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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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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