Just released! Tattoo Life presents a brand-new book dedicated to the contemporary Tebori master, Shibuya Horiken: Shibuya Horiken. Japanese Handcrafted Ink. A must-have for lovers of traditional Japanese tattooing!
Dive into over 200 pages of stunning artwork, from intricate sketches to final masterpieces, offering an exclusive glimpse into Shibuya Horiken’s world.
Explore the rich mythology of samurai warriors, koi fish, oni demons, and protective deities through his unique vision—brought to life in breathtaking double-page spreads that showcase each subject both in outline form and in its vibrant, finished version.
This art volume captures the perfect harmony between traditional Japanese artistry and the bold aesthetics of modern graphic tattooing. A must-have for every tattoo and Japanese art enthusiast!
SHIBUYA HORIKEN – Japanese Handcrafted Ink
A real collectors’item not to be missed for all the Oriental lovers!
Shibuya Horiken shares his story in the exclusive interview featured in the latest issue of Tattoo Life Magazine.
I come from Kawasaki, in Japan, and I began tattooing exactly 30 years ago this year. I like designs where I can play with the backgrounds, like clouds, rocks and water. My studies are focused on Irezumi and consist of three main things: art, instruments and techniques.
As far as my art is concerned, I concentrate on creating simple but effective designs, which can be visible and clearly legible even from far away. The instruments I use to tattoo I make myself. I sharpen my needles with a stone and assemble them myself.
Needless to say, the needles have to be sharp. As regards technique, in Tebori I’ve realised that once you have inserted the needles, turning them upwards when you remove them ensures that the colour remains firmly within the skin. My aim was to create Irezumi, tattoos in which the style and colour remain unchanged over time, even after 20 years”.
“In this book I’ve collected the pieces I’ve done over the past ten years, from complete drawings to sketches and some tattoos. I hope that what emerges from these 200 pages is the deep connection with the Irezumi tradition in Japanese tattoo which I feel most at home with and is most closely tied to my work as well as my personal innovations, my reinterpretations of this style.
SHIBUYA HORIKEN – Japanese Handcrafted Ink
A real collectors’item not to be missed for all the Oriental lovers!
