Horiyoshi III
is the celebrated Japanese master tattoo artist
who specialises in creating full body tattoos or suits known as
‘Irezumi’.
Born in 1946 and birth named Yoshihito Nakano-
the artist styles himself as
Horiyoshi III
in honour of his late mentor, Horiyoshi I.
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In studio
master tattoo artist of ‘Irezumi’
Horiyoshi III
(image from japan times)
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Using traditional Japanese tattoo imagery of
– fauna (particularly tigers, snakes, exotic birds, koi fish)
– mythological beasts (Asian dragon, Fu-Dog, the Phoenix)
– flora (lotus, peony, chrysanthemum, cherry blossom)
– Kabuki iconography from classical Japanese theater,
Horiyoshi III designs intricate/ornate ‘Irezumi’ (full body tattoo)
a painful and lengthy process, numbering several years.
Yet, the result is certainly awe-inspiring.
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Full body as canvas
by legendary tattoo master, Horiyoshi III
(images from actionrecon.com):
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Traditionally, a central area is left un-inked
dividing frontal tattoo images
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(images from tattooinjapan.com):
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For Horiyoshi III, the instruments of his art are simple:
ink and pen, body as canvas-
the completed work: complex, detailed.
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In 2009
Steve Yuk, a client of Horiyoshi III
proposed establishing a fashion line of
menswear and womenswear
based on the elegant work of the master tattoo artist.
The following year
the Horiyoshi III clothing label was launched.
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Handmade silk carves, signature shirts, cashmere knitwear,
edgy denimwear, statement jackets
are featured in Horiyoshi III collections:
a melding of exquisite Japanese tattoo imagery
on expertly crafted urban/modern inspired clothing design.
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Horiyoshi III
fashion label
contemporary clothing: of the moment
classic imagery: of ancient traditions
Menswear fashion
(images from lyst.com):
Snake print t-shirt
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(image from polyvore.com):
Warrior design
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(images from lyst.com):
Slate grey shirt, 3/4 length sleeve
dragon scale motif
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Black t-shirt
mythological Phoenix
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Black hoodie
dragon print on sleeves
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For him and her
(image from mr.porter.com):
Silk scarves
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Womenswear fashion
(image from styleheroine.com):
Knitwear
black, cropped, roll neck jumper
mythological motif sleeves, scrolled pattern
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(image from lavozdaily.com):
Large scarf with butterfly motif
Knit leggings
Horiyoshi III, a / w 2012 , womenswear
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(images from lyst.com):
Jersey dress
black, phoenix imagery
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Silk, merino wool knitwear
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Kimono-inspired
cardigan in coral hues, asymmetric hem
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With each collection, a limited number of each design piece is produced,
which promotes a sense of exclusivity and intrigue.
The line has a dedicated following
and is the favourite of many fashion forward celebrities including
Johnny Depp and Tilda Swinton.
The Horiyoshi III label is a perfect composite of
east meets west / fashion meets art.
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