A short review of "People as Pictures"

    Irezumi, a traditional form of Japanese body tattooing, was the subject of an essay I was happy to read this week called “People as Pictures“ written by Angela Carter.  In this text Angela uses her artistic vocabulary to colorfully illustrate this visually stunning tattooing style.  In many ways, I quickly learned, irezumi is extremely different then the average tattoo we see here America. 
    First of all these laborious, and occasionally full-body masterpieces, have an ancient history dating back to the Edo era.  As with most things from more archaic times the tools, the awl and gouge used by the artist, are somewhat more primitive then the common tattooing technology of today.  The irezumi master also undertakes a lifetime of training, sometimes passed down through generations, in order to effectively develop and accomplish their work.  Using a dateless technique, the irezumi master literally carves the skin of their victim in order to achieve this stunning artwork.  As stated by Angela Carter, “Irezumi paints with pain upon a canvas of flesh”. 
    I must say that I really enjoyed this text even though I found it somewhat terrifying.  Upon close examination of this article I found that for a time, even before the Edo era, tattoos were sometimes used in Japan as a form of punishment.  Which makes me question just what type of crimes were considered serious enough to punish with tattooing?  Could you tell what crime the criminal had committed by the markings on their body?  How did these tattoos differ in style from the beautiful artwork we see today? 
    I felt that this essay spoke much about, not only Japanese culture and society, but also about the painstaking dedication involved.  Learning that traditional Japanese culture does not consider the naked human body to be beautiful, but rather something almost of  detest, seems amazing to me!  Having been raised in a country where pornography is readily available, even before the internet, this is a far cry from the society I was born into.  Even as a child I was taught that, though we may feel embarrassed about our naked bodies, they are only natural and therefore nothing to be ashamed of.
    Angela also informs us that irezumi tends to be associated with certain professions or groups in society such as firefighters, gamblers, artisans, and even Samurai.   I think, that this to is worth noting, as here in America tattoos are purchased and delineated on any given day and for any given reason.
    Though reading this article made my skin crawl, almost literally, it did give me some great knowledge and insight into the history of irezumi and the continued use of Japanese tradition.  It was a pleasure also to view some of these amazingly artistic and beautiful irezumi designs found online.  I am sorry to say, though, that you will not find me running to the nearest irezumi master anytime soon!

-Jake1981
   
   
    I