Thursday, June 16, 2011

Kano Kazunobu Exhibition Catalog - So Good






Size: 10 " x 11.5" - Pages: 185 - Published: 2011 - Price: $100 - Flexicover

This book is awesome. It is the catalog from 500 Arhats exhibition here in Tokyo and it does a really good job outlining the 500 illustrations and doing close ups on some of the more poignant imagery. The exhibition itself was mindblowing, the paintings (all 500) were floor to ceiling and although the central imagery was compelling, it is all the supportive imagery in the background that is most impressive. Plates are titles in Japanese and English and the text is likewise in both languages making this a must have book for any Japanese imagery collection.


Out of stock....








Monday, June 13, 2011

Dragon Illustrations - Amazing Reference Material








Size: 9 " x 12" - Pages: 127 - Published: 2011 - Price: $90 - Hardcover

This is an awesome new publication of dragon illustrations created specifically for tattoo artists. From single line to fully rendered with background imagery, this book is cover to cover inspiration. It's unique in that there is a section devoted to dragons w/ plants and flowers as well as in the fact that there was more than one artistic contributor....allowing for a variety of style and composition. Predominately full page monochrome images, with a small section of work in full color at the end. This is a great book for any serious tattooer.





Friday, June 10, 2011

Hiroshi Hirata's Mononofu - Amazing Samurai Illustrations






Size: 8.5" x 11" - Pages: 112 - Published: 2003 - Price: $65 - Binding: Softcover
This is the coolest book I've found in a while! It is called Mononofu by Hiroshi Hirata and includes over 100 pages of awesome Japanese warriors - samurai, ronin etc. This book has both black and while and color imagery, most of it is full page and includes depictions of battle scenes, lone warriors, seppuku and men astride horses - TONS of different poses and costumes perfect for tattoo reference. This book rocks. Includes a forward in both English and Japanese and text is offered in both languages - what little of it there is. He does include the names of the warriors in English on many of the prints - which is really helpful. Great for artists, collectors of Japanese art or Suikoden enthusiasts. 1000's of great ideas for tradition Japanese-esque tattoos.