The relationship between ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) and tattoos is deeply tied to the cultural development of Japan from the late Edo period to the Meiji era.
Notably, the works of ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi significantly influenced tattoo design and style.
Tattooing: A Universal and Ancient Practice
Tattooing is one of the oldest forms of body modification and is a cultural practice seen worldwide.
While its origins remain uncertain, artifacts such as figurines excavated in Japan suggest that tattooing has existed since ancient times.
Historical texts like the Kojiki (712) and Nihon Shoki (720) also document tattooing as a practice among peripheral communities and as a form of punishment.
However, by the mid-7th century, Japanese aesthetic values underwent a significant transformation.
Beauty shifted from physical adornment to qualities like clothing and fragrance—attributes that stood out even in dimly lit interiors.
This change led to the gradual decline of tattooing, and related materials became rare by the early 17th century.
Utagawa Kuniyoshi and the Tattoo Boom
During the Edo period, workers such as tobi (construction laborers) and hikyaku (couriers) often worked wearing only fundoshi (loincloths).
Exposing bare skin was considered embarrassing, so many chose to cover their bodies with tattoos, almost like clothing.
Over time, this practice became aspirational.
In the early 19th century, ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi created a sensation by depicting characters from the Chinese novel “Water Margin” (Suikoden) with full-body tattoos.
This sparked a tattoo boom, with people rushing to replicate the designs seen in Kuniyoshi’s works.
Tattoos became wildly popular among Edo-period townsfolk, achieving artistic sophistication. The association between tobi and tattoos grew so strong that community patrons often funded tattoos for younger workers who had yet to acquire them.
Interestingly, dragons were a common tattoo motif among tobi workers, symbolizing protection and the belief that dragons could summon rain—an essential element for their trade.
For Temporary Body Art Enthusiasts
For those who lack the courage for permanent tattoos but want to enjoy body art at events, why not try temporary tattoo stickers?
They’re a fun and easy way to experience the artistry of tattoos without commitment!
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