These photographs are from the personal collection of the Japanese crime novel writer Akimitsu Takagi (1920-1995). Crazy about traditional Japanese tattooing – known as irezumi or horimono -, he documented this milieu in 1950s Tokyo. He photographed the greatest Japanese tattoo artists of his time, the tattooed and the traditional iconography that was still in vogue. At a time when tattooing was still widely stigmatised in Japan, he captured the special atmosphere of the clandestine studios of the post-war period and also brought to light a previously forgotten clientele: women. Unknown until their discovery in 2017, they were first published in a book the tattoo writer.

Akimitsu Takagi’s photographs are available as silver prints (see below).
Members of the Edo Chōyūkai Japanese Tattoo Lovers Club, ca. 1955, Tokyo ©Akimitsu Takagi

Members of the Edo Chōyūkai, c. 1955, Tokyo.

Self-portrait of tattoo writer Akimitsu Takagi, the Japanese writer mad about tattooing, ca. 1955, Tokyo

Akimitsu Takagi, self portrait, ca.1955.

Japanese tattoo by Tokyo tattoo master Horiuno I of a hannya mask, ca. 1955, Tokyo ©Akimitsu Takagi

Tattoo by Horiuno I, ca. 1955, Tokyo ©Akimitsu Takagi

Japanese tattoo master Horiuno II in his Tokyo workshop, ca. 1955, Tokyo ©Akimitsu Takagi

The tattooer Horiuno II, c. 1955, Tokyo.

Woman with Japanese tattoo backpiece by Japanese tattoo master Horiuno II,, ca. 1955, Tokyo ©Akimitsu Takagi

Tattoo by Horiuno II, c. 1955, Tokyo.

Tattooed women with Japanese tattoos made by Japanese master tattoo artists Horiuno II and Horigorō III, ca. 1955, Tokyo ©Akimitsu Takagi

Tattooed women wearing Japanese tattoos, c. 1955, Tokyo.

Woman with Japanese tattoo by the tattooer Horigorō III, ca. 1955, Tokyo ©Akimitsu Takagi

Woman tattooed by Horigorō III, c. 1955, Tokyo.

Tokyo tattoo artists Horigorō II and a client wearing a Japanese tattoo inspired by ukiyo-e artist Yoshitoshi, ca. 1955, Tokyo ©Akimitsu Takagi

Tokyo tattooer Horigorō II, c. 1955.

Tattoo machines of the tattoo artist Horigorō II, ca. 1955, Tokyo ©Akimitsu Takagi

Tattoo machines of Horigorō II, c. 1955, Tokyo.

Tokyo tattoo artist Horigorō II and customers with Japanese tattoos, ca. 1955, Tokyo ©Akimitsu Takagi

Tokyo tattooer Horigorō II and clients, c. 1955.

Japanese tattoo by Japanese master tattoo artist Horiuno II, ca. 1955, Tokyo ©Akimitsu Takagi

Backpiece tattooed by Horiuno II, c. 1955, Tokyo.

Tokyo Japanese tattoo artist Horigorō III working with an electric tattoo machine, ca. 1955, Tokyo ©Akimitsu Takagi

The tattooer Horigorō III, c. 1955, Tokyo.

Silver Prints for Sale

Authentic Japanese Tattoo Photography / It is a unique opportunity to own silver gelatin prints printed from the original 1955 negatives of Akimitsu Takagi — celebrated writer and photographer who captured the secret world of Japanese tattooing.
Craftsmanship & Authenticity / Each print is meticulously hand-made by Pierluigi ‘Plou’ Giannetti, a master of traditional black and white photography with over 40 years’ experience in his field (watch the video below). This craftsmanship and his expertise ensures a faithful, museum-quality reproduction of these historic images.

 

Available sizes:
  • 30 x 30 cm / 11.8 x 11.8 in.
  • 50 x 50 cm / 19.6 x 19.6 in.
  • 100 x 100 cm / 1 x 1 m (on demand).
Details
  • Printed on baryta paper.
  • Open edition.
  • Each print includes a certificate of authenticity.
  • Tracked shipping available to France, Europe & worldwide.
How to Order
To view the available photographs: Visit the online shop or send an email to info@thetattoowriter.com.
Silver-print-selfportraitTakagi ©A.Takagi
Silver-print-tattooed men ©A.Takagi
Pilou spotting 1 ©P.Bagot
Silver-print-tattooed women ©A.Takagi
Silver-print-Horiuno II ©A.Takagi
Pilou spotting 2 ©P.Bagot
Silver-print-Ototachibana- Horiuno II ©A.Takagi
Silve print- Omi no Okane - Horiuno II ©A.Takagi

VIDEO / Interview with Pilou

In the video below, Pierluigi ‘Plou’ Giannetti, the printer of Akimitsu Takagi’s photographs, talks about the work he carried out on Takagi’s images, his profession which he has practiced for over 40 years, and the essential role of the printer in film photography.
Image : Olivier Lechat / Interview : Pascal Bagot / Musique : Max Hubbert