Asakusa Shodai Horicho Book Review
What about Asakusa Horicho?
Book for sale?
Lets take a short dive into one of Japans traditional Japanese tattoo masters. One of them was Asakusa Horicho (初代彫長, Horicho I) known for his profound dedication to the tebori (hand-poking) method which he established for himself in his Tokyo’s Asakusa district studio. Choshiro Nakano was born and raised in Fukuoka and later moved to Tokyo City where he worked in his studio. He focused on design and tebori technique through skill and dedication, until his successor Horicho second continued the lineage.
So especially those who favour the 70‘s and 80‘s in Japanese Irezumi know that this was one of the more famous Horishi, as his work was predominatly portrayed by Keibunsha Publishing between 1988 to 2000.
A Dream to hold in your Hand.
Usually, it’s not normal in the Japanese tattoo world to write about other Horishi. Especially the ones you do not know personally. Unlike in the West, where every possibility towards self marketing issues are pretty firm, in Japan ist rather frowned on.
As the book is for sale, my thinking was about how to reach a greater audience, led me to making this entry on my page and therefore having less risk of being overlooked on fast paced social media.
So please excuse my exception.
With that said: back in the day, it was a tattooers dream to hold this book in the hand. I remember the impact it had on me and still has until today. Is the how much he drew! Holding the spirit of those long gone is incredible. Can you value it?
The Shodai Horicho Book for Sale!
A must have for book collecters in the genre of tattooing. The book holds well thought out designs by Asakusa Shodai Horicho. Mainly consisting of about 200 beautiful black and white designs (linesheets) that could possibly inspire other professional tattoo artists as well.
Covering a variety of subjects such as mythical and historic heroes, buddhist deities, animals and floral seasons.
The table of contents are written in English and Japanese. Also the book includes a short introduction by Horicho.
Those using old books on tattooing are advised to make own unique versions of these designs as it is regarded as unprofessional to copy. So be wise and use it as a learning tool. Use it for style finding.
This book still stays a perfect connection between the old knowledge and the new way. Look and learn, as a reference book or just keep safe for the next generations.
This Book is for sale! Look here…
(Worldwide No Available Copies)
Publisher Keibunsha
Publication date April 2000
Language English/Japanese
First Edition.
Edited by Keibunsha Japan Tattoo Institute.
SoftCover in Slipcase.
244 Pages
Used: Very Good Condition.
