Traditional Tattoo in Japan: Horikazu is a prestigious and visually stunning art book dedicated to preserving and celebrating the work of Horikazu (1925-2015), one of Japan’s most revered and enigmatic traditional tattoo masters (horishi). Authored by Martin Hladik, a respected documentarian of Japanese tattooing, this book is not a generic overview but a deep, focused dive into the life and artistry of a single legendary figure.
It is widely regarded as one of the most important and beautiful publications ever produced on the subject of Irezumi (traditional Japanese tattooing).
Horikazu was a shokunin—a master craftsman—of the highest order. He belonged to the old guard of tattooers who worked entirely by hand, using the tebori (hand-poking) technique. He was known for his reclusive nature, immense pride, and unwavering dedication to the strict aesthetic and technical traditions of Japanese tattooing. He rarely allowed himself or his work to be photographed, making this book an exceptionally rare and valuable record.
Traditional Tattoo in Japan: Horikazu is more than just a book about tattoos. It is a testament to a dying art, a eulogy for a master, and a permanent gallery of some of the finest traditional Japanese tattoos ever created. It offers an intimate, authorized look at the work of a notoriously private artist, making it a cornerstone of any serious library on the subject of tattoo art.
