stunning. The book boasts 216 pages with 108 b&w images of different Suikoden heroes and Horiyoshi includes the names, details and stories for many of the figures in both English and Japanese. The drawings are examples of images he uses for full body tattoos and the ttention to detail is incredible. Includes an afterward by Horiyoshi III himself. A must have for those interesting in traditional Japanese tattoos. | |
Ade - Volume 1 *NEW FROM GOMINEKO PRESS*   . 1 - Size: 8” x 11.5” - Pages: 160 - Published: 2008 - Price: $60 - Binding: Softcover |
This book is awesome. It is called Ade vol. 1 and is a collection of tattoo sketch and design work by Ade, who works at Nine, in Brighton UK. Ade has a signature style - he pulls from the classic ukiyo-e artists, particularly Hokusai, and is similarly influenced by contemporary Japanese tebori master Horiyoshi III. This book includes some fantastic illustrations. Beautiful renditions of koi, Japanese demons, oni, dragons, snakes, lotus, chrysanthemums, tigers, hannya, fox, namakubi (severed heads) skulls, cherry blossoms, Buddist gods, kingyo (Japanese goldfish) and other classic Japanese imagery. The first 2/3 of the book are monochrome sketches, and the last 1/3 is watercolor paintings and full color examples of his tattoo work featuring designs included in the book. It is softcover, 8" x 11.5" and 160 pages with nice, big illustrations on one side. All in all a great, no nonsense reference book. | |
Tattoo Fantasy by Ozuma Kaname   Size: 8.5” x 11.5” - Pages: 146 - Published: 2003 - Price: $185 - Binding: Hardcover w/Cardboard Sleeve |
Ozuma Kaname's book Tattoo Fantasy is BY FAR THE MOST AMAZING COLLECTION OF JAPANESE TATTOO IMAGERY I HAVE SEEN. It is called Tattoo Fantasy in English and AOI NO HANA - Indigo Flowers - in Japanese (a little confusing). Born in Niigata, Japan in 1939 Kaname's art draws from traditional Japanese themes - gods and demons. The majority of his prints are designed for tattooing, and his work is often used by master tattooist Horiyoshi III. This collection of works is truly remarkable. It says "Tattoo Fantasy" on the outer box cover, and is an impressively bound book that boasts appx. 75 full color/full page prints, 18 b&w sketches and model photos. The preface by the artist is in both English and Japanese, the remaining text is in Japanese. This is a first edition, and copies are limited. | |
The Black Book: Chasing Dragons   Size: 8.5” x 12” - Pages: 100 - Published: 2007 - Price: $120 - Binding: Hardcover |
This is one of the best dragon sketchbooks I've come across. It is called The Black Book - Chasing Dragons (vol. II) and includes illustrations by Sieto Van Der Velde and Jeroen Derks from Yugen Tattoo in Holland. This book includes 100 pages of amazing b&w sketches. These guys pay close attention to detail - good variety of dragon body positions and brilliant facial expressions. This book is masterfully done and a brilliant resource book. The hardback cover makes it a great one for the coffee table as well. These are limited edition. A must have for tattoo artists interested in traditional Japanese imagery, and Japanesque art collectors. | |
Gekkou Manga - Traditional Japanese Sketchbook   Size: 7” x 10” - Pages: 112 - Published: 2006 - Price: $48 - Binding: Softcover |
This is a great collection of Ukiyo-e master Ogata Gekkou that just came out last year. Gekkou was a painter and Ukiyo-e artists in the 1900's that was inspired by master Hokusai and even did his own 100 views of Mount Fuji. This book includes some brilliant landscape scenes, men and women performing daily tasks, and lots of great animals. It includes some good waves, oni (demons) ghosts and gods. Quite a few brilliant warrior images and some fish/insect sketches that are amazing. The book is 112 pages with 1-3 images per page. Images are monochrome. Includes images of houses, buildings, bridges, temples, mountains, tea sets,waves, rocks, people - workers, women, gods and samurai, assorted animals, trees, lots of great stuff. | |
Jee Sayalero Sketchbook vol. 3   Size: 8” x 11.5” - Pages: 105 - Published: 2008 - Price: $80 - Binding: Softcover |
This is for a new copy of Jee Sayalero's Sketchbook vol. 3. Sayalero owns and works in HumanFly tattoo in Madrid Spain. This book includes 50 pages of very original tattoo sketchwork - not all Japanese style - but all definitely food for thought and perfect as a springboard for original ideas. Sayalero is incredibly creative and his artwork is fresh and really in your face. It is well bound and 8" x 11.5". The illustrations are predominately full page - nice and large with brilliant detail. This book would be a brilliant addition to tattoo artist and collectors of tattoo art. | |
Tigers, Hawks & Snakes by Horimouja   Size: 10.5” x 13” - Pages: 50 - Published: 2008 - Price: $65 - Binding: Softcover w/spiral binding |
This is an amazing collection of Tiger, Hawk and Snake Imagery by Horimouja (Jack Mosher) - one of my personal favorites! This is a brilliant, no nonsense reference book - a great way to start off 2008! Horimouja's animals are fighters. His tigers are fierce and full bodied - not the meek kittens often found in traditional Japanese Art. His Hawks are regal, intelligent and not to be trifled with and the snakes are just plain intense. He obviously enjoyed himself with this one and his evident pleasure in these creations manifests itself in the small details that make his artwork exemplary. The book itself is large (appx. 13" x 10.5") and composed of 50 pages of monochrome, full page drawings of tigers, hawks and snakes. Insane. | |
58 Musha by Horiyoshi III |
Japanese master Horiyoshi III's new book 58 Musha is finally out and is just beautiful. The book is B4 size and hardback in a cardboard slipcover...like his others...and is on the Musha, magical warriors of legend. Most of these images depict an animal and a warrior. There are a couple of insane fox illustrations, koi, frog, a spider, a dragon. Really really amazing stuff. This is one of his best books yet. | |
All images and text copyright Gomineko 2006-2007. Violators who lift any my content will be shot.