no robotic shit

Orignal body art mastas! The Tebori learnt this ancient art by tattooing their own body. You first mate…

Mid 20th century, Japan ~ A group of traditionally tattooed gamblers. Umezu (c), the chief of gambling, sits among them. ~ Image by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection

1946, Tokyo, Japan ~ A Japanese tattoo artist works on the shoulder of a Yakuza gang member. ~ Image by © Horace Bristol

24 Oct 1955, Tokyo, Japan ~ Tattoo: At a gathering of tattoo devotees, this man points out to his son the meanings of the designs, as well as the artistry with which the technique has been executed. One day, when the youngster grows up, he may choose to have his own body decored in the same way. American GI’s, on duty in Japan, are among those who today patronize the tattoo artists. ~ Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS

1946, Tokyo, Japan ~ A Japanese tattoo artist works on the back of a woman. ~ Image by © Horace Bristol

1946, Tokyo, Japan ~ Tattoos cover the skins of Japanese cadavers that were donated for research and preservation. ~ Image by © Horace Bristol

1946, Tokyo, Japan ~ A Japanese tattoo artist works on a group of  Yakuza gang members. ~ Image by © Horace Bristol

1946, Tokyo, Japan — Tattooed Men at Public Bath — Image by © Horace Bristol

1946, Tokyo, Japan ~ (Left) Tattooed Bathers at a Public Bath, (Right)  A Japanese tattoo artist works on the shoulder of a  gang member ~ Images by © Horace Bristol

salvaged at the the selvedge yard