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.
Horimasa
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Size: 10 ” x 14” - Pages: 228 - Published: 2009 - Price: $150
Binding: Softcover in cardboard slipcase
This is a collection of illustrations, sketches and photos from Japanese tattoo master, Horimasa. A tebori artist by trade (the traditional Japanese method of tattooing by hand) Horimasa breathes new life into fundamental Japanese tattoo motifs in this compilation. That he's studied the masters of traditional ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) is evident in his work and his approach to traditional Japanese iconography is bold and confident. His lines are incredibly clean and color use is brilliant. This book includes a wide variety of Japanese traditional tattoo imagery. It features a variety of samurai, Gods and Goddesses, oni, goblins, tigers, Hannya, dragons, geisha, koi, foo dogs, animals and insects....it has a little bit of everything. It includes full color, full pages illustrations, complete single line drawings, preliminary sketches and sketches devoted to particularly tricky details, like hands, feet, eyes and claws. It also includes a 50 full page, full color photo section of Horimasa's tattoo work, shot by world renowned photographer Geoff Johnson. This book is nice a big, printed on thick, high quality paper and comes in a cardboard slipcase for protection. It is an amazing resource for anyone interested in traditional Japanese tattooing and imagery.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Iki by Horihito I
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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.
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.
Tattoo Darling by Angelique Houtkamp 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.
Hannya Sketchbook by Horimouja
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Size: 10.5" x 13" - Published: 2006 - Pages: 50 - Price: $65 -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.
Mike Young Sketchbooks vol. 1-7 Size: 8.5” x 11” - Pages: over 380 in total (all 7 books) - Price: $270 - 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.
This is an amazing collection of Tibetan Skulls by Horimouja - hot off the presses! Jack Mosher's outdone himself with this one. The imagery is really compelling. 50 monochrome skull designs paired with bat wings, dragon heads, tengu noses, scorpions, horns, waves, flames, daggers, peony, lotus, there is am amazing dragon...made out of skulls - each image is unique and well crafted. It's evident Jack had fun with this book, and he did a really good job. His charicatistic attention to detail and careful linework is maintained throughout the collection, making it one of our "Must Have" tattoo reference books of the year. This collection includes 50 full page monochrome outlines of tibetan skulls. The book itself is large and the imagery clean and crisp. This one is a must have!
Kuniyoshi's Suikoden in Outline, put out by the Japan Tattoo Institute. This book is intense. Softcover and in a cardboard sleeve with text in both Japanese in English. It is appx. 10" x 14.5" and 102 pages. This is a truly amazing book. The book consists of full page monochrome outlines of the warriors (Samurai) and includes a section in the back of the same images, smaller and in color, for additional reference. The attention to detail is insane, Kuniyoshi is a true master of Ukiyo-e art and a very popular source for Japanese tattoo motif.
Japan Warrior Arts in Outline, put out by the Japan Tattoo Institute. This book is a brilliant resource for anyone interested in imagery for large Japanese pieces. Pulling from musha-e (woodblocks featuring samurai imagery) The book consists of large full page monochrome outlines of warriors (Samurai) in a variety of positions and activities. The book includes a section in the front of the Ukiyo-e pulled from, smaller and in color, for additional reference. The names of each Samurai is written in both English and Japanese, the remaining text is minimal and Japanese.
100 Demons by Horiyoshi III
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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
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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
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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.
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.
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: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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tattoo Designs of Japan by Horiyoshi III
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Size: 8.5" x 11" - Published: 1990/2002/2007 - Price: $100
This collection of Horiyoshi III sketches was compiled by Ed Hardy via Hardy Marks Publications. It is a sturdy hardback and includes both monchrome and full color tattoo designs in various stages of completion from the early 90's. This book boasts 80 pages of artwork, with an introduction, in English from Mr. Hardy himself. It includes notes on the illustrations and a glossary detailing Japanese tattoo iconography. A must have for fans of Horiyoshi III's distinctive artistic style.
Immaculate Tattoo's Aaron Coleman's Flash Book
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Size: 11 " x 14" - Published: 2009 - Price: $220
This is an AWESOME collection of flash from Immaculate Tattoo's Aaron Coleman. It's a beast....11" x 14" and 60 pages done on thick, high quality paper and sized to fit in flash frames. 45 full color pages and 15 monochrome on coquille. This collection give us an intimate glimpse into the pandemonium that resides in Coleman's melon. Predominately traditional, old school imagery crafted with a heavy helping of humor, a dash of perversion and an abundance of skill and talent. This book is a must have for shops and we are stoked to have it in stock!!
