Tattoo History Lesson #1

TATTOO HISTORY LESSON #1

An in-depth history of tattooing Presented by Charles Comber aka “Baby Handz”.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM ETYMOLOGY

AKA - the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history. In recorded history, the earliest tattoos can be found in Egypt during the time of the construction of the great pyramids (It undoubtedly started much earlier).

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM ETYMOLOGY CONT.

When the Egyptians expanded their empire, the art of tattooing spread as well. The civilizations of Crete, Greece, Persia, and Arabia picked up and expanded the art form. Around 2000 BC tattooing spread to China.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM CI SHEN - CHINESE TATTOOS

The art of tattooing has been known in China for thousands of years. Tattooing in China is called Ci Shen (Or Wen Shen), a term that means literally “puncture the body.” Although the art has been known in China for ages, it has for the most part been an uncommon practice. Throughout Chinese history tattooing has been seen as a defamation of the body, something undesirable.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM YUEH FEI - CHINESE TATTOOS

The most famous tattoo in Chinese history comes from the legend of the Chinese general Yueh Fei. Yueh Fei served the South Song Dynasty. During battle with northern enemies the Field Marshall under whom Yueh Fei served betrayed the South Song and went over to the enemy. In protest Yueh Fei resigned and returned home. His mother grew angry with him, telling him that his duty was first and foremost to his country, despite all else. To remind him of this fact she tattooed four characters on his back with her sewing needle. These characters, jin zhong bao guo, are difficult to translate but mean something like “Serve his country with ultimate loyalty.”

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM At some points in Chinese history Chinese tattoos were also used to mark criminals. Criminals convicted of a severe crime would be ordered to have a tattoo printed on their face and exiled into a faraway land. Even should the criminal ever return the tattoo would mark them forever as a criminal. This form of punishment was known as Ci Pei (Tattoo/Exile). In modern China Chinese tattoos have grown somewhat of a stigma as being affiliated with EXILE & ORGANIZED CRIME- organized crime and the CHINESE TATTOOS criminal underworld.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM MODERN DAY STYLE - CHINESE TATTOOS

China is one of the biggest countries in Asia continent. Not only this country is great in size or in population but Chinese people have a great heritage of art, culture and spirituality. In ancient time they discovered many things that were invented or used by people of west much later. Chinese tattoos mainly involve interesting and illustrious Chinese language. Other indigenous elements of the Chinese culture and history are also found in tattoo art. A man or woman, any body who loves and respects China and its culture can have a Chinese tattoo in the body. These tattoos also reflect strength, wisdom, magic and a sense of wonder.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM LANGUAGE - CHINESE TATTOOS

The Chinese language is the prime element of the Chinese tattoo style. Every tattoo artist has hundreds of interesting Chinese letter or phrase tattoo designs in his or her possession. All a tattoo lover is to do is to choose the right one that suits him or her, the size and placement.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM DRAGONS - CHINESE TATTOOS

The Dragon is a revered creature in China. The Chinese people have many cultural elements followed by the dragon. A prime example is the Chinese dragon year. To them the dragon is a symbol of wisdom and magical power.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM GREAT WALL OF CHINA - CHINESE TATTOOS

The Great Wall Of China is one of the seven wonders of the world. There are some interesting tattoo designs that follow this great architecture. This represents China’s excellence in architecture and technology.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM TERRACOTTA ARMY - CHINESE TATTOOS

The Terracotta Army is hundreds of ancient terracotta army puppets which were discovered in the grave of China’s first emperor in 1970s. This is one of the most wonderful archaeological evidences of Chinese history. Interesting tattoo designs show a number of terracotta soldiers or face of a single terracotta soldier.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM BRUCE LEE - CHINESE TATTOOS

Bruce Lee is one of the most loving international figures of China.

In his short lifetime assumed legendary status in martial arts. He was a film star who was followed by millions of fans.

Bruce Lee tattoos are found around the world on proud collectors, usually placed on the arms, back or front part of the body.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM MASKS - CHINESE TATTOOS

Origin of Chinese masks is in shamanic rituals of the old. They were used for exorcisms and during the funeral rituals. Masks developed during the time and entered other parts of life and culture and today they have many uses from births to funerals.

They are used in dance performances, during celebrations, there are masks for newborns, masks made for protection against evil and theatrical masks. During ceremonies that are held as welcome celebrations of gods and spirits, groups of people wear “Sorcerer’s masks”.

These masks are also used in rituals that are held as prayers for better tomorrow and during funerary rites to help a soul rest peacefully. These masks originate from totemic worshiping of Yunnan and Guizhou. “Shamanic” masks are used in exorcisms and in funeral rituals of northern parts of China.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM LESSON OF THE DAY

Tattoo Flash

PHOTO BY GAIUS CORNELIUS / CC BY-SA 3.0 Tattoo flash is a tattoo design printed or drawn on paper or cardboard, and may be regarded as a species of industrial design. It is typically displayed on the walls of tattoo parlors and in binders to give walk-in TATTOO FLASH customers ideas for tattoos. Most traditional tattoo flash was designed for rapid tattooing and used in "street shops" - tattoo shops that handle a large volume of generic tattoos for walk-in customers.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM TATTOO FLASH

Flash is either drawn by the individual tattooer for display and used in their own studio, or traded and sold among other tattooers.

Hand-drawn, local tattoo flash was largely replaced by professional "flash artists" who produced prints of copyrighted flash and sold them at conventions or through the Internet.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM TATTOO FLASH

By 2000, most tattoo studios have become custom shops with the flash serving as more of a reference for ideas. Most designs are created by the tattoo artist from an idea brought in by the customer.

There is no standard size for tattoo flash, but it is most commonly found on 11x14 inch prints in North America, and at A3 paper size in Europe.

Tattoo flash may or may not come with an outline, also known as a line drawing. This outline is typically printed on a separate sheet. This is convenient for the tattoo artist, who would otherwise have to draw the linework for themselves.

WWW.PINUPSANDNEEDLES.COM ASSIGNMENT

Today’s assignment is to create 3-5 flash designs relating to the Chinese culture.

The student can cover any of the styles explained today including; Lanuage Dragons Great Wall Of China Terracotta Army Bruce Lee Masks

The student should research the Chinese tradition online and create their flash showing Chinese style tradition, clean outlines, black and grey, and color. The student should also be able to explain each image and the history associated with it.