The following pictures are popular strong men’s ukiyo-e wood prints made in Edo period (1603-1868).
To the town-people in the period, having tattoo is something to show their courage against samurai.
They tattooed these legendary strong men with respect.
1: Rorihakucho Chujin
He is a character from one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature, “Water Margin.”
He is a master of swimming and his tattoo is a monster serpent.
The scene is when he is breaking a water gate.
2: Kaosho Rochishin
He is also a character in “Water Margin.”
This flower tattooed man has fantastic physical strength and uses 37 kg stick for combat.
3: Kanchikotsuritsu Shuki
He is also a character in “Water Margin.” He has fox or wolf on his back.
He is known as a fashionable man and unlike the other two above, he is a office worker rather than a fighter.
The pictures are dynamic and the blue colors used in them are beautiful.
Do you want to carry one on your back? (^_^)
To be continued tomorrow.
Resource: http://www.wagaraga.com/headline/10japanese-tattoo-designs
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