We've just added Boog's Script Book to our collection! This one is out of tune with the usual Japanese stuff but the publisher, Gentleman"s Tattoo Flash, consistently turns out quality collections and this one is no exception. This is a no nonsense reference book with page after page of script styles as well as a few pages on instructional text to get you started. The book includes 45 pages with illustrations on one side. This is an excellent reference book for anyone interested in Chicano and "gangster Style" script work.
This book is a collection of drawings, sketching and tattoo photos from Gifu Horihide. It is vol. 1 of 2 and focuses on the Heroes of the Suikoden. This books is a must have for anyone interested in traditional tattoo art and imagery because the illustrations are brilliant and the explanations are translated into English and are really enlightening. In theis volume Horihide outlines all 108 heroes as well as the Buddhist gods and goddesses. He includes 16 full page sketches, and a glossary at the end in Japanese & English which really allows for fuller understanding of Japanese history and mythology. All in all a masterful collection.
This book is a collection of drawings, sketching and tattoo photos from Gifu Horihide. It is vol. 2 of 2 and focuses more on animal and women motifs. This books is a must have for anyone interested in traditional tattoo art and imagery because the illustrations are brilliant and the explanations are translated into English and are really enlightening. This volume includes some amazing dragons, tigers, snakes, phoenix, foo dogs, Hannya masks, Koi, fox and some assorited animal sketches - frogs, butterflies, cranes etc. Also a section on the famous historical Japanese beauties - it is said that if a man gets a tattoo of a woman he will attract many women - so many Japanese men choose Geisha as a motif or have their artists hide a woman in their tattoos for carnal luck. Also included is some shibari art and weird penis-people sketches....and who doesn't love weird penis people!
This is a great book of tattoo designs from Kapala Tattoo's Rich Handford called STEADFAST. It boasts 64 pages of monochrome illustrations including some brilliant Japanese imagery, as well as haunting portraits and some amazing skulls. Handford's attention to detail and respect for tradition makes this book stand out. The book presents more like an art book that a single line sketchbook, with several pages full of sketches arranged pell mall and others more traditionally displayed one per page. It is loaded with illustrations - both sketches and shaded imagery - and is an excellent springboard for original ideas.
We love Beppe! This is a brilliant tattoo sketchbook that draws primarily from traditional Japanese design work. Illustrations include dragons, koi, hannya, geisha, phoenix, lotus, chrysanthemums, kingyo and one of the best koi-to-dragon (or what I like to think of as frankenfish) illustrations I have seen yet. Beppe has a great eye for details, which make the difference between a good tattoo artist and a great one.
Sayalero owns and tattoos at HumanFly tattoo in Madrid Spain. This first sketchbook includes 44 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 beautifully executed. He pulls from traditional themes but approaches them with an original and signature style. 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. These books are handmade so stock is limited.
We've just got our paws on Beppe Shiro's second sketchbook REVISITING THE ORIENTAL II and it's ever bit as good as the first. He included some awesome morphed animals (you'll have to see to believe), lots of masks, some really cool kingyo, flowers, butterflies, snakes, hannya, dragons birds...this book has a little of everthing. Beppe has done a good job adhering to the forms of traditional asian imagery yet creating his own signature style. His illustrations are whimsical and well crafted, you can tell he enjoys his work. This book is full of imagery that makes you think,"oh, oh, I want that!"
This is Jee Sayalero's (From HumanFly Tattoo in Madrid) second sketchbook.It includes 40 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 pulls from traditional tattoo themes but approaches them with an original and signature style. There are some amazing underwater creature in this one as well as some rad pin-ups! The illustrations are predominately full page - nice and large with brilliant detail. These books are handmade so stock is limited.
We love Maruyama!! He's an incredible artist and his illustrations keep getting better and better. He contributed to out Japanese Ghost Stories Book and is currently working on the cover of the new Gomineko Compilation Japanese Mythological Creatures. Currently operating under the name Hougen and working out of the prestigous private studio of Horiyasu in Asakusa, he a guy to keep your eye on in the years to come. This book is rife will brilliant Japanese imagers, Oni, Kirin, Nue, Phoenix, Dragons, Demons, Namakubi, Hannya, Chrysanthemums, lotus, snakes, Koi and Kingyo....it has it all. This is a must have for anyone focused on Japanese style imagery.
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