Tattoos 13.1.03 15:30 Page 10
Introduction
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Though ukiyo-e (‘images of the floating world’) has often been discussed as a free-standing body of art, recent studies have emphasised the importance of considering the cultural milieu from which this art form emerged. Very much a popular art, ukiyo-e was inspired by the surrounding culture of the Edo period (1603–1868). This book explores ukiyo-e art, historically a subject of academic study, through irezumi, Japanese tattoo art. Although in modern times these art forms appear to
2 | Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900). Triptych with Ichikawa Danjurm IX (1839–1903) as Suikoden heroes Kumonryn (The Nine-dragoned) Shishin (right) and Ichikawa Sadanji I (1842–1904) as Kaoshm (The Flower Priest) Rochishin fighting each other with long sticks in the play Suikoden Yuki no Danmari (Suikoden – Silence in the snow), 1886. The play was performed at the Shintomi Theatre, Tokyo. Kaoshm Rochishin’s body is tattooed with cherry blossoms and Kumonryn Shishin is adorned with dragons.