Chinese Tattoo Art: Traditional and Modern Styles / by Fino Huang and Roxanne Yang

Text in English, French, Chinese & German. This is the world's first comprehensive documentation of the art of tattooing in China and Taiwan. Its fascinating images exemplify the artful diversity of Chinese tattooing and its common motifs, which are largely inspired by ancient myths and legends. The meanings behind many of these motifs are explored in an illustrated chapter that delves into their symbolism, history and mythology.

Chinese tattoo artists have outstandingly developed their own unique style and expression. Many of the tattooists presented in the book are also gifted draftsmen: their dynamic sketches of dragons, tigers, lotus blossoms, serpents, demons and so much more are inspiring. The Chinese culture favors bright, vibrant, cheerful colors. This is also reflected in the masterful artworks by these tattooists.

The preference for particular colors in China gives these creations their own special appeal. But Oriental tattooists are also masters of the "black and grey" style, which is often used in China, as it is in the West, for sinister visions of horror motifs as well as portraits. This is a weighty volume offering a grand overview and profound insight into tattooing in China and Taiwan, enabling professional tattooists around the world to expand their knowledge and spectrum of motifs, and inspiring future tattoos of collectors.